For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 18, 2005
President Encourages Service at 'America's Future Rocks' Concert
District of Columbia National Guard
Washington, D.C.
6:54 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. (Applause.) I hope
you've enjoyed this fantastic concert. (Applause.) I'm traveling --
as you can see, I'm traveling in pretty good company today, with the
First Lady of the United States, Laura. (Applause.) The mother of
Barbara and Jenna -- (applause) -- who we love dearly.
Listen, I want to thank all the entertainers who were here today.
How about Hilary Duff. She was fantastic. (Applause.) Thank you,
Hilary. JoJo -- JoJo is here -- yeah. (Applause.) Rubin Studdard --
you talk about a success story. (Applause.) Ryan Cabrera, I
appreciate Ryan being here. (Applause.) How about Three Doors Down?
(Applause.) Pretty cool guys, right? Seem cool to me. (Applause.)
Fuel -- I appreciate Fuel being here. (Applause.) Jason Sehorn -- I'm
honored that my friend, Jason -- and I'm really proud and pleased that
he brought his wife, Angie Harmon. (Applause.)
I want to thank Steve Baldwin for being with us today. I'm honored
that Steve was here. Erika Harold, Miss America 2003 -- what a fine
person Erika is. (Applause.) How about Kelly Purdue, the
"apprentice." (Applause.) Next thing you know, the guy will be running
for President. (Applause.) Nancy O'Dell -- I'm honored that Nancy is
with us. I appreciate you all coming.
Listen, I'm particularly thrilled to be standing on the stage with
some of America's soldiers in the army of compassion. (Applause.) So
the theme of this inauguration is to celebrate freedom and to honor
service. Today, Laura and I went by and we were able to thank some of
the men and women who wear our nation's uniform for their service to
our country, for their sacrifice for our freedoms. (Applause.) And
today, at this concert, we're particularly thrilled that we're honoring
service.
You know what that means? It means love a neighbor just like you'd
like to be loved yourself. Take time -- (applause)
-- take time out of your life to make somebody else's life better.
By helping heal a broken heart, or surrounding a friend with love, or
feeding the hungry, or providing shelter for the homeless, you can help
change America for the better, one heart, one soul, one conscience at a
time.
I want to thank you all for setting such a fantastic example.
(Applause.) Thank you for your service.
And my call to you all is that as you enjoy the great freedoms of
America, and as you enjoy yourself at this inauguration, I hope you
take away the lesson of helping somebody in need. And when you do, it
will not only make our country a better place, it will lift up your own
spirit.
Thanks for coming. Enjoy yourself. May God bless you all, and may
God bless America. (Applause.)
END 7:00 P.M. EST
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