George H.W. Bush

Washington sought not the security of power but the power to secure America's independence, to build a nation devoted to freedom and human dignity.

His love of democracy was matched only by his faith in human nature.

Your objective was clear. It was the liberation of Kuwait.

Desert Storm marks another turning point in America's destiny.

Today, here in the White House, we honor 10 Americans, 10 of the hundreds of thousands of heroes who answered the call.

The young men and women we've welcomed home from the Gulf return to a Nation far different than the one they left.

I am pleased to announce that the United States will sign an environmental protection protocol to the Antarctic treaty.

In recognition of your critical contributions to the success of Desert Storm, I take pride in presenting to each of you the Presidential Citizen's Medal.

Well, I've met with many of our sons and daughters who fought in the Gulf, and they are the heroes of Desert Storm.

Today we salute Hap and all the others here today and all the rest who built Mount Rushmore.

A visit to Mount Rushmore is a moment of communion with the very soul of America.

Desert Storm proved once more that America's strength of character begins in the heart of every individual.

Without Lincoln, I don't believe we would be a whole nation today.

Mr. President, America, your ally, shares your pride.

It is my great honor, on behalf of the American people, to welcome all of you to the White House.

Let me be very clear: Korea and the United States share an interest in seeing economic and political reform in the Soviet Union move forward.

Through our meetings this morning, Mr. President, I can reaffirm that we are indeed living in a great era of change.

The United States remains today fully committed to protecting the peace and security of Korea, even as Korea assumes a leading role in its own defense.

Today, Korea has entered an era of liberal democracy.

The Republic of Korea has stood fast at the frontier of freedom.

Korea's success stands as a testament to the resolve of the Korean people.

The Gulf war victory has established that the international community will no longer tolerate wanton aggression and that the rule of law shall prevail in the international community.

So, let us raise our glasses to President and Mrs. Roh, to the proud Republic of Korea, and to the lasting friendship between the people of Korea and the United States of America.

Mr. President, as valued partners, Korea and the United States together shall usher in a free, new, peaceful, and prosperous Pacific era in the 21st century.

And today, Mr. President, our two countries, mine and yours, are partners in a common challenge.