    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 29, 1999]
    [Page 1634]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Arts and Humanities Awards Dinner
    September 29, 1999

        The President. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the White House. A
    special welcome to all of our honorees of the National Medals of Arts
    and Humanities. The nice thing about this evening, apart from being here
    in America's house slightly before we celebrate its 200th birthday, is
    that there are no speeches and lots of entertainment--[laughter]--
    unless, of course, Mr. Keillor wants to
    substitute for me at this moment. [Laughter] I'll be living down that
    crack I made about him for the rest of my life. [Laughter]
        I want to say again, as I did today and as Hillary did, that this is
    one of the most enjoyable and important days of every year to us,
    because it gives America a chance to recognize our sons and daughters
    who have enriched our lives, made us laugh, made us think, made us cry,
    lifted us up when we were down. In so many ways, all of you have touched
    so many people that you will never know. But in all of them accumulated,
    you have made America a better place; you've made the world a finer
    place.
        And as we look to the new century, I hope that as time goes on we
    will be known more and more for things beyond our wealth and power, that
    go to the wealth and power of our spirit. Insofar as that happens, it
    will be because of you and people like you. And it was a privilege for
    all of us to honor you today.
        I would like to ask all of you here to join me in a toast to the
    1999 winners of the Medal of Arts and the Medal of Humanities.

    [At this point, the participants drank a toast.]

        The President. And welcome. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:40 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to National Humanities Medal
    recipient humorist Garrison Keillor.