[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[April 23, 2001]
[Pages 443-444]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on the Observance of National Park Week and National Volunteer 
Week and an Exchange With Reporters
April 23, 2001

    The President. It's my honor for me to welcome and to be in the 
presence of one of my finest ambassadors. The White House, I often say, 
doesn't belong to Laura and me; it belongs to the American people. And 
William Toth is a volunteer who works hard 
every day to ensure that every American feels right at home in the White 
House.
    Mr. Toth has lived a life of service. In 
World War II, he served with distinction in General George Patton's 
army. He later became a professor at New York University. He worked hard 
to put his own 
daughters

[[Page 444]]

through college, and when the youngest graduated, he retired. But he 
refused to rest.
    For the last 9 years, Mr. Toth has been 
bringing smiles to visitors' faces as they arrive at the White House. 
Whether handing out gold coins to visiting children or passing out 
stories to adults, William makes sure that everyone leaves the White 
House with a memory.
    America owes a great debt to William Toth. 
But like millions of volunteers across America, he will never ask us to 
repay it. And that's what makes his service, and the service of so many 
other volunteers, so unique.
    The National Park Service has some of the best volunteers in the 
Nation. Whether it's here at the White House, at other sites around the 
Nation's Capital, or at the national parks around the country, National 
Park Service volunteers perform their duties with the simple goal of 
helping Americans enjoy our national treasures. They keep us connected 
to our history and help preserve America's natural beauty for future 
generations to enjoy.
    That's why it's particularly fitting this week that we recognize 
both America's volunteers and America's national parks, for they both 
bring great joy to countless Americans.
    At 77, William Toth continues to win over 
everyone he sees. In a letter she sent me last month, his daughter 
Dawn wrote, ``I just want to let you know who 
you have in your corner. In some ways, he's America's most important 
diplomat. And he'll make you look darn good.'' I know that can sometimes 
be a difficult task, and I appreciate all the help I can get, William. 
[Laughter]
    The truth is, Mr. Toth, you make America 
look darn good. I want to thank you for your tireless dedication, for 
working here at the White House. I want to thank the volunteers at the 
National Park Service, and the American people thank you from the bottom 
of their heart.
    God bless.

Arms Sales to Taiwan

    Q. Mr. President, will Taiwan get the Aegis radar system this time?
    Q. ----sale to Taiwan?
    The President. You'll find out when we make the--I make my decision 
clear.
    Q. Have you made your decision, sir?
    The President. Yes. I haven't made it clear yet, though. We'll let 
you know soon.

Note: The President spoke at 1:57 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Dawn Foreman, Tracy Toth, and 
Melissa Eckert, daughters of Mr. Toth.