    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [November 17, 2008]
    [Pages 1375-1376]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medals
    November 17, 2008

        President Bush. Congratulations to our recipients. Welcome, the
    families and friends here at the White House.
        The Presidential Citizens Medal was created nearly four decades ago
    to recognize Americans who have performed exemplary service to our
    Nation. It is among one of the highest honors that can be conferred on a
    citizen. As President, I rarely have the opportunity to surprise
    anybody. [Laughter] It is tough to be stealthy with a security detail
    that comprises a 20-car motorcade. [Laughter] That makes me especially
    pleased to present the President's Citizens Medal to four outstanding
    and unsuspecting leaders in the arts: Bruce Cole,
    Dana Gioia, Adair Margo, and Bob Martin.
    [Applause] No, no, not yet. Please do not rush the stage. [Laughter]
    Remember the big security detail? [Laughter]
        As leaders of our Government's cultural institutions, each of today's recipients have made
    lasting contributions to American life and civic culture, and each is
    greatly deserving of this honor.
        As Chairman of the National Endowment of Humanities, Bruce
    Cole has encouraged the study of American history
    through the ``We The People'' program and has helped preserve America's
    rich heritage for future generations.
        As Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts, Dana Gioia has combined his passion as a poet and his skill as a
    businessman to enrich the lives of Americans, from young readers to
    soldiers returning from war.
        As the Chairman of the President's Committee on the Arts and
    Humanities--and a fellow Texan--[laughter]--Adair Margo has rallied support for American cultural
    institutions and has used the arts to strengthen our relationships with
    nations from Mexico to China.
        As former Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services,
    Bob Martin has helped preserve our
    treasured collections and bring libraries and museums into the 21st
    century with new technology. He's helped recruit and train a new
    generation of librarians to replace the many skilled library
    professionals who are preparing to retire. I know of such person
    preparing to retire. [Laughter]
        Bob Martin's successor, Anne
    Radice, could not be here. This is a
    stealthy ceremony. [Laughter] She's doing something else. But
    nevertheless, in appreciation of her service, she will be presented the
    Citizens Medal as well and is probably wondering why she was not
    notified. [Laughter]
        Each of today's honorees
    understands that encouraging individual creativity and freedom of
    expression through the arts and scholarship strengthens and enhances our
    great country. And so I want to thank them for their service. I
    congratulate them. And now I ask the military aide to read the medal citations.

    [[Page 1376]]

    [At this point, Lt. Cmdr. Clay Beers, USN, Navy Aide to the President,
    read the citations, and the President presented the medals.]

        President Bush. Once again, Laura and I thank
    you for coming. I hope you have found this day as joyous as we have.
    Congratulations. God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:35 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    included the remarks of the First Lady and the presentation ceremony of
    the National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals.