[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.