    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 8, 2002]
    [Pages 2172-2174]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 2172]]

    Remarks at the Kennedy Center Honors Reception
    December 8, 2002

        Welcome to the East Room of the White House. We are glad you're
    here. Laura and I are so pleased to join you in honoring the
    achievements of
    five great
    Americans. We welcome the honorees, and we
    welcome their families and friends who share the pride of this special
    day.
        Each new group of Kennedy Center honorees presents a picture to
    remember. This year we've brought together in one room a legend of
    Broadway, the conductor of the Met, the composer of ``Mrs.
    Robinson''--[laughter]--the face of
    Cleopatra--[laughter]--and the voice of
    Darth Vader. [Laughter]
        We're all looking forward to a fine show this evening at the Kennedy
    Center, produced once again by George Stevens. Tonight's event recognizes lives of high achievement
    in the cultural arts. Each one of you is known to the American people in
    a way that runs deeper than fame. You've each made a place of your own
    in the culture of our Nation. And tonight you can know that you are
    appreciated as well as being admired.
        People say that the voice of the President is the most easily
    recognized voice in America. Well--[laughter]--I'm not going to make
    that claim in the presence of James Earl Jones. And that commanding voice belongs to one of the finest,
    most respected actors in this generation.
        There was a time when his voice was
    seldom heard. You see, as a boy, Jimmy Jones struggled with a speech
    impediment. Often he could communicate with his teachers only in
    writing. This young man had a heart full of courage and determination.
    And so, he learned debating and public speaking, and he read Shakespeare
    aloud to master the feel and rhythm of language. Later, he cleaned
    offices while learning the actor's craft.
        By his own will and God-given talent, James Earl Jones gained breakthrough roles on the stage and in some of
    the finest films of recent decades, from ``The Great White Hope'' to the
    ``Field of Dreams.'' Along the way, Americans have come to know an
    artist of seriousness and skill. They've also come to know a man of
    great dignity whose voice we hope to hear for many years to come.
    Congratulations.
        It is not commonly known, but Paul Simon got
    his start on the stage as well, as the White Rabbit--[laughter]--in a
    sixth grade production of ``Alice in Wonderland.'' [Laughter] Playing
    the Cheshire Cat was his new friend Art Garfunkel.
        Paul Simon still thinks of himself as a boy
    from Queens. America thinks of Paul Simon as the writer of some of the
    most memorable songs of our times and a singer of eloquence and
    integrity. From collaborative works such as ``Bridge Over Troubled
    Waters'' to the groundbreaking rhythms of ``Graceland,'' Paul has defied
    musical boundaries, appealed to all generations, and expressed the
    ideals and hopes of mankind.
        He once studied to be a lawyer. When he chose
    another path, the legal profession missed out on volumes of moving and
    lyrical briefs. [Laughter] His decision to be a performer led him to
    Paris, where in the early 1960's you could have seen Paul Simon
    performing alone, for anyone who cared to stop and listen could have not
    known then that he would one day draw some of the largest live audiences
    ever.
        When you listen to Paul Simon's songs, you
    hear a gentle and truthful voice from a gifted man with a good heart.
    For the words and music he's brought to all our lives, America today
    honors Paul Simon.
        James Levine knew from his earliest years
    that he was destined for a life in music. In the decades since, he has
    conducted major orchestras around the world

    [[Page 2173]]

    and is himself an institution as the maestro of the New York
    Metropolitan Opera.
        At the age of 3, he was playing melodies on
    the piano. His mother and father took him to
    symphonies where he would sit with the open score on his lap, conducting
    with a knitting needle. [Laughter] By age 9, he was producing full
    operas on a puppet stage at home. Helen and Lawrence Levine encouraged
    their son's extraordinary talent, while letting nobody exploit him. This
    prodigy matured into one of the most influential conductors America has
    ever produced.
        James Levine is known for an understated
    style, drawing attention to the music itself, with his vivid and precise
    interpretations. And his artistic vision has preserved and advanced the
    unmatched reputation of the Metropolitan Opera.
        James Levine has said that ``music chose
    me, because I can't remember life without it.'' For the rest of us, it
    is hard to think of American classical music without him. So tonight,
    the music world is grateful for the disciplined artistry and joyful
    presence of maestro James Levine.
        Our fourth honoree has been described by one theater critic as
    ``20,000 volts of untamed electricity.'' [Laughter] Anyone who has seen
    Chita Rivera on the stage or screen knows what
    that critic means. Her professionalism, enthusiasm, and style have set a
    Broadway standard that few have ever reached.
        Chita began her training in classical
    ballet and became a star in ``West Side Story.'' She went on to
    acclaimed performances in ``Bye Bye Birdie,'' ``Sweet Charity,''
    ``Chicago,'' and many other great shows. She's the owner of two Tony
    awards and has been nominated for five more. Her hard work and personal
    warmth have gained her the respect of her peers and the affection of the
    American people.
        It is fitting we recognize these accomplishments here in her hometown. Her family lived on Buchanan Street. Chita's
    father played in the Navy Band. Her late mother, Katherine, who worked
    for the Government, remains her inspiration in life. Chita said, ``I am
    only an extension of my mother. I look like her. I think like her. Every
    step I do on that stage is for her.'' And I know, Chita, that your
    mother would also be proud of you today as America pays tribute to your
    distinguished career and your wonderful spirit.
        On a fall afternoon in 1951, President Harry Truman welcomed a group
    of young actresses to the White House. [Laughter] Among them was
    Elizabeth Taylor. At that event, Truman
    wondered aloud what the next 50 years would bring in the film industry.
    He added, ``I know some of these young ladies will see that day.'' Well,
    standing here in 2002, we are honored to welcome back that lovely girl
    who became one of the most accomplished and compelling actresses in
    movie history.
        Elizabeth Taylor's early pictures, like
    ``National Velvet'' and ``Lassie Come Home,'' turned many reviewers into
    fans. One wrote, ``Her face is alive with youthful spirit. Her voice has
    the softness of sweet song, and her whole manner is one of refreshing
    grace.'' Through the years, her
    performances in such films as ``Giant'' and ``Butterfield 8'' and ``Cat
    on a Hot Tin Roof'' showed a depth and intensity that set her apart. Her
    face is one of the most memorable ever captured on film, and for
    millions of Americans, Elizabeth Taylor is the very definition of acting
    talent and movie stardom.
        She has also given her heart to
    important causes, especially the defeat of AIDS. For her compassionate
    life and for a film career like no other, the Kennedy Center and the
    American people honor Elizabeth Taylor.
        Each of
    our five
    honorees has shared great gifts and has
    enriched the life of our Nation. They have given us all many fond
    memories, and I hope these distinguished Americans and their families
    and friends will cherish the memory of this evening.
        Thank you all for coming. May God bless you all, and may God
    continue to bless America.

    [[Page 2174]]

    Note: The President spoke at 5:22 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House.