For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 23, 2001
Remarks by the President at Military Reenlistment Ceremony
The East Room
Listen to the President's Remarks
4:30 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I don't know if the
Commander-in-Chief is allowed to say this, but I'm going to anyway --
at ease. (Laughter and applause.)
Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for your
service to the country. It's fitting that he is here today, because a
few months ago Secretary Rumsfeld re-upped
himself. (Laughter.) And the nation is better off
for it.
General Shelton, thank you for being
here. Joint Chiefs, thank you all for
coming. Family and friends. Before I begin my
remarks, I want to take note of a major event that took place today in
the United States Senate. Just a little over an hour ago,
the United States Senate, in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, voted
to give the tax relief to the American people. (Applause.)
The House of Representatives has already voted
in favor of tax relief. So I'm pleased to report today that tax relief
is on the way.
I want to congratulate the 62 senators who
voted for this important measure. Senator Lott and Senator
Grassley, Senator Baucus, Senator Miller, and Senator Breaux led the
way in giving this victory to the American people. And they
deserve our country's thanks and praise.
The economy needs a shot in the
arm. So I call on the House and the Senate to reach an
agreement on the final tax relief package this week. The sooner the
Congress completes its work, the sooner the American people will have
their own money in their own pockets to save and invest as they see
fit. Our economy cannot afford any further delays.
And now to the task at hand. I am
so appreciative that General Shelton and the other leaders of the
military are here. The men and women now know how proud you
are of their decision to take another tour of duty. And I'm proud,
too. And I welcome you all to the White House.
For two centuries, this house has been the
final point of decision in the chain of command. Here,
President Wilson decided that American soldiers would have to go to
Europe to fight in World War I. Here, Franklin Roosevelt
first learned of the attack at Pearl Harbor, and within days, America
began a four-year war in two theaters. Here, four modern
Presidents dealt with the struggle in Vietnam, from beginning to end.
Every major military operation of the last 200
years was set in motion at the White House. The
circumstances have varied greatly, but no President has ever had reason
to doubt the ability and commitment of the American Armed
Forces. You have shown that commitment
today. Like many thousands of others who will reenlist this
year, you've done yourselves credit, and you've paid your country a
high tribute. The choice was yours to make, and you
volunteered again, and your country is very grateful.
Our military depends on
reenlistment. This is especially true now, as military
technology and equipment grow more complex and more demanding. Perhaps
more than ever, the success of our all-volunteer force requires that we
keep the best people, the most experienced technicians, and mature
leaders of the highest caliber. That is what America gains
with each one of you who stays.
In return, America owes you every ounce of
support you need to carry out your daily mission. When
reenlistment declines, that's usually a sign that such support is
missing. I have promised never to let that support waver,
never to take you for granted. As long as I live under this
roof, our country and our military will be prepared to meet any
challenge the future may bring.
For many of you, the decision to reenlist
wasn't made alone. You all know the
saying: soldiers enlist, but families
reenlist. (Laughter.) And we have many family
members here. You're not taking an oath, but you're making
an important commitment. And along the way, all of you have
made your share of sacrifices. And I appreciate the chance
to thank you for it.
When I speak of supporting the military, that
means family members as well, the bases you call home and the schools
where you send your children.
For those who are about to take the oath,
congratulations. You repeat some familiar
words. You will do so with self-assurance that you might not
have done the first time. That comes with hard work and
discipline and service to our country. I want each of you to return to
your posts with the knowledge that you have my gratitude and full
confidence. Thank you again.
And now it is my honor to turn over the
proceedings to General Shelton, who will administer the oath of
office.
END 4:38 P.M. EDT
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