    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [January 7, 2009]
    [Page 1522]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Honoring the Points of Light Institute
    January 7, 2009

        Thank you all. Mr. President--
    [laughter]--yes? No--[laughter]. Thank you all for coming. I'm told
    there is seven speakers. So there's now about to be six. I thank you
    for--I welcome you to the White House. I hope you take advantage of the
    reception that we have after these seven short speeches. And I want to
    thank you for your compassion.
        The strength of America is not our military, it's not our wallet, it
    is--lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens, those who hear the
    universal call to love a neighbor just like they'd like to be loved
    themselves.
        And so for those of you who are rallying the armies of compassion,
    and encouraging the armies of compassion, we thank you.
        And now it is my honor to introduce my brother Neil M. Bush.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:56 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to former President George H.W. Bush.
    The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    included the remarks of former President Bush.