For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 12, 2005
President Attends Ford's Theatre Gala
Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C.
THE PRESIDENT: Jeff, thanks for the warm introduction. I like a
good, long introduction. (Laughter.) Say, listen, if you're ever
looking for work, Laura is looking for some new material. (Laughter.)
We've had a wonderful time this evening. Thank you all very much.
I particularly want to thank the entertainers tonight: Debbie Allen
and Geena Davis, Hilary Duff, Josh Gracin, Denyce Graves, Jesse
McCartney -- thanks for dedicating a song to Laura, Jesse.
MRS. BUSH: Thank you very much, Jesse.
THE PRESIDENT: Pendragons -- how about the Pendragons.
(Applause.) And Julie Roberts. Thank you all so very much for being
here.
I also want to thank our Gala chair, Catherine Reynolds, as well as
the general co-chairs who are here -- Karyn Frist, Landra Reid, Abby
Blunt, and Debbie Dingell. Laura and I thank the Ford's Theatre
Society, and to the producing director, Paul Tetreault.
Since we moved to Washington, Laura and I have been guests of
Ford's Theatre a number of times, and we appreciate the vital work it
is doing. As a working stage, Ford's Theatre provides an important
venue for the arts right here in the heart of our Nation's Capital.
I'm really grateful to the members of the Armed Services who
participated in tonight's celebration. (Applause.) Our military is
defending America and advancing the cause of freedom and peace around
the world. We are privileged to be citizens of a country served by our
brave troops, and we thank them for their service.
We appreciate the military families who are with us tonight. It's
not easy being left behind when a loved one goes to war. By loving and
supporting a man or woman in uniform, our military families also serve
our nation, and America is grateful to all of them for their support
and sacrifice. (Applause.)
Once again, we thank all the entertainers and the supporters of the
Ford's Theatre who have made this evening one to remember. May God
bless you all, and may God continue to bless the United States.
(Applause.)
END
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