Bill Clinton: “Thank you. That was one of the more unusual introductions I've ever had. [Laughter] But I do have a lot more wrinkles…”

“Thank you. That was one of the more unusual introductions I've ever had. [Laughter] But I do have a lot more wrinkles inside and out than I had when I showed up here, grayer hair, and a few more scars, which are deeper wrinkles. But it has been a great joy, thanks in no small measure to people like those who have joined us here today. I thank Secretary Riley and Secretary Kunin and all the fine people at the Education Department; the leaders of the education groups who are here; the members of the Commission for Presidential Scholars, Governor Sinner and others, who have served so well and who have selected all of you, so you know how wise they are. I thank them for their service to education, which is really service to our future. I want to make a brief announcement before I make the comments I have to make to you about education. Most of the people my age who were drawn into public service--as I hope each of you in your own way will become a public servant, even as a private citizen--were attracted by the example set by President Kennedy and the people who came into his administration. Many people now know that when I was about your age I met President Kennedy here in the Rose Garden, 32 years ago next month. It inspired me and my entire generation to believe that we should ask not what our country could do for us but what we could do for our country, how we could serve. And when I became President, I asked the American people to join me in a season of service.…”