    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [June 15, 2005]
    [Page 1000]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following the Entertainment at the Congressional Picnic
    June 15, 2005

        Laura and I are pleased that you came to our
    backyard picnic. [Laughter] We really want to thank the Speaker, Speaker
    Hastert, and Senator Frist, Congresswoman Pelosi, and all
    the Members of Congress who joined us today. I want to thank you for
    your hard work, and I want to thank you for your devotion to your
    constituents and to our country. I look forward to continuing to work
    with you, as we serve the American people.
        Laura and I also want to thank all the
    families who are with us here for your extraordinary service and
    sacrifice. Public service puts great demands on our families and our
    country is grateful to you all.
        Laura and I want to thank WETA and all tonight's performers, Tom
    Wopat and Shirley Jones, Harolyn
    Blackwell, and Cartier Williams. You put on such a fantastic performance, and we're
    grateful.
        Again, thank you all for coming. We hope you've enjoyed this
    evening. And may God bless your families, and may God continue to bless
    our great country.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 8:30 p.m. on the South Lawn
    at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to actor and singer Tom
    Wopat; actress Shirley Jones; actress and soprano Harolyn Blackwell; and
    dancer Cartier Williams. The transcript was released by the Office of
    the Press Secretary on June 16.