[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 7 (Monday, February 19, 2001)]
[Pages 293-294]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony for State Department Foreign Service 
Personnel

February 15, 2001

    Mr. Secretary, thank you very much. I'm so honored that you invite 
me to your place of business. [Laughter] Ambassador Davis, you remind me 
of my mother. [Laughter]
    Thank you, Director General Grossman, as well. Family members, it is 
my honor to be here with you as you watch your loved ones get sworn in. 
And on behalf of every American, congratulations. You have just become a 
part of the best diplomatic corps in the world.
    In the months and years ahead, Secretary Powell and I will be 
counting on you, and so will your fellow citizens. Throughout the 
decades of your career, we'll all be counting on you, even as you go 
about your work with little fanfare. When you succeed, most Americans, 
most of the time, will never hear about it. A crisis that is averted 
just doesn't make a headline; a problem that is solved hardly ever leads 
the evening news. I have confidence--I have confidence--and so does the 
Secretary, that you will hold up the legacy of excellence found in this 
building.
    As you take up your first assignments overseas, I want you to 
remember that you will be the image of America, the face and voice of 
her values. You will represent the strength of America, our compassion, 
and our humility. This is a high calling and a difficult one, and your 
country appreciates your work.
    It is the duty of America to support you, as well. This room honors 
one of America's

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greatest diplomats, Ben Franklin. Franklin once wrote, ``Keep thy shop, 
and thy shop will keep thee.'' Today you join America's diplomatic shop. 
Our job is to support you as you support and sustain America's interests 
and ideals around the world.
    So once again, congratulations to you all. God bless you, and God 
bless our country.

 Note:  The President spoke at 2:25 p.m. in the Benjamin Franklin Room 
of the Harry S. Truman Building. In his remarks, he referred to his 
mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush; and Ruth A. Davis, Director, 
Foreign Service Institute.