For Immediate Release
Office of Mrs. Bush
February 20, 2002
Remarks by Mrs. Bush at Girl Scouts of Korea Event
Thank you very much. Board members, distinguished guests, it's
great to be in the wonderful city of Seoul. Thanks to Girl Scouts USA
for their contributions to this event, including the beautiful mural
from Hawaii and the Thinking Day cards from American scouts who live
here in Seoul.
I salute Girl Scouts Korea, Girl Scouts USA and the World
Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. You help children and
young women become the leaders of tomorrow.
One such leader is with us today -- Ms. Lee Yunsook, who is a
former Girl Scout and a troop leader. As a respected member of Korea's
National Assembly, she is focused on an issue that is near to my heart
as well - and that is the well being of our children.
When I see young people like the girls here today, I am optimistic.
You have the qualities of future leaders, and that brings everyone
great hope.
In the United States, sometimes I'm asked to give advice to
children who are Scouts. What I've learned is that what you are
experiencing and learning today will serve you well throughout your
entire life. Remember that you're responsible for everything that you
do, and integrity is a value that you should cherish and protect.
I also say that it's important to always be responsible for
yourself, and to remember that integrity is the only thing that cannot
be taken from you.it must be given away.
Don't be afraid of either failure or success.if you give any task
at hand your best effort, then you really are a success. Life will
bring you moments of great happiness, and you will have earned them. So
savor those moments and be proud of yourself.
President Bush and I were both Scouts when we were young. President
Bush's mother, Barbara Bush, was the den mother for his Cub Scout
troop. And when I was a Girl Scout, my mother was our troop leader.
I remember that all the girls earned bird badges. For the girls in
the troop, this just meant that we had completed our basic study of
birds and bird watching, but for my mother, it led to what would become
a lifelong hobby.
Bird watching became a big part of whatever we did as a family. We
often drove out to the home of a woman we knew who kept her yard in its
wild, natural state - just to attract birds.
I remember driving to see my grandparents when I was in high
school, trying to sleep in the back of the car, when suddenly my mother
would gasp, pull out her binoculars and announce, "There's a Hawk!" or
"Did you see that Painted Bunting!' Being a teen-ager, I didn't want
to be bothered, of course. But eventually, I did develop an interest
in bird watching and the outdoors.
In fact, through bird watching I learned a little bit about
"community" - about being a part of something bigger than my close
group of family and friends.
One year, my mother identified a bird called a Varied Thrush in our
own back yard. This was a rare bird for that part of Texas.
During the bird's stay in our garden, a lot of bird watchers in our
town would come over on their lunch hours, sit at the counter in our
kitchen and patiently wait for the bird to show up. As they waited,
they got to know each other better through their common interest.
A lot of times the bird would never come, but when it did, everyone
would jump up and hug each other -- they were so thrilled that they had
spotted this rare bird. And my Dad would watch it all and say to me,
"You know, bird watchers are really good people."
Since that time, and especially since September 11, I've seen a lot
of good in people. President Bush and I very much appreciate the
support of South Korea and our friends in the international community
during our time of national loss and healing. Americans were not the
only victims of this tragedy - we know that one citizen of Korea and 17
Korean Americans lost their lives in the attacks. We share the grief
and we keep their families in our thoughts and prayers.
In the United States, people responded to tragedy with generosity
and compassion, resolve and determination. President Bush and I are so
proud of the American people.
We have seen the good in ordinary citizens; in the bravery of our
policemen and firefighters -- and the tremendous respect and affection
people have shown them. We have seen it in the money raised and the
blood donated to victims of the attacks.
We have seen it in the care and concern for our children, and we
are inspired by the spirit and energy of children, who also want to
contribute to their communities.
We all know that when we help others, we are really helping
ourselves. Being a scout is a great way to contribute time and talent
to your communities. Scouting also teaches important values that will
help you become leaders today, and throughout life. The world is a
better place because of Girl Scouts. I hope that, like me, you will
remember your experiences as a Scout with both pride and happiness.
Thank you very much for inviting me today - and for your
hospitality. I will always remember my visit to Seoul and the people
who live here.
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