[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 14 (Monday, April 8, 2002)]
[Page 545]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the White House Easter Egg Roll

April 1, 2002

    Welcome to the White House. Laura and I are so glad that you came 
this year, especially given what happened last year: It rained. But 
today we have beautiful weather, and we hope you have a great time here 
at the traditional Easter egg roll.
    I want to thank all the members of my Cabinet and their family 
members who are here. I want to thank the children's book authors who 
are here. And we hope you listen to those who read books to you. We want 
to encourage you to read a lot. As a matter of fact, we think it's 
important that you read more than you watch TV.
    I want to thank the entertainers who are here. Of course, I want to 
thank the Easter Bunny. [Laughter] We want to thank all the Embassies 
that are highlighting their spring traditions. I want to thank the 
volunteers who have worked so hard to make this a successful Easter egg 
roll.
    You know, one of the things that children say to me all the time--
they say, ``I want to come see your home, Mr. President.'' I said, 
``This isn't our home. This is your home, and you're welcome to the yard 
of your home.'' We're so glad you're here.
    Do you know that since 1878, Presidents have hosted this event. And 
it is our honor to continue this tradition. The first President who did 
so was a guy named Rutherford B. Hayes. He decided to have the Easter 
egg roll here at the White House because the Members of the United 
States Congress said you couldn't be--they wouldn't want to host the 
Easter egg roll anymore on the congressional grounds.
    Just to show you we don't hold a grudge, we've invited Members of 
the U.S. Congress here. And you're welcome, and thank you all for 
coming. [Laughter]
    I also am really looking forward to starting the Easter egg roll. I 
want everybody to have a great time here. It is our honor to host you 
all. And I'd like to end by this simple--this simple statement: May God 
bless your families, and may God continue to bless the United States of 
America.

Note: The President spoke at 9:15 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House.