[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
[December 8, 2002]
[Pages 2172-2174]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



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Remarks at the Kennedy Center Honors Reception
December 8, 2002

    Welcome to the East Room of the White House. We are glad you're 
here. Laura and I are so pleased to join you in honoring the 
achievements of 
five great 
Americans. We welcome the honorees, and we 
welcome their families and friends who share the pride of this special 
day.
    Each new group of Kennedy Center honorees presents a picture to 
remember. This year we've brought together in one room a legend of 
Broadway, the conductor of the Met, the composer of ``Mrs. 
Robinson''--[laughter]--the face of 
Cleopatra--[laughter]--and the voice of 
Darth Vader. [Laughter]
    We're all looking forward to a fine show this evening at the Kennedy 
Center, produced once again by George Stevens. Tonight's event recognizes lives of high achievement 
in the cultural arts. Each one of you is known to the American people in 
a way that runs deeper than fame. You've each made a place of your own 
in the culture of our Nation. And tonight you can know that you are 
appreciated as well as being admired.
    People say that the voice of the President is the most easily 
recognized voice in America. Well--[laughter]--I'm not going to make 
that claim in the presence of James Earl Jones. And that commanding voice belongs to one of the finest, 
most respected actors in this generation.
    There was a time when his voice was 
seldom heard. You see, as a boy, Jimmy Jones struggled with a speech 
impediment. Often he could communicate with his teachers only in 
writing. This young man had a heart full of courage and determination. 
And so, he learned debating and public speaking, and he read Shakespeare 
aloud to master the feel and rhythm of language. Later, he cleaned 
offices while learning the actor's craft.
    By his own will and God-given talent, James Earl Jones gained breakthrough roles on the stage and in some of 
the finest films of recent decades, from ``The Great White Hope'' to the 
``Field of Dreams.'' Along the way, Americans have come to know an 
artist of seriousness and skill. They've also come to know a man of 
great dignity whose voice we hope to hear for many years to come. 
Congratulations.
    It is not commonly known, but Paul Simon got 
his start on the stage as well, as the White Rabbit--[laughter]--in a 
sixth grade production of ``Alice in Wonderland.'' [Laughter] Playing 
the Cheshire Cat was his new friend Art Garfunkel.
    Paul Simon still thinks of himself as a boy 
from Queens. America thinks of Paul Simon as the writer of some of the 
most memorable songs of our times and a singer of eloquence and 
integrity. From collaborative works such as ``Bridge Over Troubled 
Waters'' to the groundbreaking rhythms of ``Graceland,'' Paul has defied 
musical boundaries, appealed to all generations, and expressed the 
ideals and hopes of mankind.
    He once studied to be a lawyer. When he chose 
another path, the legal profession missed out on volumes of moving and 
lyrical briefs. [Laughter] His decision to be a performer led him to 
Paris, where in the early 1960's you could have seen Paul Simon 
performing alone, for anyone who cared to stop and listen could have not 
known then that he would one day draw some of the largest live audiences 
ever.
    When you listen to Paul Simon's songs, you 
hear a gentle and truthful voice from a gifted man with a good heart. 
For the words and music he's brought to all our lives, America today 
honors Paul Simon.
    James Levine knew from his earliest years 
that he was destined for a life in music. In the decades since, he has 
conducted major orchestras around the world

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and is himself an institution as the maestro of the New York 
Metropolitan Opera.
    At the age of 3, he was playing melodies on 
the piano. His mother and father took him to 
symphonies where he would sit with the open score on his lap, conducting 
with a knitting needle. [Laughter] By age 9, he was producing full 
operas on a puppet stage at home. Helen and Lawrence Levine encouraged 
their son's extraordinary talent, while letting nobody exploit him. This 
prodigy matured into one of the most influential conductors America has 
ever produced.
    James Levine is known for an understated 
style, drawing attention to the music itself, with his vivid and precise 
interpretations. And his artistic vision has preserved and advanced the 
unmatched reputation of the Metropolitan Opera.
    James Levine has said that ``music chose 
me, because I can't remember life without it.'' For the rest of us, it 
is hard to think of American classical music without him. So tonight, 
the music world is grateful for the disciplined artistry and joyful 
presence of maestro James Levine.
    Our fourth honoree has been described by one theater critic as 
``20,000 volts of untamed electricity.'' [Laughter] Anyone who has seen 
Chita Rivera on the stage or screen knows what 
that critic means. Her professionalism, enthusiasm, and style have set a 
Broadway standard that few have ever reached.
    Chita began her training in classical 
ballet and became a star in ``West Side Story.'' She went on to 
acclaimed performances in ``Bye Bye Birdie,'' ``Sweet Charity,'' 
``Chicago,'' and many other great shows. She's the owner of two Tony 
awards and has been nominated for five more. Her hard work and personal 
warmth have gained her the respect of her peers and the affection of the 
American people.
    It is fitting we recognize these accomplishments here in her hometown. Her family lived on Buchanan Street. Chita's 
father played in the Navy Band. Her late mother, Katherine, who worked 
for the Government, remains her inspiration in life. Chita said, ``I am 
only an extension of my mother. I look like her. I think like her. Every 
step I do on that stage is for her.'' And I know, Chita, that your 
mother would also be proud of you today as America pays tribute to your 
distinguished career and your wonderful spirit.
    On a fall afternoon in 1951, President Harry Truman welcomed a group 
of young actresses to the White House. [Laughter] Among them was 
Elizabeth Taylor. At that event, Truman 
wondered aloud what the next 50 years would bring in the film industry. 
He added, ``I know some of these young ladies will see that day.'' Well, 
standing here in 2002, we are honored to welcome back that lovely girl 
who became one of the most accomplished and compelling actresses in 
movie history.
    Elizabeth Taylor's early pictures, like 
``National Velvet'' and ``Lassie Come Home,'' turned many reviewers into 
fans. One wrote, ``Her face is alive with youthful spirit. Her voice has 
the softness of sweet song, and her whole manner is one of refreshing 
grace.'' Through the years, her 
performances in such films as ``Giant'' and ``Butterfield 8'' and ``Cat 
on a Hot Tin Roof'' showed a depth and intensity that set her apart. Her 
face is one of the most memorable ever captured on film, and for 
millions of Americans, Elizabeth Taylor is the very definition of acting 
talent and movie stardom.
    She has also given her heart to 
important causes, especially the defeat of AIDS. For her compassionate 
life and for a film career like no other, the Kennedy Center and the 
American people honor Elizabeth Taylor.
    Each of 
our five 
honorees has shared great gifts and has 
enriched the life of our Nation. They have given us all many fond 
memories, and I hope these distinguished Americans and their families 
and friends will cherish the memory of this evening.
    Thank you all for coming. May God bless you all, and may God 
continue to bless America.

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Note: The President spoke at 5:22 p.m. in the East Room at the White 
House.