[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
[November 18, 2004]
[Page 2982]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a Presidential Luncheon in Little Rock
November 18, 2004

    Thank you all. Mr. President, thank 
you very much, sir. Senator Clinton 
and Chelsea, Mother 
and Dad--it works every time when I say 
``Mother,'' you know? [Laughter] President Zedillo and Prime Minister Peres and 
distinguished guests: Laura and I are really 
pleased to be with you this afternoon. Thanks for such gracious 
hospitality. It is our honor to join in dedicating this magnificent 
library. The tour was fantastic. The people of Arkansas are going to 
love having the library here. The people of America are going to love 
coming here. It's really well done.
    I know many here today were involved in creating this impressive 
library. I want to thank you for contributing and helping. And I know 
many here who served in the administration that is chronicled here. All 
of you were drawn to the talent and the vision and the energy of 
President Bill Clinton.
    Today we recognize the first person 
from Arkansas to serve as the Chief Executive of our country, the first 
in his party to win reelection since Franklin Roosevelt, and a leader 
who filled the White House with energy and with joy.
    During 8 eventful years, Bill Clinton 
applied tremendous gifts to the service of this country and for the 
cause of peace, and we're grateful for his service. Americans trusted 
their future to a man who deeply believed in our future. And Americans 
continued to like the man that he so clearly liked.
    One man's journey from Hope, Arkansas, to the White House, the story 
told in this library, is an American story. It's a story of talent 
recognized early and lifelong friendships and hard work that was 
rewarded. The boy who shook the hand of 
John F. Kennedy in the Rose Garden has shaken the hands of many young 
people and inspired them with his idealism. And this library will carry 
that message into the future.
    Americans look to our former Presidents as elder statesmen. In the 
case of President Clinton, the elder 
statesman is about one month younger than I am. [Laughter] His public 
service came early, and his service to America has not ended. So on this 
special afternoon I ask you to join me in a toast: To the past and to 
the future of our Nation's 42d President.
    God bless you.

Note: The President spoke at 2:20 p.m. in a pavilion at the William J. 
Clinton Presidential Center and Park. In his remarks, he referred to 
former President Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico; and former Foreign Minister 
Shimon Peres of Israel. A tape was not available for verification of the 
content of these remarks.