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American Legion Auxiliary Woman of the Year Award
San Antonio, Texas
August 29, 2001

Remarks of Laura Bush at the American Legion Auxiliary Woman of the Year Award

As delivered.

Thank you very much. I'm thrilled to be here, and I want you to know how much I appreciate this award from the American Legion Women's Auxiliary. I am honored to be included on the roster of remarkable women who have received this award.

These women are leaders whom I respect and admire very much...people such as Governor Christine Todd Whitman, Elizabeth Dole and of course, the incomparable Erma Bombeck...who was a great lady.

She said, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say to Him, "I used everything you gave me."

In this room we have a group that uses everything given to you, from individual talent to a network of resources, and you use assets things to make our country a better place. You make a huge difference in so many lives - from older veterans to our youngest citizens.

I salute your commitment to education; especially your work with the America Reads program. In this one effort alone, the Auxiliary devoted nearly 19,000 volunteer hours to reading with and tutoring thousands of America's children, and I'm pleased to stand here today and applaud you for that.

Erma Bombeck also said, "Children make your life important." They really do, and President Bush and I will never forget that - that's what motivates us and shapes our goals and efforts for the future. So on behalf of the children of America, I accept this award. Thank you very much.

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