For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 2, 2001

Remarks by the President
During Visit to the Jefferson Memorial

                             Washington, D.C.

3:40 P.M. EDT

     Q    What's the occasion, Mr. President?

     THE PRESIDENT:  Wanted to come over.  We're looking right out our window every day at the Jefferson.  It's a beautiful day.  Wanted to come over and begin the beginning of the 4th of July celebration here at the Jefferson Memorial; it's an opportunity to say hello to some of our fellow Americans.

     Q    What does the 4th mean to you, Mr. President?

     THE PRESIDENT:  Well, it's an unimaginable honor to be the President during the 4th of July of this country.  It means what these words say, for starters.  The great inalienable rights of our country.  We're blessed with such values in America.  And I -- it's -- I'm a proud man to be the nation based upon such wonderful values.

     I can't tell you what it's like to be in Europe, for example, to be talking about the greatness of America.  But the true greatness of America are the people.  And it's another reason we're here, is to be able to say hello to some of our fellow Americans who are here to celebrate.

     It's good to see everybody.  John, when are you getting married?

     Q    Three weeks, sir.

                            END                  3:43 P.M. EDT