For Immediate Release
Office of Mrs. Bush
October 3, 2003
Remarks by Mrs. Bush
National Book Festival Gala
Thank you, Dr. Billington, for your warm welcome, and many thanks
to the Library of Congress for sponsoring the third National Book
Festival. I appreciate our distinguished Members of the Cabinet and
Members of Congress for being here. And a special thanks to the
authors, poets, illustrators, and storytellers for giving us a reason
to celebrate. Without you, we wouldn't have tales of mystery, history,
and heroism. We wouldn't have characters to intrigue us or poems that
inspire. And we wouldn't have good books to devour - as Julia Glass
says, "...like a contestant in a pie-eating contest."
By helping to make the National Book Festival a success, you've
also helped to inspire the first book festival in Russia. I returned
from Moscow yesterday. There I joined Mrs. Putin for a celebration of
children's literature and school libraries. R.L. Stine, author of the
Goosebumps books, joined me. I wish you could have seen him weave a
scary story with the children about a boy and a haunted car. The
festival was truly a celebration of authors, books, and of freedom -
the freedom to write and to read what we want.
Every person deserves to experience the joy of books. A good book
is like an unreachable itch - you just can't leave it alone. Stories
beckon us to toss aside all cares in the world - work, laundry, even
sleep - to read and discover.
We delight in great works of literature and especially in the works
of budding new artists. President Bush is a great leader and husband -
but I bet you didn't know, he is also quite the poet. Upon returning
home last night from my long trip, I found a lovely poem waiting for
me. Normally, I wouldn't share something so personal, but since we're
celebrating great writers, I can't resist.
Dear Laura,
Roses are red, violets are blue, oh my lump in the bed, how I've
missed you.
Roses are redder, bluer am I, seeing you kissed by that charming
French guy.
The dogs and the cat they miss you too, Barney's still mad you
dropped him, he ate your shoe.
The distance my dear has been such a barrier, next time you want an
adventure, just land on a carrier.
I'm happy to be the inspiration behind this poem. Someone or
something always inspires an artist and this is true for tonight's
distinguished speakers. Tom Clancy started out as an insurance
salesman, but always dreamed of becoming a writer. Inspired by his love
of technology and the military, he started writing novels in his spare
time. The Bible inspired Stephen Carter to study theology and
philosophy, which has shaped many of books. Gayle Ross was inspired by
the history of the Cherokee Nation and by her grandmother who was a
storyteller. Julie Andrews wrote a book about dump trucks for her
grandson, Sam. She also gave him the title credits, since "Dumpy" is
Sam's name for dump trucks.
Although his mom wanted him to be a doctor, Bob Schieffer wanted to
be like his hero, Walter Cronkite. Ask Bob why he became a writer, and
he'll tell you, "Comparative Anatomy." I'm grateful to each of you for
lending your presence and prestige to our enterprise. Now let's start
celebrating with some of our nation's most talented writers.
Bob Schieffer is undoubtedly one of the most talented and respected
journalists. He's come a long way from his first job covering Tricia
Nixon's costume ball. Bob is the chief Washington correspondent for CBS
and has made countless politicians Face the Nation in his Sunday
broadcast. When he first arrived at CBS, Bob said, "I felt like a
Little-Leaguer who suddenly found himself playing for the...Yankees."
Bob, no matter the team, you're a true all-star. Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome my fellow Texan, Bob Schieffer.
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