Bill Clinton: “Thank you very much. I know a good doctor. United States Navy. [Laughter] Mr. Vice President, Commander Frank, Colonel…”

“Thank you very much. I know a good doctor. United States Navy. [Laughter] Mr. Vice President, Commander Frank, Colonel Harmon, Secretary Albright, Secretary Cohen, Ambassador Richardson, Mr. Berger, General Shalikashvili and General Ralston and members of the Joint Chiefs; to the distinguished veterans and community leaders here, especially to Judge Waters. You know, when he told that horse story, I nearly fell out of my chair. [Laughter] But you didn't know what I was thinking. [Laughter] I was thinking, there have been several days here in the last 4\1/2\ years when I would be grateful just to have been called what that doctor called him. [Laughter] Before I begin, I would like to state what I hope is obvious now, but I've never said it formally, and that is that I intend to nominate Deputy Secretary Gober to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs. We have been friends for many years. He did a superb job as the State director of veterans affairs in our home State. He was a good partner and support to Jesse Brown, who fulfilled his promise to me to be a Secretary for as well as a Secretary of Veterans Affairs. And I believe that Hershel will serve in that great tradition, and I thank him for agreeing to do so. Tomorrow, as the Vice President said, we will commemorate Independence Day and the Declaration of Independence, which I recommend everyone read every Independence Day.…”