[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[February 15, 2001]
[Pages 88-89]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony for State Department
Foreign Service Personnel
February 15, 2001

    Mr. Secretary, thank you very much. I'm 
so honored that you invite me to your place of business. [Laughter] 
Ambassador Davis, you remind me of my mother. 
[Laughter]
    Thank you, Director General Grossman, as 
well. Family members, it is my honor to be here with you as you watch 
your loved ones get sworn in. And on behalf of every American, 
congratulations. You have just become a part of the best diplomatic 
corps in the world.
    In the months and years ahead, Secretary Powell and I will be counting on you, and so will your fellow 
citizens. Throughout the decades of your career, we'll all be counting 
on you, even as you go about your work with little fanfare. When you 
succeed, most Americans, most of the time, will never hear about it. A 
crisis that is averted just doesn't make a headline; a problem that is 
solved hardly ever leads the evening news. I have confidence--I have 
confidence, and so does the Secretary, that you will hold up the legacy 
of excellence found in this building.
    As you take up your first assignments overseas, I want you to 
remember that you will be the image of America, the face and voice of 
her values. You will represent the strength of America, our compassion, 
and our humility. This is a high calling and a difficult one, and your 
country appreciates your work.
    It is the duty of America to support you, as well. This room honors 
one of America's greatest diplomats, Ben Franklin. Franklin

[[Page 89]]

once wrote, ``Keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee.'' Today you 
join America's diplomatic shop. Our job is to support you as you support 
and sustain America's interests and ideals around the world.
    So once again, congratulations to you all. God bless you, and God 
bless our country.

 Note:  The President spoke at 2:25 p.m. in the Benjamin Franklin Room 
of the Harry S. Truman Building. In his remarks, he referred to Ruth A. 
Davis, Director, Foreign Service Institute; and his mother, former First 
Lady Barbara Bush.