Toasts at the State Dinner for Queen Margrethe II of Denmark February 20, 1991

Feb. 20 / Administration of George Bush, 1991

tional affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School at Education and World Affairs in New of Public and International Affairs at York, NY, 1968–1971. Princeton University in Princeton, NJ, Dr. Ward graduated from Vassar College 1975–1978. From 1971 to 1973, Dr. Ward (B.A., 1965) and the University of Cali- served as assistant to the vice president for fornia, Los Angeles (M.A. and Ph.D., 1976). academic affairs and lecturer in social She was born January 29, 1944, in Worces- science at the Medgar Evers College of the tershire, England. Dr. Ward has one child City University of New York. Dr. Ward has and resides in Washington, DC. served as staff assistant and staff associate

The President. Prince Henrik, and ladies been a guardian of liberty in both peacetime and gentlemen, it is indeed a pleasure for and war. Since President Jefferson and King Barbara and me to salute Queen Margrethe Christian VII first established diplomatic re- II, the heir to a thousand-year-old mon- lations, our nations have jointly fostered the archy and the head of state of our very liberty which sets and keeps men free. We close friend and ally Denmark. saw that in World War II when Denmark We honor her tonight as a superb queen smuggled virtually all of its Jews to freedom and ruler. And yet we also honor her as and when, even under occupation, almost an artist, translator, and scholar whose work your entire Danish merchant fleet willingly aptly reflects the civilized and humane helped the Allies. qualities of the Danish people. And tonight, your Navy and ours sail to- And we also welcome and honor this gether in the Gulf. And this time we stand evening Prince Henrik, our very special together against another brutal dictator, guest, an accomplished and energetic man against another aggressor. Your Majesty, I whose contributions in business and in the am very proud that tonight with us is not environment and in charitable work have only General Powell, who you met—the brought great credit to Denmark from all Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, but also the around the world. two ranking enlisted men in both our Navy We’ve been delighted that Her Majesty and our Army, Master Chief Petty Officer and the Prince Consort have chosen to send Bushey and Sergeant Major of the Army their sons Crown Prince Frederik and Gates. And they and their colleagues from Prince Joachim to travel and study in our country. In fact, we take it as a great na- all our services are doing a superb job, just tional compliment that Prince Henrik, who as your military people aboard your vessel owns a vineyard in France, sent the Crown are. Prince to study and work at a California And I must tell you, Your Majesty, that winery. [Laughter] Very broadminded our country is united behind them totally Prince we have here. [Laughter] today, exactly as we were united in World And from her birth during the darkest War II. And patriotism is high here now— days of World War II, when she was seen and for our purpose, you see, is clear and as a symbol of hope for a nation under our mission is just. And we are going to occupation, Queen Margrethe has been a prevail. And your forces and ours will guar- source of inspiration to her country. She antee that the torch of freedom will illu- personifies the spirit of the Danish people, minate Kuwait. their courage during World War II, their Thirty-one years ago, one of Denmark’s many achievements today, and overall, their greatest leaders, your father, said it best: love of freedom. ‘‘Let us unite,’’ said King Frederik in a toast Throughout its history, Denmark has to President Eisenhower, ‘‘in the hope that

162

VerDate May 04 2004 09:27 May 25, 2004 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00174 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 D:\91PAP1\91PAP1.003 APPS10 PsN: 91PAP1 Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Feb. 20

the torch of freedom which we received has visited your country in 1976 when the from our fathers may also illuminate the American people celebrated the bicenten- path of our descendants for generations to nial is also aware of the long and proud come.’’ And in that spirit I ask all of our tradition which you have established and guests tonight to raise their glasses to a that you so rightly cherish. third century, a third century of Danish- The Declaration of Independence and American friendship; to the peace we seek the American Constitution were directly in- to win, the peace we intend to keep; and spired by political and philosophical thought especially to Her Majesty and His Royal as expounded by enlightened circles in Eu- Highness and what they symbolize both for rope of that day. But the American con- Denmark and to the United States and for tribution was unique. It kindled that spark the entire world. which sooner or later gave rise to constitu- To your health, Your Majesty. tional reform in countries all over Europe, Queen Margrethe. Mr. President, Mrs. including Denmark. The ideas of a just and Bush. The Prince Consort and I are deeply humane society that caused such profound moved by the warm words of welcome changes more than a century ago have never which the President of the United States lost their relevance nor their impetus. has just addressed to us and by the friend- They lie behind the charter of the United ship towards Denmark which he has so Nations, and they have been reaffirmed in beautifully expressed. a number of international instruments for We are very much aware that our first the protection of human rights. Only re- state visit to the United States coincides cently we have seen how people in Eastern in time with a serious war involving Amer- Europe, under an intolerable pressure, ican forces as well as forces from many found strength precisely in those values and other nations under the auspices of the ideas in order to realize their hopes for United Nations. We all hope that the suf- a better existence. Indeed, did not an echo fering and the sacrifices of the war, brought into every home and all too vividly im- of the opening words of your Constitution pressed on every mind by modern means ring through their streets: ‘‘We, the people.’’ of communication, will lead to respect and The ideals which inspired the Founding furtherance of the ideals of the United Na- Fathers of the United States are as chal- tions. lenging today as they were more than 200 Mr. President, the position of your office years ago. They are an everlasting spur to is unique among heads of state, not only us all who try to follow them and to see because the United States is a world power them implemented. Sometimes we may al- but because the President is obliged to lead most despair of living up to them in prac- his country and fulfill his duties under the tice. But we should never forget that they constant eye of the public—indeed, in the are ideals—and ideals are never attained glare of global publicity. though we constantly attempt to fulfill You have impressed us all, Mr. President, them. by the way in which you perform your func- Generations of Americans and generations in the face of these demanding condi- tions of Danes have lived in that attempt. tions, dedicated to your high office and con- Sometimes we’ve felt that we did succeed. scious of its obligations. You have come Sometimes we’ve seemed to have fallen far, across as a man of integrity and a fellow far short. Maybe those shared ideals and human being not only to your own people parallel experiences are part of the reason but to so many others as well. And nobody why we understand each other and like each can fail to notice the warm relationship and other. the personal support that you receive from Ladies and gentlemen, I raise my glass in Mrs. Bush. honor of the President of the United States The United States of America belongs to and Mrs. Bush, and drink to the deep and what is known as the New World, and that warm friendship between our two countries is the way you often like to characterize and to the continued prosperity and happi- yourselves. But anyone who, like myself, ness of the people of the United States of

163

VerDate May 04 2004 07:34 May 27, 2004 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00175 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 D:\91PAP1\91PAP1.003 APPS10 PsN: 91PAP1 Feb. 20 / Administration of George Bush, 1991

America. Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim; Presi- dent Saddam Hussein of Iraq; Colin L. Pow- Note: President Bush spoke at 8:15 p.m. in ell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the State Dining Room at the White House. Duane R. Bushey, master chief petty officer In his remarks, he referred to Prince Henrik, of the Navy; and Julian Gates, sergeant the Queen’s husband, and her sons, Crown major of the Army.

Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Remarks Made by President Saddam Hussein of Iraq on the Persian Gulf Conflict February 21, 1991

Let me just read a few sentences in re- passion for his people and his country. sponse to Saddam Hussein’s speech. For our part, the coalition forces remain The statement by Saddam Hussein this on the course set by the 12 United Nations morning is disappointing. He repeats the resolutions. Our forces remain on a stead- same invective and disregard for the United fast course. The liberation of Kuwait con- Nations mandate that we have heard so tinues. often since August 2d. In vowing to con- tinue the war, he once again demonstrates Note: Press Secretary Fitzwater read this his determination to maintain the aggres- statement to reporters at 11:23 a.m. in the sion against Kuwait and the absence of com- Briefing Room at the White House.

Remarks on Signing the National Parents and Teachers Association Week Proclamation February 21, 1991

The President. Welcome to the White make up the real strength of the PTA. House. And may I thank Congressman Kil- And I want to begin today by sharing dee for being with us. Of course, single with you the results of a recent poll of the out for special recognition Ann Lynch, the Nation’s fourth graders. These days we all president of the National PTA. And, of live by instant polling. And this one I know course, Ted Sanders, who is our Under Sec- you will find fascinating. They were asked retary at Education and who really is a man to pick a hero from the following list: Bart of commitment and has done an out- Simpson, George Bush, Paula Abdul, Bo standing job all across the board for edu- Jackson, or E, none of the above. And they cation. did not pick A, C, or D, or sad to say, I want to welcome Mr. Stair, the presi- B. [Laughter] The winners were write-in dent of ServiceMaster, this year’s—right candidates. Children picked parents as their here—this year’s sponsor of the National heroes by a landslide. And teachers were Parents and Teachers Association Week. the runners-up, right in there very, very And we are grateful to you, sir. close. And Bo Jackson was third—[laugh- And a special welcome to the teachers ter]—and they didn’t dare give me the rest and the parents, and, of course, the stu- of the results. [Laughter] dents—you’re outnumbered, but you’re But the fact of the matter is that parents here—[laughter]—from communities in are our children’s first teachers. And I guess and around our Washington area, rep- Barbara, in her reading to kids, exemplifies resenting the many millions who, together, this pretty darn well; now it’s grandkids for

164

VerDate May 04 2004 09:27 May 25, 2004 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00176 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 D:\91PAP1\91PAP1.003 APPS10 PsN: 91PAP1