[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book II)]
[July 4, 2000]
[Pages 1377-1378]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Aboard the U.S.S. Hue City in New York City
July 4, 2000

[The President's remarks are joined in progress.]

    The President. ----make this day possible. To all the rest of you, I 
can't imagine a better way to greet the dawn of Independence Day than on 
this remarkable ship, with its outstanding crew.
    I do want to say I learned this morning that one of your sailors, 
Petty Officer Sims, has been

[[Page 1378]]

nominated to come to work at the White House because he's a top-rate 
cook. I want to apologize and say I am not responsible for taking him 
away from you, but I'm not going to give him back.
    Our military leaders have worked hard to increase your time with 
your families and your quality of life at sea. But all of us know that 
what you do will always require sacrifice from you and your loved ones. 
So I want to say on this Independence Day how grateful I am and how 
grateful your Nation is for your service, for you defend the freedom we 
celebrate today.
    I hope every American will take a few moments to think about how we 
earned our exceptional place in human history. On this day in 1776 not 
all the action was taking place in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, 
where the Declaration was signed. Here in New York, General George 
Washington was preparing his troops for battle. Five long years and 
countless engagements later, America's soldiers and sailors emerged 
victorious and helped to light the flame of liberty that now burns 
around the entire world.
    So today, on the birthday of our Nation, I believe we should pay 
tribute to those who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their 
sacred honor to our freedom. And today I think we should also honor all 
Americans, regardless of their background, whether their ancestors came 
here on immigrant ships or slave ships, whether they flew across the 
Pacific or walked across the Bering Strait, for all Americans have 
helped to extend the march of liberty, democracy, and opportunity.
    God bless you. Thank you for your service, and God bless America.

Note: The President spoke at 8:55 a.m. aboard the ship in New York 
Harbor. In his remarks, he referred to Mess Management Specialist First 
Class Petty Officer Talmadge F. Sims, USN. The transcript released by 
the Office of the Press Secretary did not include the complete opening 
remarks of the President.