    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 10, 2000]
    [Pages 878-879]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Videotaped Remarks to the White House News Photographers' Association
    May 10, 2000

        Good evening. I'm sorry I can't be with you tonight, but I'm glad to
    join you in this way, as the members of the White House News
    Photographers' Association celebrate your annual dinner. I extend my
    congratulations to this evening's award winners.
        For a long time now, I've been an admirer of your work, and in more
    recent years, I've even been a subject of it. From here on the other
    side of the lens, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your skill
    and your dedication. Each and every day, you bring the world of
    Washington into sharper focus for the world outside Washington. Taking
    on some of the toughest assignments in journalism, you turn them into
    images that endure, images that help define our times and the way that
    we will remember them far into the future.
        I want to mention one family that's been making this kind of
    contribution for half a century now, the McNamees. Wally
    McNamee was first named Photographer of the
    Year back when President Eisenhower was in the White House. Along the
    way, he's been honored more than any member in the history of the
    association. Wally, congratulations on tonight's award. It really has
    been a lifetime of achievement.
        Of course, one of the greatest honors any parent could ever receive
    is when a child chooses to follow in his footsteps. Tonight Wally's son,
    Win, carries on a McNamee family tradition

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    by taking first place in my favorite category of photography,
    Presidential.
        I want to extend my congratulations to all the photographers and
    cameramen who are being honored tonight, and make special mention of
    another very special award winner, Sharon Farmer. My first day on the job was her first day, and I've
    been honored to have her by my side, literally, ever since. I am lucky
    to have Sharon as a friend and every bit as lucky to have her as my
    Director of White House Photography, the first woman and the first
    African-American ever to hold that post. Sharon Farmer is making
    history, even as she records it.
        Sharon, I thank you. We all know that with
    or without a camera, you're a straight shooter. I can't tell you how
    much I appreciate that. And I'm proud to join your peers tonight in
    bestowing the recognition you never seek but richly deserve.
        Again, congratulations to all tonight's winners and to the
    association for your fine work and many achievements.
        Thank you, and good night.

     Note: The President's remarks were videotaped at approximately 6 p.m.
    in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on April 25 for the
    association's dinner on May 6. The transcript was released by the Office
    of the Press Secretary on May 10. A tape was not available for
    verification of the content of these remarks.