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Washington, DC, area. Thanks for coming who long for freedom, and we pray that to the . they might one day live in a world at peace I wish my dog Barney was here. [Laugh- and in a free society. And in this Nation ter] But I’m afraid Barney would have met of many faiths, we ask that the almighty his match with that turkey. [Laughter] So God continue to bless us and to watch over we kept him inside. us. I want to thank the Secretary of And now, as we look to our national day Agriculture for coming. Ann, it’s great to of Thanksgiving, I have the honor of car- see you. I appreciate all our distinguished rying out an important Presidential tradi- guests for being here. I particularly want tion. The bird’s name is Katie. [Laughter] to thank Ron Prestage, who is the chairman Ron, it was awfully nice of you to name of the National Turkey Federation. It turns that bird after your daughter. It’s a high out his dad, Bill, was the chairman of the honor to be named—to have that turkey National Turkey Federation. We kind of named after your child. And it’s a fine look- like father-and-son combos around here. ing turkey. [Laughter] [Laughter] It’s also good to have Alice By virtue of this pardon, Katie is on her Johnson with us as well. Thank you all for way not to the dinner table but to Kidwell coming. Farm in Herndon, Virginia. There she’ll The Thanksgiving proclamation which I live out her days as safe and comfortable signed this morning is a Presidential tradi- as she can be. tion which began with George Washington. Thank you all for coming. Happy The days of Thanksgiving are an American Thanksgiving. I look forward to having a tradition. We’ve observed this tradition conversation with Katie. Let’s do it. since the Pilgrims. Americans have always been a grateful people: We’re grateful for [At this point, the President greeted audi- our freedom; we’re grateful for our fami- ence members.] lies; we’re grateful for our beautiful coun- All right, thank you all for coming. try. Each year at Thanksgiving, we gather Happy Thanksgiving. in that spirit to count our blessings and to share those blessings with our families NOTE: The President spoke at 1:26 p.m. in and with others. the Rose Garden at the White House. In his On this , American families will remarks, he referred to Alice Johnson, presi- be thinking of loved ones far from home, dent, National Turkey Federation. The especially members of our military, who de- Thanksgiving Day proclamation of Novem- fend our country. We remember those in ber 21 is listed in Appendix D at the end other lands who suffer under oppression, of this volume.

Message on the Observance of Hanukkah, 2002 November 26, 2002

I am pleased to send greetings to every- story of ’s courageous faith. In a vic- one celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of torious struggle against their oppressors, the lights. heroically overcame enormous For eight days and nights, Hanukkah odds to liberate the ancient kingdom of commemorates the rededication of the Israel. Hanukkah reminds us that faith can Holy Temple in and the ancient

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give us the strength to overcome oppres- the Temple and the long-standing struggle sion. Today, the spirit of the Maccabees of the Jewish people against adversity. continues to live and thrive among the Jew- Americans join in thanking God for our ish people and in the State of Israel. blessings and renew our commitment to the During the eight days of Hanukkah, values of faith, family, and community that throughout the world gather with family make us strong. The candles of Hanukkah and friends to rejoice and celebrate. Each remind us that in the face of darkness, night, they light a branch of the menorah goodness will prevail. to commemorate the miracle of the lamp Laura joins me in sending our best wish- that, with only enough oil for one day, es for a joyous Hanukkah. burned in the ancient Temple for eight days. The festival of lights culminates on the eighth night when all the candles burn NOTE: An original was not available for in unity, symbolizing the eternal light of verification of the content of this message.

Memorandum on the Establishment of the Department of Homeland Security November 26, 2002

Memorandum to Federal Employees initial plan I sent to the Congress, nearly Yesterday I signed into law legislation to all the affected agencies would be brought create the new Department of Homeland together on March 1 of next year. Security. It will unite our efforts under one We are assembling a great leadership roof and behind one primary mission: to team, made up of proven decision-makers protect the American people from another who know how to get the job done. They terrorist attack. share your vision and commitment to a Achieving that goal is my highest and more secure homeland. I intend to nomi- most urgent priority as President. Our suc- nate Governor Tom Ridge to serve as Sec- cess is made possible by the hard work retary of the new Department of Homeland and unwavering you’ve shown Security, Mr. Gordon England to serve as before and after September 11th. Ameri- Deputy Secretary, and Mr. Asa Hutchinson cans owe you their gratitude for helping to serve as Under Secretary for Border and to keep their families safe and their com- Transportation Security. munities secure. Many of you are familiar with Governor As you know, the Department of Home- Tom Ridge. As the Nation’s first Homeland land Security will focus on three critical Security Advisor, he exercised tremendous objectives to: leadership on a complex, multifaceted • Prevent terrorist attacks within the topic. For him, homeland security is a na- United States; tional effort, not simply a Federal one. • Reduce America’s vulnerability to ter- Governor Ridge served as Governor of rorism; and Pennsylvania for almost 6 years. Prior to • Minimize the damage from potential that he was elected six times to the United attacks and natural disasters. States House of Representatives with over- We will form the new Department as whelming majorities. He is also a decorated soon as possible. Under the terms of the Vietnam veteran. Governor Ridge has

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