    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 1, 2004]
    [Pages 698-699]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
    May 1, 2004

        Thank you all. Thanks for coming. Thank you for the invite. Thank
    you, Carl. I'm glad you got a taste of
    Mother. [Laughter] I was going to start off
    tonight telling some self-deprecating jokes. [Laughter] But then I
    couldn't think of any mistakes I had made to be self-deprecating about.
    [Laughter]
        In my recent press conference, John Dickerson of Time Magazine asked the question about what I
    considered my biggest mistake. It's an excellent question that totally
    stumped me. [Laughter] I guess looking at it practically, my biggest
    mistake was calling on John. [Laughter] Or take that one about
    Cheney and me answering questions together. That
    was a toughie. [Laughter] So from now on, Dick and I will be holding
    joint press conferences. [Laughter]
        We could do it that way, or we could do it this way: You could ask
    the question, then I could tell Bob Woodward--
    [laughter]--and he could tell you. [Laughter]
        I thought about giving an economics speech tonight. It really gets
    me when the critics say I haven't done enough for the economy. I mean,
    look what I've done for the book publishing industry. [Laughter] You've
    heard some of the titles: ``Big Lies;'' ``The Lies of George W. Bush;''
    ``The Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them.'' [Laughter] I'd like to
    tell you I've read each of these books, but that would be a lie.
    [Laughter]
        Laura and I always look forward to this event
    because of the good spirit that brings us together. And I appreciate
    that, Carl, you reflecting that spirit tonight.
    This year, we are also mindful that our country is in a period of
    testing and sacrifice. As I speak, men and women in uniform are taking
    great risks, and so are many journalists who are being faithful to their
    own sense of duty.
        When we think of the great war journalists, we often think of an
    earlier era: Edward R. Murrow reporting from wartime London; Joe
    Rosenthal with his camera at Iwo Jima; or Ernie Pyle, sending columns
    home from Europe and the Pacific and dying with the men whose stories he
    told.
        In every field in every generation, we tend to view the best as
    belonging to the past. Yet, in our time, that's not right or fair. Many
    of us were privileged to know Michael Kelly and to read his clear words
    and to feel the moral conviction behind them. David Bloom passed through
    our midst with incredible energy, enthusiasm, and tenacity in getting
    the story. Others, like Michael Weisskopf,
    have shown incredible presence of mind and courage that won our
    admiration. This generation of wartime journalists has done fine work
    and much more, and they will be remembered long after the first draft of
    history is completed.
        The same is true of our military. We are nearing important days of
    remembrance. Soon, we will mark the 60th anniversary of D-day, in the
    company of men who have lived long and can tell you the names of the
    boys who did not. Later this month, we will dedicate the World War II
    Memorial here in Washington and look back on a generation that saved the
    liberty of the world. These events will have an added meaning because
    America is again asking for courage and sacrifice.
        As we honor veterans who are leaving us, we also honor qualities
    that remain. The generation of World War II can be certain of this: When
    they are gone, we will still have their kind wearing the uniform of the
    United States of America.
        The loss of Army Corporal Pat Tillman
    last week in Afghanistan brought home the sorrow that comes with every
    loss and reminds us of the character of the men and

    [[Page 699]]

    women who serve on our behalf. Friends say that this young man saw the
    images of September the 11th, and seeing that evil, he felt called to
    defend America. He set aside a career in athletics and many things the
    world counts important, wealth and security and the acclaim of the
    crowds. He chose instead the rigors of Ranger training and the
    fellowship of soldiers and the hard duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.
        Corporal Tillman asked for no special
    attention. He was modest because he knew there were many like him,
    making their own sacrifices. They fill the ranks of the Armed Forces.
    Every day, somewhere, they do brave and good things without notice.
    Their courage is usually seen only by their comrades, by those who long
    to be free, and by the enemy. They're willing to give up their lives,
    and when one is lost, a whole world of hopes and possibilities is lost
    with them.
        This evening, we think of the families who grieve and the families
    that wait on a loved one's safe return. We count ourselves lucky that
    this new generation of Americans is as brave and decent as any before
    it. And we honor with pride and wonder the men and women who carry the
    flag and the cause of the United States.
        May God bless them, and may God continue to bless the United States
    of America.

    Note: The President spoke at 8 p.m. at the Washington Hilton Hotel. In
    his remarks, he referred to Carl Cannon, president, White House
    Correspondents' Association; and journalist Bob Woodward.