    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [June 12, 2002]
    [Pages 975-977]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Presenting the National Medals of Science and Technology
    June 12, 2002

        Please be seated. Thank you all very much, and welcome to the White
    House. It is a--it's an honor to be with so many incredibly bright and
    innovative people.
        I want to welcome the winners. I want to welcome your family
    members. I want to welcome your friends, and I want to welcome those of
    us who are just happy to be in your presence. [Laughter] The science and
    technology leaders here today have turned genius and persistence into
    knowledge and technology that will shape lives for decades to come. And
    that must make you feel pretty darn good.
        Our honorees are the prophets of a better age, seeing the future
    before a lot of

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    folks don't see the present. They have earned these medals, and as they
    do so, they earn the thanks of their fellow Americans.
        I want to thank the Secretary of Commerce, Don Evans, who will be here to administer--who is here to administer
    the National Medal of Technology. I want to thank Secretary Rod
    Paige, the Secretary of Education. I want
    to thank the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy,
    Dr. John Marburger, for the fine job he is
    doing on behalf of the country. John, thank you for coming.
        I want to thank the Members of the United States Congress who are
    here. I appreciate you all being here to cheer on the recipients from
    your districts.
        The medals we present today are the highest honors--the highest
    honors--a President can bestow in the fields of science and technology.
    And today's honorees have earned this recognition with their tireless
    work. Some of the honorees are learning how to battle cancer with new
    therapies. Others are advancing our understanding of the Earth and the
    Sun. Others are creating new methods for analyzing data. All of our
    honorees and their colleagues throughout the United States are asking
    questions whose answers will improve lives, not only here at home but
    around the world.
        Science and--scientific and technological research are a high
    calling for any individual. And promoting research is an important role
    of our Federal Government. I'm pleased that this year's budget includes
    the most research and development funding in the history of our country.
    We'll continue to support science and technology because innovation
    makes America stronger. Innovation helps Americans to live longer,
    healthier, and happier lives. Innovation helps our economy grow and
    helps people find work. Innovation strengthens our national defense and
    our homeland security, and we need a strong national defense and
    homeland security as we fight people who hate America because we're
    free.
        President Franklin Roosevelt's science adviser was a fellow named
    Vannevar Bush. He doesn't claim me, and I don't claim him. [Laughter]
    But here's what he says. He said, ``Without scientific progress, the
    national health would deteriorate. Without scientific progress, we could
    not hope for improvement in our standard of living or an increased
    number of jobs for our citizens. Without scientific progress, we could
    not have maintained our liberties against tyranny.'' What Vannevar Bush
    said back then is true today.
        Scientists and researchers do vital work, and they oftentimes do it
    outside the limelight. It's a good thing to shine the light here in the
    White House. Their influence extends beyond laboratories. It reaches
    into hospitals and homes and classrooms. And as importantly, your work
    inspires young Americans who study past scientific breakthroughs in
    order to chart their own paths of discovery.
        The world of our children will be shaped by the people we honor
    today. On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank you for your lifelong
    commitment to making our world a better place.
        In a few moments, Secretary Evans will
    help me present the National Medals of Technology, but first I ask Dr.
    Marburger to come to the stage to assist me
    with the presentation of the 2001 National Medals of Science.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:20 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House.

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