[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
[September 10, 2001]
[Pages 1089-1090]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on Presenting the Bell of the U.S.S. Canberra to Prime Minister 
John Howard of Australia
September 10, 2001

    Well, Mr. Secretary, thank you for 
those generous comments. It reconfirms once again the reason I picked 
you. [Laughter] I appreciate your service to the Navy, and I appreciate 
your service to the country.
    I'm honored today to join with the Navy to receive a distinguished 
visitor and to present a symbol of America's esteem. Prime Minister 
Howard leads a nation that has been our partner in ANZUS for 50 years, 
and a friend far longer. Mr. Prime Minister and Mrs. Howard, it's a real pleasure to have you with us, and also 
those of you who made the journey with the Prime Minister. Welcome to 
America.
    My thanks as well to Admirals Clark and 
Weaver and to all the men and women of 
the United States military who are with us today. We're sure proud of 
you.
    Those who defend America have always had a special regard for our 
Australian allies. And I know--I know--they're really proud to show that 
regard today.
    Another reason we chose this site, Mr. Prime Minister, is that we 
have a gift for you and it's not that easy to move around. This bell 
that you are going to receive has traveled for almost 25 years aboard 
the only American ship ever commissioned in honor of an ally's fallen 
vessel, the U.S.S. Canberra. She no longer sails, but she gave faithful 
service. And this bell is a reminder of a faithful partner in times of 
crisis and in times of calm.
    U.S.S. Canberra received her name at the request of President 
Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the height of World War II. The President 
had received word of an exceptional action in battle by the Australian 
Navy, which were steaming alongside American vessels at Guadalcanal. His 
Majesty's Australian Ship Canberra did not survive the battle, 
disappearing into the depths where she rests today. It was a great loss 
of life, and much heroism amongst the Australian sailors and marines on 
board. As a sign of gratitude to those men and to their country, the 
U.S.S. Canberra was commissioned the very next year, serving my country 
and honoring yours, Mr. Prime Minister.

[[Page 1090]]

    One man who served aboard the original Canberra was Lieutenant 
Mackenzie Gregory, and we're greatly 
honored to have him with us today. Where is Mr. Gregory? Thank you for 
being here, sir. We're honored to have you. You must have been a young 
guy. [Laughter]
    President Roosevelt knew a trustworthy ally when he saw one. Every 
President since then has felt and known the same esteem for Australia.
    Mr. Prime Minister, it was one of your own predecessors, a wartime 
leader, who captured the spirit that has always made us natural allies. 
``We work for the same kind of free world,'' observed Sir Robert Gordon 
Menzies. ``We govern ourselves in democracy, and we will not tolerate 
anything less. We cherish liberty and hold it safe, providing hope for 
the rest of the world.''
    In the century just passed, Australians served side by side with 
Americans in every major military commitment. In peaceful times like our 
own, the alliance between our two nations has helped spare the world 
from other wars and dangers. Australia is a strong and peaceful presence 
in East Asia and the Pacific.
    Australia is a generous land, mindful of the struggles of poorer 
nations, always helping when and where it can. Your Government and your 
good people are an example of democracy, individual liberty, and the 
virtues of free trade amongst all nations.
    On this official visit to our country, I know that you will meet 
with nothing but good will. And in meetings with Congress and my 
administration, you will find willing partners who understand 
Australia's importance as a strategic and economic ally. Though half a 
world apart, we belong to a very close community of values and 
aspirations.
    From this visit, Mr. Prime Minister, I hope that you will take away 
renewed optimism about our shared future. And I know that you will take 
with you a parcel weighing approximately 250 pounds. [Laughter] It's a 
fine bell with a great history. And once you get it home, it will always 
stand as a sign of the unbounded respect of our Nation for the 
Australian people.
    Welcome to America. May God bless Australia, and may God bless 
America.

Note: The President spoke at 9:45 a.m. in Leutze Park at the Historical 
Washington Navy Yard. In his remarks, he referred to Janette Howard, 
wife of Prime Minister Howard; Adm. Vernon E. Clark, USN, Chief of Naval 
Operations; and Rear Adm. Christopher E. Weaver, USN, Commandant, Naval 
District of Washington. The President also referred to ANZUS, the 
Security Treaty Between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of 
America. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary 
also included the remarks of Prime Minister Howard.