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Remarks by Mrs. Bush
John F. Kennedy Center, "A Concert for America"
Monday, September 24, 2001

Remarks by Mrs. Bush at John F. Kennedy Center

As delivered.

Thank you all. Senator Kennedy, thank you very much for your service to our country and your kind words, here in the performing arts center named in honor of your brother.

The Kennedy Center is the cultural center of our nation's Capitol, and has been for three decades. It bears witness to some of America's highest aspirations and its name honors a family that has served and sacrificed for our country.

Tonight's concert honors the memory of our fellow Americans, and people from around the world, who we lost on September eleventh.

America has been through much these past two weeks. For many people, some who are with us tonight, the sadness will linger forever. But through this, our entire nation has come together, answering grief and adversity with kindness and courage.

The events of the past two weeks have deepened our appreciation of how fragile it can be, what a gift it is, and how much we all need one another.

My husband and I are proud of our fellow Americans, and the spirit of giving we've seen in this time of sadness and loss.

Now, we begin to return to the good things - the things in life that bring us happiness and peace. And we find ourselves appreciating them more than ever as reminders of all the goodness and beauty in this world.

Music has been called the speech of the angels, and it brings a special comfort to our nation.

Tonight we are especially grateful to the artists who have gathered here at the Kennedy Center to share their talents.

I thank each you, and I look forward to an evening that we remember and cherish. # # #