[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 47 (Monday, November 22, 2004)]
[Page 2836]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Presidential Luncheon in Little Rock

November 18, 2004

    Thank you all. Mr. President, thank you very much, sir. Senator 
Clinton and Chelsea, Mother and Dad--it works every time when I say 
``Mother,'' you know? [Laughter] President Zedillo and Prime Minister 
Peres and distinguished guests: Laura and I are really pleased to be 
with you this afternoon. Thanks for such gracious hospitality. It is our 
honor to join in dedicating this magnificent library. The tour was 
fantastic. The people of Arkansas are going to love having the library 
here. The people of America are going to love coming here. It's really 
well done.
    I know many here today were involved in creating this impressive 
library. I want to thank you for contributing and helping. And I know 
many here who served in the administration that is chronicled here. All 
of you were drawn to the talent and the vision and the energy of 
President Bill Clinton.
    Today we recognize the first person from Arkansas to serve as the 
Chief Executive of our country, the first in his party to win reelection 
since Franklin Roosevelt, and a leader who filled the White House with 
energy and with joy.
    During 8 eventful years, Bill Clinton applied tremendous gifts to 
the service of this country and for the cause of peace, and we're 
grateful for his service. Americans trusted their future to a man who 
deeply believed in our future. And Americans continued to like the man 
that he so clearly liked.
    One man's journey from Hope, Arkansas, to the White House, the story 
told in this library, is an American story. It's a story of talent 
recognized early and lifelong friendships and hard work that was 
rewarded. The boy who shook the hand of John F. Kennedy in the Rose 
Garden has shaken the hands of many young people and inspired them with 
his idealism. And this library will carry that message into the future.
    Americans look to our former Presidents as elder statesmen. In the 
case of President Clinton, the elder statesman is about one month 
younger than I am. [Laughter] His public service came early, and his 
service to America has not ended. So on this special afternoon I ask you 
to join me in a toast: To the past and to the future of our Nation's 42d 
President.
    God bless you.

Note: The President spoke at 2:20 p.m. in a pavilion at the William J. 
Clinton Presidential Center and Park. In his remarks, he referred to 
former President Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico; and former Foreign Minister 
Shimon Peres of Israel. A tape was not available for verification of the 
content of these remarks.