Former U.S. President George W. Bush gave a speech at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's opening ceremony located in the National Mall on September 24, 2016 in Washington, DC. The ceremony was also attended by former first lady Laura Bush, former president Bill Clinton and current president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama.
The museum's construction was officially authorized thirteen years ago when President Bush signed the bill presented by Congress.
The video and full transcript (text) is provided below.
Quote Highlights from Bush's Speech
The heart-felt speech given by President Bush included moments of humor as well as moments of reflection. He called the museum a "national treasure" and mentioned he was honored to sign the bill into legislation. While the full transcript of the speech is provided below, here are the top quotes from his address:
- I was honored to sign the bill authorizing the construction of this national treasure.
- You know, it would be fair to say that the Congress and I did not always see eye to eye. If you know what I mean, Mr. President. (Laughter)
- A great nation does not hide its history. It faces its flaws and corrects them. This museum tells the truth that a country founded on the promise of liberty held millions in chains. That the price of our union was America's original sin.
- Our country is better and more vibrant because of their contributions and the contributions of millions of African Americans.
- The lesson in this museum is that all Americans share a past and a future by staying true to our principles, righting injustice, and encouraging the empowerment of all.
President George W. Bush Speech at National African-American Museum
Thirteen years ago, President George W. Bush authorized legislation to establish the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a bill brought to him by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) and then-Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) On Saturday, Bush addressed the thousands at the museum's opening ceremony - here's the full transcript of his remarks:
"Thank you all. (To Laura.) Thank you, darling. (Laughter) Laura has been very much engaged in this museum for a long time. She sits on the board. And we're honored to be here. My first reaction is I hope all of our fellow citizens come and look at this place. It is fabulous.
Mr. President and first lady, vice president, chief justice, [Smithsonian Secretary] David [Skorton], thank you very much. The board. I do want to give a shout out to [museum director] Lonnie [Bunch]. It's really important to understand this project would not and could not have happened without his drive, his energy and his optimism.
As Laura mentioned, 15 years ago, members from both parties - Congressman John Lewis and Sam Brownback, then-senator from Kansas - informed me that they were about to introduce legislation creating a new museum to share the stories and celebrate the achievements of African Americans. You know, it would be fair to say that the Congress and I did not always see eye to eye. If you know what I mean, Mr. President. (Laughter) But this is one issue where we strongly agreed. I was honored to sign the bill authorizing the construction of this national treasure. And I'm pleased it now stands where it has always belonged, on the National Mall.
This museum is an important addition to our country for many reasons. Here are three. First, it shows our commitment to truth. A great nation does not hide its history. It faces its flaws and corrects them. This museum tells the truth that a country founded on the promise of liberty held millions in chains. That the price of our union was America's original sin.
From the beginning, some spoke to truth. John Adams, who called slavery an 'evil of colossal magnitude,' their voices were not heeded, and often not heard. But they were always known to a power greater than any on earth, one who loves his children and meant them to be free.
Second, this museum shows America's capacity to change. For centuries, slavery and segregation seemed permanent. Permanent parts of our national life. But not to Nat Turner or Frederick Douglass; Harriet Tubman; Rosa Parks; or Martin Luther King Jr. All answered cruelty with courage and hope.
In a society governed by the people, no wrong lasts forever. After struggle and sacrifice, the American people, acting through the most democratic of means, amended the constitution that originally treated slaves as three-fifths of a person, to guarantee equal protection of the laws. After a decade of struggle, civil rights acts and voting rights act were finally enacted. Even today, the journey toward justice is still not complete. But this museum will inspire us to go farther and get there faster.
And finally, the museum showcases the talent of some of our finest Americans. The galleries celebrate not only African American equality, but African American greatness. I cannot help but note that a huge influence in my teenage years is honored here, the great Chuck Berry.(Laughter) Or my baseball idol growing up in far West Texas, the great Willie Mays. And of course, something I never really mastered, the ability to give a good speech, but Thurgood Marshall sure could. And some of you may know I'm a fledgling painter, a struggling artist.(Laughter) I have a new appreciation for the artists whose brilliant works are displayed here, people like Robert Duncanson, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Charles Henry Alston.
Our country is better and more vibrant because of their contributions and the contributions of millions of African Americans. No telling of American history is neither complete nor accurate without acknowledging them.
The lesson in this museum is that all Americans share a past and a future by staying true to our principles, righting injustice, and encouraging the empowerment of all. We will be an even greater nation for generations to come. I congratulate all those who played a role in creating this wonderful museum. May God bless us all."
