[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 50 (Monday, December 18, 1995)]
[Page 2168]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at ``Christmas in Washington''

December 10, 1995

    Thank you. Thank you, Kelsey. I'd like to thank all the cast of 
``Frazier,'' Peri and Jane and John and David, for the wonderful job 
they did tonight; Gloria Estefan, Clint Black, Al Green, Dawn Upshaw, 
the Naval Academy Glee Club; makes you proud to be Commander in Chief--
[laughter]--the U.S. Army Band's Herald Trumpets, also do; the 
magnificent Eastern High School Chorus, and of course, Ian Frazier and 
the ``Christmas in Washington'' Orchestra, for the magnificent music all 
of you have given us. Let's give them a great hand. [Applause]
    Every year, Hillary and Chelsea and I really look forward to this 
wonderful ``Christmas in Washington'' evening. Besides getting us into 
the holiday spirit, it also gives us the opportunity to recognize one of 
our country's preeminent health care facilities, the Children's National 
Medical Center right here in Washington. As always, Christmas is a time 
for us to reflect on our good fortune in the past year. This Christmas, 
I have much to be grateful for. But among the things I am most grateful 
for is the way the people all around the world still look at our beloved 
land.
    Recently, I returned from Europe where this was brought home to me 
ever more than before. People see America as a nation graced by God with 
peace and prosperity, a land of fundamental fairness and great freedom. 
And even though it sometimes imposes extra burdens on us, it is 
wonderful to know that people the world over trust us to work with them 
to achieve and share the blessings of peace.
    So at Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of a homeless child whose 
only shelter was the straw of a manger, but who grew up to become the 
Prince of Peace, let us remember that He said, ``Blessed are the 
peacemakers.'' And let us ask the blessings of peace this Christmas for 
everyone, from the Middle East to Northern Ireland, to Bosnia, and not 
only for the children there but, of course, for our troops as well. And 
let us also as Americans resolve, each of us, to do what we can to be 
peacemakers, not only to bring peace and reconciliation around the world 
but also to the most difficult neighborhoods of our own Nation, to every 
child who deserves to be free from violence and full of hope. That is 
our prayer for this Christmas.
    Hillary and Chelsea and I offer this wish of our season to all of 
you and to all Americans everywhere. Peace on Earth, goodwill toward 
men. Merry Christmas, and God bless you all.
    Thank you.

Note: The President's remarks were recorded at 6:20 p.m. at the National 
Building Museum for broadcast at 10 p.m. on December 13. In his remarks, 
he referred to Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin, Jane 
Leeves, and John Mahoney, cast members of the TV show ``Frazier;'' and 
entertainers Gloria Estefan, Clint Black, Al Green, Dawn Upshaw, and Ian 
Frazier.