    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [March 14, 2005]
    [Pages 432-433]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Presenting the National Medals of Science and Technology
    March 14, 2005

        Thank you all. Please be seated. Welcome to the White House. It's an
    honor to be in the company of so many bright and distinguished
    Americans. All of you have been blessed with great talent, and you have
    applied your talent to great purposes. Your work is making our country
    more competitive, more hopeful, and more prosperous. On behalf of a
    grateful nation, congratulations for earning the National Medals of
    Science and Technology.
        I want to welcome your families and friends who are here with you. I
    know your family members are equally proud of your accomplishment. I
    appreciate Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez joining us; Dr. Jack Marburger, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
    Phil Bond; Arden Bement; members of the National Science Foundation; members of
    the board of the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation--
    they'd be the reason you're here--[laughter]--previous recipients of the
    National Medals of Science and Technology.
        I want to thank the Members of Congress who have joined us: Senator
    Barbara Mikulski of Maryland is with us;
    Congressman Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland;
    Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey of California,
    who is coming; Judy Biggert, Congresswoman
    from Illinois; Congressman Rick Larsen of
    Washington; and Congresswoman Katherine Harris of Florida.
        Over the years, the East Room has hosted some of the White House's
    most memorable events. Long before any President held an awards ceremony
    here, it was the home to Thomas Jefferson's secretary, Meriwether Lewis,
    not a bad place for a guy to camp out. [Laughter] He didn't stay here
    long, because in 1803, President Jefferson gave him a new assignment, a
    daring mission to explore the West. The President also gave him a letter
    of unlimited Government credit to cover every possible expense.
    Disappointed to say, your medal doesn't come with such Presidential
    decree. [Laughter]
        Over the centuries, the same passion for discovery that drove Lewis
    and Clark to the Pacific has also led bold Americans to master the
    miracle of flight, to conquer dreaded diseases, and explore the
    frontiers of space. To reward and encourage America's spirit of
    innovation, Congress created the National Medal of Science and National
    Medal of Technology. These are the most prestigious honors the President
    can bestow for achievement in science and technology. Today I am proud
    to recognize a diverse and deserving group of American citizens, what we
    call pioneers.
        The laureates we honor today have made new and lasting contributions
    in fields from

    [[Page 433]]

    mathematics to behavioral science to geology to genetics. You've
    discovered new clues about the behavior of viruses, the workings of the
    human mind, and the shape of the universe. Many of your breakthroughs
    are changing entire industries, from airline safety to chemical
    production to computer software and networking. Your efforts to improve
    energy development and expand health care technology and reduce auto
    pollution are bringing the promise of a better future to people all
    around our globe.
        Your experiences vary widely, yet all of you share some common
    traits. As innovators, you heard a calling to challenge the status quo.
    You weren't afraid to ask important questions. You applied rigorous
    standards to your research. I suspect some of you suffered some
    setbacks, yet you didn't get discouraged. You followed where the
    evidence led. You revised your methods but not your ambitions. And
    through a lifetime of hard work, you have produced accomplishments that
    will endure beyond your years.
        For most of you, the journey of this day began when someone engaged
    your curiosity, a schoolteacher or a parent or a caring adult in your
    community. As your interest grew, you found a mentor in your field, a
    generous soul who added to your experience and raised your sights. Many
    of you have repaid that debt by devoting a part of your career to
    teaching, and I want to thank you for that. I appreciate the fine
    example that you have set for aspiring young scientists, like those from
    Benjamin Banneker High School who are with us or the Intel Science
    Talent Search folks who have joined us from all around our country. I
    want to welcome you all here. I appreciate you witnessing this important
    ceremony.
        As you go on to greater accomplishments, I hope our recipients will
    continue to foster and encourage the scientists and technological
    leaders of tomorrow. By pursuing your curiosity, all of you have
    achieved historic results. You bring credit to yourselves, to your
    families, and to our country. You have our country's gratitude. You have
    earned our respect.
        Once again, thank you for coming to the White House. Congratulations
    for your awards. The military aide will read the citations, and
    afterwards, I hope you will join us in a reception--back there.
    [Laughter]
        Read the awards, please.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:24 a.m. in the East Room at the White
    House.