Even in the darkest periods, the light of those ideals were never extinguished.

We want our children to be scientists and engineers and doctors and teachers.

We have a set of challenges that require NATO to shift from the 20th century to the 21st century--issues of terrorism, failed states, nuclear proliferation--a whole host of new challenges.

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Peter A. Kovar, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Today we pay our respect to those who distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, the recipients of the Medal of Honor.

It is a privilege to join all of you as we celebrate the contributions of Greece and those of Greek heritage to this country and to the world.

You sent me here to solve them, and with your help, that's what I intend to do.

I want to thank the national finance committee, the mid-Atlantic finance committee, everybody in this room who has been there every step of the way for the last couple of years.

Medal of Honor recipients are the foremost example of greatness in service and sacrifice.

We are grateful to all those who wear the uniform of our Armed Forces and serve and sacrifice on behalf of our great Nation.

We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that our Nation can never fully repay.

These soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsman embody the best of American values and ideals.

Greece stands as a testament of that unflinching character.

These leaders found allies in ancient texts.

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Dallas P. Tonsager, of South Dakota, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development.

NATO's door will stay open for new members if they perform--if they fulfill the criteria.

We reaffirm a bond between our two nations born through struggle but also through shared ideals.

If we get this right, we will provide not only a ready and relevant force, but a force that was done with a relatively wise use of all the dollars available.