[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 51 (Monday, December 22, 1997)]
[Pages 2038-2039]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

December 14, 1997

    Ladies and gentlemen, first let me begin by thanking Bob and Suzanne 
and all their whole network family for what has been a wonderful show. 
Thank you, Glenn Close; thank you, Aaliyah; thank you, Shirley Caesar; 
Deana Carter; Hanson; Thomas Hampson; the Eastern Choir; and of course, 
our Naval Academy Glee Club; the Army Herald Trumpets; our musicians and 
choir over there; and thank you to George and Michael Stevens for the 
wonderful job they do every year, and especially this year.
    Hillary and I look forward to celebrating ``Christmas in 
Washington'' every year. It gets us in the holiday spirit. If we're not 
in now, we don't have a chance. [Laughter] It also gives us another 
chance to thank the Children's National Medical Center for the 
outstanding work that all of them do on behalf of our Nation's children.
    More than any other holiday, Christmas is for our children. We revel 
in their excitement. We rejoice in their growth. We renew our pledge to 
help them make the most of their God-given gifts. It all began with the 
miracle of a child, born in a manger, who grew to teach a lesson of 
peace that has guided us for 2,000 years now. It continues to light our 
journey toward a new century and a new millennium. Every child is a 
miracle, and it is for their futures that we must all dedicate ourselves 
to work for that universal, timeless vision of peace in every nation, in 
every community, and, most important, in every heart.
    Hillary and I and Chelsea wish you all a joyous holiday and a very 
happy new year. Thank you. God bless you. May the magic of Christmas be 
always with you.

[[Page 2039]]

Note: The President spoke at 6:40 p.m. at the National Building Museum. 
In his remarks, he referred to Robert C. Wright, president, NBC, and his 
wife, Suzanne; actress Glenn Close; entertainers Shirley Caesar, 
Aaliyah, Deana Carter, Hanson, and Thomas Hampson; and George Stevens, 
Jr., executive producer, and Michael Stevens, producer, ``Christmas in 
Washington.'' ``Christmas in Washington'' was videotaped for broadcast 
at 10 p.m. on December 19.