America's role in the world - President George Bush speech - Transcript

US Department of State Dispatch, Jan 11, 1993

There are many forms of contributing to this country, of public service. Yes, there is government. There is volunteerism. I love to talk about the thousand points of light: one American helping another. The daily tasks that require doing--in our classrooms, in our hospitals, our cities, our farms-all can and do represent a form of service. In whatever form, service benefits our society, and it ennobles the giver. It is a cherished American concept, one we should continue to practice and pass on to our children.

This was what I wanted to share on this occasion. You are beginning your service to country, and I am nearing the end of mine. Exactly half a century ago, in June of 1942, we were at war and I was graduating from school. The speaker that day at Andover was thenSecretary of War Henry Stimson. And his message was one of public service but with a twist--on the importance of finishing one's schooling before going off to fight for one's country.

I listened closely to what he had to say, but I didn't take his advice. That day was my 18th birthday. When the commencement ceremony ended, I went on into Boston and enlisted in the Navy as a seaman 2nd class. I never regretted it.

You, too, have signed up. You, too, will never regret it. And I salute you for it.

Fortunately, because of the sacrifices made in years before and still being made, you should be able to complete this phase of your education. A half century has passed since I left school to go into the service; a half century has passed since that day when Stimson spoke of the challenge of creating a new world.

You will also be entering a new world, one far better than the one I came to know-a world with the potential to be far better yet. This is the challenge; this is the opportunity of your lifetimes. I envy you for it, and I wish you Godspeed.