For Immediate Release
Office of Mrs. Bush
July 12, 2002
Remarks by Mrs. Bush at Texas Keel Laying Ceremony - Newport News
As delivered.
Thank you, Tom (Schievelbein, President of Northrop Grumman Newport
News) and thanks also to Mike Toner (President, Electric Boat) for
hosting this great event.
Secretary England,
Admiral Clark,
Senator Allen,
Senator Warner.
In 1998, the Secretary of the Navy, John Dalton- who is here with
me today - asked me to participate in this keel-laying tradition. I've
had a change of address since then.but I'm still a Texan, of course,
and I'm thrilled to help authenticate the United States Navy submarine
Texas.
I want to thank John Fremont, a native Texan, who's going to weld
my initials into permanence in a few minutes. John hasn't lived in
Texas since he was six years old, but if you're born in Texas, you're
always a little bit Texan.
Standing under this flag makes my heart swell with pride in my home
state, and my country.
I haven't had a chance to talk "Texas" in a while, so I'm glad to
share my thoughts on the subject.although I can't promise that they'll
be impartial.
In the Edna Ferber book, Giant, a character called "Old Judge
Whiteside," says, "Texas is the most American country in the whole
United States."
In many ways, that's true. A Texan will tell you that the Lone Star
State is a land of heroes and legends.and you won't find a more
patriotic bunch of people anywhere. Texans love to brag - it's one of
our favorite pastimes. If something is newer, bigger and better.then it
must be from Texas.
Texas is a place where people believe in great adventures,
boundless optimism, and always a bright future. And Texas is the land
of the cowboy - an all-American fellow who is polite and slow to anger
but who also has an iron fist and steel-toed boots. He works hard on
his own land, but he won't hesitate to help his neighbor.
These characteristics make up what is sometimes called "The Texas
Spirit." Of course, it is also the American spirit.
I believe that this spirit will be built into the core of this ship
and its crew. And I believe that the United States Navy submarine Texas
will evoke the same optimism and bragging rights as the state for which
it's named.
Skilled professionals will forge the newest alloys and technology
into one of the most sophisticated ships in the world. The Texas will
represent America's iron fist, which our country uses to defend
freedom; to protect our citizens; and to help our neighbors and allies
around the world.
In the Texas vernacular, this ship will be bigger and better than
anything, anywhere and it will be manned by heroes and legends of the
United States Navy.
A mighty American submarine deserves a mighty American name. I
can't think of a better name than Texas.
Thank you.
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