[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 11 (Monday, March 21, 2005)]
[Pages 435-436]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Presenting the National Medals of Science and Technology

March 14, 2005

    Thank you all. Please be seated. Welcome to the White House. It's an 
honor to be in the company of so many bright and distinguished 
Americans. All of you have been blessed with great talent, and you have 
applied your talent to great purposes. Your work is making our country 
more competitive, more hopeful, and more prosperous. On behalf of a 
grateful nation, congratulations for earning the National Medals of 
Science and Technology.
    I want to welcome your families and friends who are here with you. I 
know your family members are equally proud of your accomplishment. I 
appreciate Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez joining us; Dr. Jack 
Marburger, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy; Phil 
Bond; Arden Bement; members of the National Science Foundation; members 
of the board of the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation--
they'd be the reason you're here--[laughter]--previous recipients of the 
National Medals of Science and Technology.
    I want to thank the Members of Congress who have joined us: Senator 
Barbara Mikulski of Maryland is with us; Congressman Roscoe Bartlett of 
Maryland; Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey of California, who is coming; Judy 
Biggert, Congresswoman from Illinois; Congressman Rick Larsen of 
Washington;

[[Page 436]]

and Congresswoman Katherine Harris of Florida.
    Over the years, the East Room has hosted some of the White House's 
most memorable events. Long before any President held an awards ceremony 
here, it was the home to Thomas Jefferson's secretary, Meriwether Lewis, 
not a bad place for a guy to camp out. [Laughter] He didn't stay here 
long, because in 1803, President Jefferson gave him a new assignment, a 
daring mission to explore the West. The President also gave him a letter 
of unlimited Government credit to cover every possible expense. 
Disappointed to say, your medal doesn't come with such Presidential 
decree. [Laughter]
    Over the centuries, the same passion for discovery that drove Lewis 
and Clark to the Pacific has also led bold Americans to master the 
miracle of flight, to conquer dreaded diseases, and explore the 
frontiers of space. To reward and encourage America's spirit of 
innovation, Congress created the National Medal of Science and National 
Medal of Technology. These are the most prestigious honors the President 
can bestow for achievement in science and technology. Today I am proud 
to recognize a diverse and deserving group of American citizens, what we 
call pioneers.
    The laureates we honor today have made new and lasting contributions 
in fields from mathematics to behavioral science to geology to genetics. 
You've discovered new clues about the behavior of viruses, the workings 
of the human mind, and the shape of the universe. Many of your 
breakthroughs are changing entire industries, from airline safety to 
chemical production to computer software and networking. Your efforts to 
improve energy development and expand health care technology and reduce 
auto pollution are bringing the promise of a better future to people all 
around our globe.
    Your experiences vary widely, yet all of you share some common 
traits. As innovators, you heard a calling to challenge the status quo. 
You weren't afraid to ask important questions. You applied rigorous 
standards to your research. I suspect some of you suffered some 
setbacks, yet you didn't get discouraged. You followed where the 
evidence led. You revised your methods but not your ambitions. And 
through a lifetime of hard work, you have produced accomplishments that 
will endure beyond your years.
    For most of you, the journey of this day began when someone engaged 
your curiosity, a schoolteacher or a parent or a caring adult in your 
community. As your interest grew, you found a mentor in your field, a 
generous soul who added to your experience and raised your sights. Many 
of you have repaid that debt by devoting a part of your career to 
teaching, and I want to thank you for that. I appreciate the fine 
example that you have set for aspiring young scientists, like those from 
Benjamin Banneker High School who are with us or the Intel Science 
Talent Search folks who have joined us from all around our country. I 
want to welcome you all here. I appreciate you witnessing this important 
ceremony.
    As you go on to greater accomplishments, I hope our recipients will 
continue to foster and encourage the scientists and technological 
leaders of tomorrow. By pursuing your curiosity, all of you have 
achieved historic results. You bring credit to yourselves, to your 
families, and to our country. You have our country's gratitude. You have 
earned our respect.
    Once again, thank you for coming to the White House. Congratulations 
for your awards. The military aide will read the citations, and 
afterwards, I hope you will join us in a reception--back there. 
[Laughter]
    Read the awards, please.

Note: The President spoke at 10:24 a.m. in the East Room at the White 
House.