    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2001)]
    [Pages 1293-1294]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks on Presenting the Bell of the U.S.S. Canberra to Prime Minister
    John Howard of Australia

    September 10, 2001

        Well, Mr. Secretary, thank you for those generous comments. It
    reconfirms once again the reason I picked you. [Laughter] I appreciate
    your service to the Navy, and I appreciate your service to the country.
        I'm honored today to join with the Navy to receive a distinguished
    visitor and to present a symbol of America's esteem. Prime Minister
    Howard leads a nation that has been our partner in ANZUS for 50 years,
    and a friend far longer. Mr. Prime Minister and Mrs. Howard, it's a real
    pleasure to have you with us, and also those of you who made the journey
    with the Prime Minister. Welcome to America.
        My thanks as well to Admirals Clark and Weaver and to all the men
    and women of the United States military who are with us today. We're
    sure proud of you.
        Those who defend America have always had a special regard for our
    Australian allies. And I know--I know--they're really proud to show that
    regard today.
        Another reason we chose this site, Mr. Prime Minister, is that we
    have a gift for you. And it's not that easy to move around. This bell
    that you are going to receive has traveled for almost 25 years aboard
    the only American ship ever commissioned in honor of an ally's fallen
    vessel, the U.S.S. Canberra. She no longer sails, but she gave faithful
    service. And this bell is a reminder of a faithful partner in times of
    crisis and in times of calm.
        U.S.S. Canberra received her name at the request of President
    Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the height of World War II. The President
    had received word of an exceptional action in battle by the Australian
    Navy, which were steaming alongside American vessels at Guadalcanal. His
    Majesty's Australian Ship Canberra did not survive the battle,
    disappearing into the depths where she rests today. It was a great loss
    of life, and much heroism amongst the Australian sailors and marines on
    board. As a sign of gratitude to those men and to their country, the
    U.S.S. Canberra was commissioned the very next year, serving my country
    and honoring yours, Mr. Prime Minister.
        One man who served aboard the original Canberra was Lieutenant
    Mackenzie Gregory, and we're greatly honored to have him with us today.
    Where is Mr. Gregory? Thank you for being here, sir. We're honored to
    have you. You must have been a young guy. [Laughter]
        President Roosevelt knew a trustworthy ally when he saw one. Every
    President since then has felt and known the same esteem for Australia.
        Mr. Prime Minister, it was one of your own predecessors, a wartime
    leader, who captured the spirit that has always made us natural allies.
    ``We work for the same kind of free world,'' observed Sir Robert Gordon
    Menzies. ``We govern ourselves in democracy, and we will not tolerate
    anything less. We cherish liberty and hold it safe, providing hope for
    the rest of the world.''
        In the century just passed, Australians served side by side with
    Americans in every major military commitment. In peaceful times like our
    own, the alliance between our two nations has helped spare the world
    from other wars and dangers. Australia is a strong and peaceful presence
    in East Asia and the Pacific.
        Australia is a generous land, mindful of the struggles of poorer
    nations, always helping when and where it can. Your Government and your
    good people are an example of democracy, individual liberty, and the
    virtues of free trade amongst all nations.
        On this official visit to our country, I know that you will meet
    with nothing but good will. And in meetings with Congress and my
    administration, you will find willing partners who understand
    Australia's importance as a strategic and economic ally. Though half a
    world apart, we belong to a very close community of values and
    aspirations.
        From this visit, Mr. Prime Minister, I hope that you will take away
    renewed optimism about our shared future. And I know that you will take
    with you a parcel weighing approximately 250 pounds. [Laughter] It's a
    fine bell with a great history. And once you get it home, it will always
    stand as a sign of the unbounded respect of our Nation for the
    Australian people.

    [[Page 1294]]

        Welcome to America. May God bless Australia, and may God bless
    America.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:45 a.m. in Leutze Park at the Historical
    Washington Navy Yard. In his remarks, he referred to Janette Howard,
    wife of Prime Minister Howard; Adm. Vernon E. Clark, USN, Chief of Naval
    Operations; and Rear Adm. Christopher E. Weaver, USN, Commandant, Naval
    District of Washington. The President also referred to ANZUS, the
    Security Treaty Between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of
    America. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    also included the remarks of Prime Minister John Howard.