    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [June 12, 2005]
    [Pages 974-975]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at ``An American Celebration at Ford's Theatre''
    June 12, 2005

        The President. Jeff, thanks for the warm
    introduction. I like a good, long introduction. [Laughter] Say, listen,
    if you're ever looking for work, Laura is looking
    for some new material. [Laughter]

        We've had a wonderful time this evening. Thank you all very much. I
    particularly want to thank the entertainers tonight: Debbie Allen and Geena Davis, Hilary
    Duff, Josh Gracin,
    Denyce Graves, Jesse McCartney. Thanks for dedicating a song to Laura, Jesse.
        The First Lady. Thank you very much, Jesse.
        The President. Pendragons--how about
    the Pendragons--and Julie
    Roberts. Thank you all so very much for being
    here.
        I also want to thank our gala chair, Catherine Reynolds, as well as the general cochairs who are here,
    Karyn Frist, Landra Reid, Abby Blunt, and Debbie
    Dingell.

    [[Page 975]]

    Laura and I thank the Ford's Theatre Society and
    to the producing director, Paul Tetreault.
        Since we moved to Washington, Laura and I
    have been guests of Ford's Theatre a number of times, and we appreciate
    the vital work it is doing. As a working stage, Ford's Theatre provides
    an important venue for the arts right here in the heart of our Nation's
    Capital.
        I'm really grateful to the members of the Armed Services who
    participated in tonight's celebration. Our military is defending America
    and advancing the cause of freedom and peace around the world. We are
    privileged to be citizens of a country served by our brave troops, and
    we thank them for their service.
        We appreciate the military families who are with us tonight. It's
    not easy being left behind when a loved one goes to war. By loving and
    supporting a man or woman in uniform, our military families also serve
    our Nation, and America is grateful to all of them for their support and
    sacrifice.
        Once again, we thank all the entertainers and the supporters of the
    Ford's Theatre who have made this evening one to remember. May God bless
    you all, and may God continue to bless the United States.

    Note: The President's remarks were videotaped at approximately 8:45 p.m.
    at Ford's Theatre for broadcast on July 4 on the ABC Television Network.
    In his remarks, he referred to entertainers Jeff Foxworthy, the
    Pendragons, and Julie Roberts. The transcript was released by the Office
    of the Press Secretary on June 13.