    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 29, 2001]
    [Pages 1463-1464]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Viewing of ``Mark Twain Tonight''
    November 29, 2001

        Well, thank you all very much, and good evening. Tonight we'll see
    an extraordinary performer celebrating an extraordinary American life.
    And it is my honor to welcome you all here.
        I particularly want to welcome Dixie Carter. I want to thank the members of my Cabinet who are here.
    I want to thank the Members of the Congress who are here. I want to say
    to the students, thank you for coming, and thank you for taking interest
    in American literature. I want to thank your teachers, as well, and all
    the scholars who have studied the life and work of Mark Twain.
        It's also my honor to introduce our host this evening. This
    performance helps mark the beginning of a series titled ``A White House
    Salute to American Authors.'' Promoting American writers is one of
    Laura's, our First Lady's, projects as well as an enduring commitment in
    all her life.
        All America has seen her love of learning and her love of
    literature. All of America has seen her grace and concern for children
    in a difficult time for our Nation. Our country is blessed by her calm
    and compassion, and I am blessed by her encouragement and her love.
        Laura Bush.

    [[Page 1464]]

    Note: The President spoke at 7 p.m. at Ford's Theatre. In his remarks,
    he referred to entertainer Dixie Carter. The transcript released by the
    Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of the First
    Lady.