Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / June 19 1049

I gave a speech at the State Univer- and to learn more about the end of slavery. sity—thank you for inviting me, Hope. And On that day in 1865, Union soldiers led by I was pleased to see that 70 percent of the Major General Gordon Granger landed in graduating class of had Galveston, Texas, with news the war had at one time or another volunteered, one time ended and that the enslaved were now free. or another served something greater than The joyous, but belated, announcement themselves. Perhaps the culture is changing came two years after President Abraham Lin- from one that has said, ‘‘If it feels good, just coln signed the Emancipation Proclamation go ahead and do it, and if you’ve got a prob- declaring ‘‘that all persons held as slaves’’ lem, blame somebody else,’’ to a culture in within the rebellious states ‘‘are, and hence- which each of us are responsible for the deci- forward shall be free.’’ sions we make in life—responsible for loving The celebration of Juneteenth has its roots our children, responsible for loving our in Texas, but the holiday is now observed neighbors, responsible for serving a nation in many parts of the country with picnics, by helping somebody in need. family gatherings, parades, and community The poet William Wordsworth wrote this. programs. The day is a fitting time to cele- He said, ‘‘What we have loved, others will brate freedom from slavery and for all Ameri- love, and we’ll teach them how.’’ And that’s cans to reflect on the rich contributions of what you all are here to discuss today. On African Americans to our Nation. behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for As we celebrate Juneteenth on June 19, teaching them how. I encourage all Americans to reaffirm their May God bless you all, and may God bless commitment to achieving equal justice and America. opportunity for all citizens. Laura joins me in sending best wishes on this special occa- NOTE: The President spoke at 3:30 p.m. in the sion. East Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Michelle Engler, wife of Gov. John NOTE: An original was not available for Engler of Michigan; and Hope Taft, wife of Gov. verification of the content of this message. Bob Taft of Ohio. Remarks at the President’s Dinner Statement on the Death of Jack Buck June 19, 2002 June 19, 2002 Thank you all for that warm welcome, and I am deeply saddened by the death of Jack thank you for coming tonight. We’re here for Buck. Jack endeared himself to sports fans the same reason. We want Denny Hastert throughout the country with his colorful to remain the Speaker of the House and commentary and love of America’s pastime. Trent Lott to become the majority leader of An honoree of the National Baseball Hall of the Senate. And I want to thank you for help- Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Radio ing us achieve those two important goals. Hall of Fame, Jack covered sports in St. And I say they’re important because I believe Louis, , and across the Nation for that when we achieve those goals, we can the last 50 years. I extend my deepest sym- do a lot for the American people. pathies to his family. He will be missed. I want to thank John Boehner for taking the lead role on this successful dinner. I want to thank George Allen from Virginia, the Message on the Observance of Senator from Virginia, for participating and Juneteenth helping. I want to thank Bill Frist and Tom June 19, 2002 Davis—Bill Frist of the Senate and Tom Davis of the House—for leading their re- I send greetings to those celebrating spective committees to get these Members Juneteenth. elected. I want to thank Richard Burr of June 19 provides an opportunity for all North Carolina for his help and leadership. Americans to reflect on the ideal of freedom Mr. Bob Ingram, thank you for your help.

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