[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 8 (Monday, February 28, 2000)]
[Pages 361-362]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Videotaped Remarks on Rock the Vote's 10th Anniversary

February 23, 2000

    I am honored to be a part of Rock the Vote's 10th anniversary 
celebration. And it is with great pride and appreciation that I accept 
this year's Rock the Vote award. Thank you.
    From our first days as a nation, the right to vote meant the right 
to participate and to be heard, although it's often taken for granted. 
We must not forget that generations of Americans before us had to fight 
to gain that right. When blacks and women won the right to vote, when we 
outlawed the poll tax and literacy tests in the South, when the voting 
age was lowered to 18, and when we finally recognized the voting rights 
of the disabled, more Americans gained the opportunity to realize what 
Lyndon Johnson once told us: ``Voting is the first duty of democracy.''
    That's why Rock the Vote was founded and why you're all here today, 
to help more young Americans fulfill that right and to recognize the 
power and the impact of their votes. Your dedication to protecting 
freedom of speech, educating people about the issues that affect them, 
and motivating them to register and vote has helped countless young 
people across our country.
    With your help, we've transformed voices into action. Year after 
year, starting with the motor voter bill, which you first championed, 
you've worked with our administration to

[[Page 362]]

make sure that young people get involved and stay involved and to remind 
them that voting is not only a right, it is a solemn, profound 
responsibility. Now, we approach the first election of the 21st century, 
and it is more important than ever that young people get out and vote.
    I congratulate all tonight's award recipients. And I thank Rock the 
Vote for all you have done in these 10 years. Thank you for the work you 
do every day, still, to help young people build the more perfect Union 
of our Founders' dreams.
    This is the most hopeful moment in the history of America in terms 
of our ability to shape the future. It will only be done in a right and 
helpful way if the young people of America seize their opportunity to 
have their voices be heard. You can take a lot of pride in your 
contribution to that great moment.
    Good night, and God bless you.

Note: The President remarks were recorded at approximately 5:50 p.m. on 
February 10 in the Cabinet Room at the White House for a later 
broadcast. A tape was not available for verification of the content of 
these remarks.