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(3) The United States is continuing to It wasn’t one of these things where the spot- make significant progress on elimi- light was on any individual; everybody went nating the North Korean ballistic mis- out at the same time. I thought that was a sile threat, including further missile pretty good signal to America that teamwork tests and its ballistic missile exports. is important, that the individual matters to You are hereby authorized and directed to the team, but the team is bigger than the report this determination and the accom- individual. That’s one of the things I try to panying Memorandum of Justification to the explain to people in Washington, that we’re Congress, and to arrange for publication of here to serve something greater than ourself. this determination in the Federal Register. And I appreciated so very much that signal George W. Bush to the country. I remember watching the early Patriots NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- there in Houston, when they came down to fice of the Press Secretary on April 2. the AFL. And I remember Gino Cappelletti. And Gino Cappelletti said this about this team—I think you probably remember Gino Remarks Honoring the 2002 Super Cappelletti, don’t you, Senator Kennedy? Bowl Champion New England You were around in those days—[laughter]— Patriots barely, but around. ‘‘I think every guy that April 2, 2002 ever played for the Patriots would be proud of this bunch. They are not only a team with The President. I’m honored to welcome great heart and toughness; they’re also a good the Super Bowl champ Patriots to the Rose group of guys. They were champs on the field Garden. I want to thank their owner, Bob and, more importantly, champs off the Kraft, for his leadership. And of course, I field’’—by sending not only a clear message want to thank their coach. Coach Bill has about the importance of teamwork but about brought a lot of organization and clarity of the importance of serving something greater purpose to this organization. I can remember than yourself in life, whether it be the Salva- when they were down on you a little bit— tion Army in the area or after-school I know how you feel. [Laughter] programs so some child realizes somebody As a matter of fact, the Patriots learned cares about them or how they conduct their an interesting lesson. I remember watching own home life—is just as important to me all the experts talk about the Super Bowl. and America, for that matter, than winning No one thought they’d win. They learned on the football field. So it’s an honor to wel- what I learned, that in politics and sports, come true football champs but as well really the experts are often wrong. fine Americans to the Rose Garden. I was really impressed by the character of Congratulations. this team. Most of all—I obviously watched the game—I was amazed at the play and how [At this point, , chairman and they won. For a guy growing up in Texas, owner, and , head coach, made that snow game looked pretty rough. [Laugh- brief remarks and presented the President ter] But I know all the Patriot fans were with a team jersey and an autographed foot- thrilled with that game and the Super Bowl. ball.] I know you’ve got some great fans here. The President. I appreciate that. Thank Obviously, Members of the Congress are you, sir. That is short. [Laughter] Congratula- great fans. It’s good to see Senator Kennedy, tions. Congratulations to you all. Senator Jeffords, who are here. I don’t know if any Members of the Congress are here as NOTE: The President spoke at 11:25 a.m. in the well, but I want to thank you both for com- Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, ing. he referred to Gino Cappelletti, retired Patriots I was impressed by a lot, but let me tell . The transcript released by the Of- you what impressed me most was when the fice of the Press Secretary also included the re- team took the field prior to the Super Bowl. marks of Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick.

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Remarks Following a Roundtable Remarks at Pennsylvania State Discussion With Early Childhood University, Delaware County, in Education Experts in Media, Media Pennsylvania April 2, 2002 April 2, 2002 Gosh, thanks for that warm welcome. It’s an honor for me to be here today to talk I just finished a discussion about early about a subject that’s dear to my heart and childhood development. I want to thank the a subject very important to the country, experts and the teachers and the soon-to-be which is the education of every child in teachers and those who are running Head America. Start programs for sharing their knowledge I just had the honor of meeting with a with Secretary Paige and me. panel of experts from not only the State of One thing is for certain: In order for all Pennsylvania but from around the country: Americans to realize the American Dream, teachers, soon-to-be teachers, people who we’ve got to make sure every child has the deeply care about the education of every sin- necessary foundation to be good readers, gle person. I want to thank them for their good writers, good comprehenders, which input. I want to thank them so very much means that this Nation must do a better job for their idealism. And I want to thank you of focusing our education strategy on early for your commitment to our country. childhood development programs. Three months ago I had the honor of sign- We’ve got to encourage parents to be good ing what is called the No Child Left Behind readers, good nurturers for their children. Act. It’s a piece of education reform, and I We’ve got to work with Head Start centers believe we’ll have—it was the beginning of to make sure that they’ve got the curriculum a new era of education in America. Through necessary to teach every child the building high standards and accountability, we’re blocks for reading. We’ve got to work with going to make sure that every school in States, to encourage States to develop a strat- America is ready to teach. egy that will help focus time and attention Now we must take another essential step. and resources on the programs that will not We must make sure that every child enters only give children the basics for reading but school ready to learn—every child—not just give children the essential nourishment so one, not just a few, but every single child. that they can become ready to compete in On this issue we know what works, and we the public school system in America. know our responsibilities. As parents, teach- I assured our panelists here that while I’m ers, and caregivers, we must give our chil- spending a lot of time on making sure Amer- dren the lifelong gift of early learning. And ica is safe and secure, that this initiative is today I’m here to outline specific measures a crucial initiative. It’s an essential part of to help meet that goal. completing the education reforms that Sen- Before I do so, I want to say how sorry ator Kennedy and Congressman Boehner I am that my wife, Laura, isn’t with me. The and both Republicans and Democrats reason why is because early childhood edu- worked on last year and I had the honor of cation has been a lifelong mission of hers. signing. In Texas and in Washington, she is a strong So this is a great initiative and a wonderful advocate for reading to our Nation’s youngest group of Americans that are here to discuss children. She will work to bridge the gaps this. I’m real proud of your work. I want to between scientists, policymakers, and care- thank you for your care and compassion for givers on this issue. I’m grateful for her lead- our fellow citizens. ership. America is beginning to understand Thank you. why I asked her to marry me. [Laughter] A lot of people are still wondering why she said NOTE: The President spoke at 2:33 p.m. in the yes. [Laughter] Commons/Athletic Center at Pennsylvania State I’m also honored to be traveling today with University, Delaware County. Rod Paige, who’s the Secretary of Education.

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