Administration of George W. Bush, 2003 / Oct. 13

Statement on Shirin Ebadi Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize October 11, 2003

The United States congratulates Shirin desire for democracy. The future of Iran Ebadi on receiving the Nobel Peace must be decided by the people of Iran. Prize—a first for an Iranian and for a Mus- Americans look forward to the day when lim woman. The prize recognizes her life- a free Iran stands as an example of toler- time of championing human rights and de- ance, prosperity, and democracy in the mocracy. I strongly support the Iranian Middle East and around the world. people’s aspirations for freedom and their

Remarks at a Columbus Day Celebration October 13, 2003

Thank you all. Please be seated. Grazie, and I’m glad Alice is with you. Thanks for Antonio. [Laughter] Thank you all for com- coming, Roy. You’re doing a great job— ing. I’m honored to join you in observing former mayor of Syracuse, I want you to Columbus Day and to celebrate Columbus know. Pat Harrison is with us, Assistant Day in the District named after Chris- Secretary of State for Education and Cul- topher Columbus. tural Affairs. Dana Gioia, who is the Chair- The journey of the explorer from Genoa man of the National Endowment of Arts is one of the great stories of daring and and is doing a great job. Thank you for discovery. And the journey of millions of coming, Dana. I appreciate it. immigrants from Italy is also a story of dis- As you know, one of the things our Na- covery and bravery, and that journey has tion is doing right now is we’re leading enriched our country. That’s really what the fight against AIDS, particularly on the we’re celebrating today. America is a continent of Africa. One of the generals stronger and finer nation because of the in the fight against AIDS is Tony Fauci influence of Italian Americans. from the National Institutes of Health. The veterans of America are better off Thank you for coming. That would be Dr. as a result of the influence of Tony Tony Fauci, a great man. Principi, the Secretary—[applause]. He’s We’ve got Members of Congress with us really done a good job, and I’m proud of today. First of all, the Senator from the his commitment and service to our country great State of Wyoming, Mike Enzi. Thank as a Cabinet Secretary. I value his advice. you for coming, Senator. And Ginny I love his spirit. I’m also happy to report Brown-Waite, from the—Congresswoman that, like me, he married well. [Laughter] from Florida. Ginny Brown, thank you for And Liz is with us today, as is Captain coming, and I’m glad you brought Harvey Tony Principi, a captain in our Air Force along too. Thanks for coming, Harvey. who is celebrating his 30th birthday today. So happy birthday. Stefano Stefanini, Deputy Chief of Mis- sion from the Embassy of Italy, thank you Members of my team are here. I want to thank them for coming—Roy Bernardi, for coming, sir. Give my best to my friend who is the Assistant Secretary for Commu- Silvio Berlusconi, who I’m close to, and nity Planning and Development at HUD, I value his leadership and friendship, always

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