Remarks by the First Lady at a Performance of "Chasing George Washington"

Business Wire, March 7, 2008

WASHINGTON -- East Room

3:56 P.M. EST

MRS. BUSH: Welcome, everybody, to the White House. This is the perfect place to get to see the play we're going to see. We're going to see a few scenes from "Chasing George Washington," which is the play that's on at the Kennedy Center right now, the Kennedy Center Family Theater. And the play is actually a collaboration between the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the White House Historical Association. And the books that are written that go along with this play are a great book to read to learn about history.

There is a very famous portrait of George Washington in the White House. Does anybody see it? (Laughter.) Do you? That's it, right there. And this is a funny story about what happens when some kids come on a field trip to the White House and they accidentally bump into the picture of George Washington.

I think we have some guests today from a school that's studying this painting of George Washington. What's the name of the school? I have it right here in front of me. You're over here. What school are you all?

STUDENTS: Robert Brent.

MRS. BUSH: That's right. And aren't you studying the portrait of George Washington that this one is a copy of?

STUDENTS: Yes.

MRS. BUSH: Good. Well, I'm so glad you're here. We also have some people here whose parents are serving in the military, serving our country in the military, and then a lot of young people whose parents serve in our government.

So welcome to you all, and thank you very much. I'm so glad you're here.

So let's see what happens on this field trip when these children, a couple of mischievous children, run into this painting of George Washington. (Applause.)

END 3:58 P.M. EST