    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 13, 2003]
    [Pages 1297-1299]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Columbus Day Celebration
    October 13, 2003

        Thank you all. Please be seated. Grazie, Antonio. [Laughter] Thank you all for coming. I'm honored to join
    you in observing Columbus Day and to celebrate Columbus Day in the
    District named after Christopher Columbus.
        The journey of the explorer from Genoa is one of the great stories
    of daring and discovery. And the journey of millions of immigrants from
    Italy is also a story of discovery and bravery, and that journey has
    enriched our country. That's really what we're celebrating today.
    America is a stronger and finer nation because of the influence of
    Italian Americans.
        The veterans of America are better off as a result of the influence
    of Tony Principi, the Secretary--
    [applause]. He's really done a good job, and I'm proud of his commitment
    and service to our country as a Cabinet Secretary. I value his advice. I
    love his spirit. I'm also happy to report that, like me, he married
    well. [Laughter] And Liz is with us
    today, as is Captain Tony Principi, a
    captain in our Air Force who is celebrating his 30th birthday today. So
    happy birthday.
        Members of my team are here. I want to thank them for coming--Roy
    Bernardi, who is the Assistant Secretary for
    Community Planning and Development at HUD, and I'm glad Alice is with you. Thanks for coming, Roy. You're doing a
    great job--former mayor of Syracuse, I want you to know. Pat
    Harrison is with us, Assistant
    Secretary of State for Education and Cultural Affairs. Dana
    Gioia, who is the Chairman of the National
    Endowment of Arts and is doing a great job. Thank you for coming, Dana.
    I appreciate it.
        As you know, one of the things our Nation is doing right now is
    we're leading the fight against AIDS, particularly on the continent of
    Africa. One of the generals in the fight against AIDS is Tony
    Fauci from the National Institutes of
    Health. Thank you for coming. That would be Dr. Tony Fauci, a great man.
        We've got Members of Congress with us today. First of all, the
    Senator from the great State of Wyoming, Mike Enzi. Thank you for coming, Senator. And Ginny Brown-
    Waite, from the--Congresswoman from
    Florida. Ginny Brown, thank you for coming, and I'm glad you brought
    Harvey along too. Thanks for coming, Harvey.
        Stefano Stefanini, Deputy Chief of
    Mission from the Embassy of Italy, thank you for coming, sir. Give my
    best to my friend Silvio Berlusconi, who
    I'm close to, and I value his leadership and friendship, always

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    such a joy to see him. So please pass on my very best.
        Frank Guarini is here, who is the Chairman
    of the National Italian American Foundation, former Member from the
    great State of New Jersey. Frank, thank you for coming. Phil
    Piccigallo is with us, the national
    executive director of the Order of Sons of Italy is with us. Thank you
    for coming, Phil. Frank Caperino, the
    National President of UNICO National, is with us today. And thank you
    all for coming. Thanks for being here.
        For nearly 70 years, our country has celebrated in honor of
    Columbus. And on this day, we celebrate the contributions of Italian
    Americans. You're among the many millions who claim Italian heritage,
    and you can claim that heritage with pride. And I know you do.
    [Laughter] I know you do.
        Every aspect of our culture, whether it be art or music to law and
    politics, owes something to the influence of Italian Americans. You can
    take special pride in the deep tradition of service to this country.
    People of Italian descent oftentimes hear the call to serve something
    greater than themselves. Twenty-four Italian Americans have won the
    Congressional Medal of Honor. That's high service to something greater
    than yourself.
        One of them was Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. You may have
    heard of this brave man. He died in the battle of Iwo Jima. He won both
    the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. It speaks to his valor and his
    service, but he wasn't alone. There's thousands who have sacrificed and
    served a country they love. Sure, they love their heritage, but most of
    all they love America and what America stands for.
        Rocky Versace is an Italian American. He won the Medal of Honor in
    Vietnam because of the defiance he showed after being taken captive by
    the Viet Cong. I met his family last summer when I awarded him the Medal
    of Honor posthumously. Rocky set an example of bravery and dedication
    that changed the lives of his fellow soldiers but most of all honored
    the country he loves. He was of Italian descent, proud of his heritage,
    but most of all, he loved America. He loved what we stood for and was
    willing to sacrifice for it.
        And that's what's happening today. People are willing to sacrifice
    for the country they love. They remember the lessons of September the
    11th, 2001. And so do I. It's something we should never forget,
    especially the lessons of those who sacrificed, for lives lost.
        Peter Ganci, you may have heard of Peter. He was the fire chief of
    New York City. He died at the World Trade Center when he went into the--
    into the destruction to save men and women. Fifty people--50 of his men
    were rescued before the second tower fell. The chief was in there urging
    them to flee for their safety. He ordered all out of the area. He
    refused to go. And his statement was, ``I'm not leaving my men.'' One
    brave guy who embodies the best of the sons and daughters of Italy.
        The faith of the Italian-American community in God is an important
    part of our Nation's fabric. The faith in family, the love of life, and
    the commitment to our country are great gifts. Italian Americans share
    those gifts generously. And that is why we celebrate Columbus Day.
        And for the contribution the Italian Americans have made to America,
    I say: Thank you; we are grateful. But most of all, I ask God's
    blessings, not only of those of Italian descent but I ask God's
    blessings for all of us who are fortunate enough to live in the United
    States of America.
        May God bless you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:32 a.m. in Room 450 in the Dwight D.
    Eisenhower Executive Office Building. In his remarks, he referred to
    Elizabeth Ann Principi, wife of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J.
    Principi, and their son, Capt. Anthony Principi, Jr., USAF; Alice
    Bernardi, wife of Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban

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    Development for Community Planning and Development Roy A. Bernardi;
    Anthony S. Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
    Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Harvey Waite, husband of
    Representative Virginia Brown-Waite; and Prime Minister Silvio
    Berlusconi of Italy.