For Immediate Release
Office of Mrs. Bush
July 9, 2002
Remarks by Mrs. Bush at National Endowment for Democracy Awards
As prepared.
Thank you, and congratulations to the National Endowment for
Democracy award winners. These women are forces for freedom and human
rights in the Muslim world. President Bush joins me in saluting them.
Twenty years ago, President Ronald Reagan said: "Let us now begin a
major effort to secure the best-a crusade for freedom that will engage
the faith and fortitude of the next generation. For the sake of peace
and justice, let us move toward a world in which all people are at last
free to determine their own destiny."
I think President Reagan would be inspired by our progress, as we
are all inspired by the work of this year's award winners.
Through the National Endowment for Democracy, we support and
acknowledge those who harness the energy and will of all people to be
free -- and use that energy to change the world for the better.
We recognize these four women for their courage and tenacity:
They monitor the conditions of human rights and freedom around the
world.
They speak out against tyranny and injustice.
They educate children - and the teachers who teach them - about the
values of freedom, about civic responsibility; about peace and
democracy.
They fight for free press, free speech, public safety, public
debate and other elements that contribute to the growth of democratic
values in the Muslim world.
We look to their countries -- Iran, Uzbekistan, Somalia, and
Algeria -- and we call on them to keep the promise of freedom that
people yearn for so desperately.
All people must be free to determine their own destinies, develop
their own culture and choose their own path. What does it take to
ensure freedom? It takes people working together, believing in the same
basic elements of civilized society in every country, and in every
culture.
Respect for democracy, human rights, free media and the rule of law
- these rights must be guaranteed throughout the Muslim world and all
parts of the world. Together, the United States and the allies of
democracy, like these women, are proving that the forces of terror
can't stop the momentum of freedom. Thank you.
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