Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 / May 10

David H. Petraeus, USA, incoming chief, Of- not available for verification of the content fice of Security Transition—Iraq. A tape was of this interview.

Remarks Honoring the 2004 Champion May 10, 2004

The President. Thank you all for coming. here at the White House, is a longtime Please be seated. Welcome back. The Patriots fan. He’s constantly reminding me mighty New England Pats have returned, how great the Pats are, on a Sunday by just like he told me they would. It’s such Sunday basis. And Andrew Natsios as well an honor to welcome the team back here. is a Pats fan. Obviously, we’ve got quite I’m especially glad to see . I’m a few here. If the Rose Garden were big- trying to figure out what it’s like to be ger, there would be a lot more people here, around a real celebrity. [Laughter] I assume. Welcome. I’m glad you’re here. Bob Kraft is a owner who knows how The thing—a couple of things impressed to win. And congratulations on winning the me. One, you never lost a home game. Super Bowl. What I appreciate is the fact That’s really good marketing. [Laughter] that in the contracts you sign with the play- That’s a smart way to do it, to fill up your ers that you include a commitment to par- stadium and have your fans go home happy ticipate in at least 10 public service events every game. I watched some of your games. each year. I appreciate the commitment. I appreciate the dramatic comebacks that I also appreciate the players’ commitment you were capable of making. I like it when as well. a kicker ends up winning the game. You You’ve got a great head coach, obviously. like it when the kicker ends up winning You can’t win Super Bowls 66 percent of the game. I know Adam is with us today. the time in a 3-year period unless you’ve I am really impressed at how cool you are got a great coach. Congratulations. under fire, and how—like, I need a few I want to congratulate all the players who suggestions before a press conference, if are here. For those of you who weren’t you don’t mind. here 2 years ago, this is a pretty cool place I also appreciate so very much the coach. to come. I want to congratulate the people I don’t know what it’s like in the locker who work to make a team go well, the room, but I remember when you were here trainers and the person—the equipment last year—or 2 years ago—and you said you personnel, the people who never get the— were going to say a few words and you who never get heralded. I understand it’s— said like four words. [Laughter] the players, obviously, are the ones that . I got carried away. make it happen, but there are a lot of peo- The President. Yes, right. You got carried ple behind the scenes that have worked away. [Laughter] long and hard to support these guys. And Here’s what I like about this team: They I want to congratulate you as well. had a thousand hours of volunteer service I appreciate Sununu, the Senator from to communities in Massachusetts and New New Hampshire. He’s a huge fan of the England. That’s a lot of hours for people team, as is Ed Markey and Jim McGovern, who are spending a lot time practicing and people from the mighty Massachusetts del- reading playbooks. That is an unbelievably egation. We’re proud you’re here. Thanks important example for champions to set for for coming. Andy Card, the Chief of Staff others. I know you supported the Boys and

841

ug 31 2005 11:38 Dec 19 2006 Jkt 201942 PO 00000 Frm 00841 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\201942A 020 201942A May 10 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2004

Girls Club and the Dana-Farber Cancer stand that we’re grateful for their service Institute, the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund, the and grateful to their families as well for R.O.S.E. Fund to end domestic violence. the sacrifices they’re making. I really want to thank you for that. Listen, We have got some unbelievable troops, it’s one thing to be a champ on the field, fantastic men and women who understand and obviously, that’s what every player that they’re serving something important, strives for. But to be able to be a complete and that is security for our country and person like you have been is really impor- peace and freedom around the world. And tant, and you set such a good example of the fact that players are willing to serve what it means to serve something greater their communities reinforces that service of than yourself. our troops. I know there’s a lot of fans that come So thanks for what you do. Congratula- to your game. You also know there are tions for getting back here to the Rose fans that are rooting for you who wear the Garden. My hope, of course, is that I’m uniform of the United States military—a back here again to see you next year. lot of Pats fans out there who are scattered [Laughter] Your hope is that you come around the world, doing everything they back. can to defend us and to protect us. They Welcome back. Congratulations. are cheering in places like Afghanistan and in Iraq and in other countries. It is—I can’t NOTE: The President spoke at 1:32 p.m. in tell you how important it is for them to the Rose Garden at the White House. In his see the action from home, to see the great remarks, he referred to Tom Brady, quarter- players performing on the field of play. It’s back, Robert Kraft, chairman and owner, Bill also important for them to know that our Belichick, head coach, and Adam Vinatieri, players care for them a lot, that they under- kicker, New England Patriots.

Remarks at Butterfield Junior High School in Van Buren, Arkansas May 11, 2004

Thank you all very much. Thanks for ‘‘Come on, Cliff, quit pulling my leg.’’ coming. I appreciate it. Go ahead and be [Laughter] seated. Thanks for coming. Todd, thanks So, Todd, I understand how those phone for having us. [Laughter] That story he told calls can go. [Laughter] But we are serious reminds me of the time when I had just about coming here because Butterfield Jun- got elected Governor of Texas, and a friend ior High is a place of academic achieve- of mine said, ‘‘Why don’t you call old ment. That’s why I’m here. It’s a place— Bascom Bentley on the phone?’’ He’s an I’m here to congratulate this school and east Texas guy, and he said, ‘‘Why don’t to hold you up as an example to the coun- you call Bascom Bentley on the phone and try. You’re raising the bar. You see, this just wish him the best.’’ So I picked up is a school that expects the best for every the phone and dialed old Judge Bentley. student. You’re reaching for high standards, He’s one of these east Texas judges. You and more importantly, you’re making probably know the kind I’m talking about progress toward meeting those standards. here in Arkansas. [Laughter] I said, ‘‘Judge, You’re doing your job. this is George W. Bush calling.’’ He said, I know the school year ends on May 27th. And I bet some of the students are

842

1 2005 11:38 Dec 19 2006 Jkt 201942 PO 00000 Frm 00842 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\201942A 020 201942A