    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 25 (Monday, June 21, 2004)]
    [Page 1084]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks at the Congressional Barbecue

    June 15, 2004

        Thank you all for coming. So the Vice President and I were sitting
    around saying, ``I wonder if we can get some people to come to a
    barbecue here on the South Lawn.'' We're glad you came. Laura and I and
    Lynne and Dick are really pleased to host you all for the annual
    Congressional Barbecue. We want to thank the Rich Davis family from
    Kansas City for providing the barbecue and the White House staff for
    providing the napkins. [Laughter]
        I think the best thing I can tell you is how much I appreciate the
    families of the Members of Congress for supporting your husbands and
    wives and moms and dads as they serve our great country. It is a--the
    Members of Congress work really hard on behalf of the people of the
    country. And they're gone a lot from their homes, and I know it's hard.
    It's hard to wonder whether or not the service is worth it. I'm telling
    you, the service is worth it. We are a great nation because men and
    women from all walks of life are willing to serve our country. So we
    really appreciate you being here.
        I also want to thank the Marine Band, the Army Band, the Navy Band,
    the Air Force Band, and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps for providing
    the entertainment tonight.
        And our wish is that you enjoy yourself on the beautiful South Lawn
    of this majestic house that Laura and I are fortunate to live in. Every
    day we are reminded about the greatness of our country, and we are a
    great country. We're a great country because we believe in human dignity
    and the rights of every person. We're a great country because we believe
    that no matter who you are or where you're from, you can succeed in
    America. We're a great country because free men and women can self-
    govern in a peaceful way, and we're a great country because we are
    blessed by the Almighty God.
        Thank you all for coming. May God bless. Enjoy yourself.

    Note: The President spoke at 6:15 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Rich Davis, founder, KC
    Masterpiece barbecue products.