CNBC interrupted it's Financial News reportage to present the 
Speech Live. I and everyone I have been in contact with (including people
who not only did not vote for Bush, but have great antipathy) were impressed 
!! 
========================================================
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT 
SIGNING OF COLUMBUS DAY PROCLAMATION

The East Room 
October 8, 2001
3:09 P.M. EDT 

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  I'm glad I invited you. (Laughter.)
Thank you all for coming.  Laura and I are delighted to have you here to
celebrate Columbus Day.  Since 1934, when Franklin Roosevelt first
proclaimed the national holiday, our entire nation has observed Columbus Day
to mark that moment when the Old World met the New.  We honor the man from
Genoa and the vision that carried him throughout his ten-week voyage.  And
we recognize -- as well we recognize the unique contributions that people of
Italian descent have made here in our country for more than five centuries. 

Italian-Americans were among the many public servants last month who gave
extraordinary service in an hour of dire emergency.  Some are with us today.
The Fire Department of Arlington, Virginia was first on the scene after the
attack on the Pentagon.  And we're so honored to have Battalion Chief, Jim
Bonzano with us today.  (Applause.) 

We have representatives of the New York Police and Fire Departments with us,
representatives of people who showed incredible bravery and sacrifice and
determination.  Please welcome Joe Esposito and Chief Dan Nigro.
(Applause.) 

Chief Nigro is the successor of Peter Ganci, Jr., whom I had the privilege
of meeting two years ago.  Chief Ganci gave his life at the World Trade
Center and was laid to rest on September the 15th.  We're so delighted today
to have heroes here representing the Ganci family:  his wife, his two sons
and his daughters.  Welcome, and thank you for being here.  (Applause.) 

I can't remember if it was Chris or Peter III who looked out at the South
Lawn and said, God, I wish Dad were here.  He could hit a three wood right
over the fence.  (Laughter.)  I said, it might make him nervous; he might
shank it into the water.  (Laughter.)  He said, no, you don't know my Dad. 

I want to thank the Sons of Italy who have joined us today, as well as the
leadership of the National Italian American Foundation and UNICO National
who are here as well.  Thank you all for coming.  (Applause.) 

Ambassador Salleo from Italy; we're so glad you're here, and thank you for
bringing your wife with you as well.  I just got off the phone call with
your Prime Minister, Prime Minister Berlusconi, who is a good friend of mine
and a good friend of America's.  He sends his best, by the way. Welcome.
(Applause.) 

I want to thank the members of Congress who are here.  Thank you all for
coming.  And I also am so pleased that the first Italian-American to serve
on our Supreme Court, has agreed to join us as well.  Justice Scalia, thank
you for being here, sir.  (Applause.) 

I'm proud to have a number of Italian-Americans in my administration. A
member of my Cabinet unfortunately is not here, but I can assure you he's
doing a great job, and that's Tony Principi.  So Proud of Tony's service to
the veterans of our country.  He's doing a really outstanding job. 

As you know, that sometimes we have to do battle on Capitol Hill.  I try to
avoid those battles, but occasionally, it has to happen.  And, therefore, I
picked an Italian-American to lead that battle for the White House.
(Laughter.)  Nick Calio.  Where are you, Nick?  (Applause.)  There you are.
I know Congresswoman Pelosi is saying, all you've got to do is do it the way
she tells you to, and things will be fine.  (Applause.)  I'm also honored
that Gian-Carlo Peressutti of my staff has put this event together.  And I
want to thank Gian-Carlo as well for his hard work. (Applause.) 

Our White House has been -- has welcomed many entertainers before. And
today, we have the honor of welcoming a lady who you all know well, whose
mom had entertained at the White House years ago.  She entertained the
Kennedys.  And today, after I sign the proclamation, Liza Minnelli has
agreed to entertain us in this beautiful room in this beautiful house of the
people. 

I was in New York last week.  Like all Americans, I am amazed at what a
great job the New York City folks are doing.  The spirit of New York. The
willingness for people to pull together and to help a neighbor in need. And
I'm most impressed by the character of the leadership there.  Two people of
Italian heritage, I might add:  The Governor -- (laughter) -- and Mayor Rudy
Giuliani.  (Applause.) 

The evil ones thought they were going to hurt us, and they did, to a certain
extent.  But what they really did was, they enabled the world to see the
true character and compassion and spirit of our country.  And no finer
example of that than New York City. 

This Columbus Day should be one of deep pride for all Americans -- all
Americans -- especially those for Italian descent.  From the very beginning
of our country, the sons and daughters of Italy have brought honor to
themselves and have enriched our national life.  In the beauty of this
Capital City we see the hand of Italian immigrants who spent more than 10
years carving the great seated figure in the Lincoln Memorial, who adorned
the National Cathedral with statues, and who graced the dome and corridors
of the Capitol building with magnificent art. 

Our freedom itself was gained with the help of three Italian regiments that
crossed the Atlantic to fight in the Revolutionary War.  Our Declaration of
Independence bears the signatures of two Italian-Americans. In later
struggle, dozens of Italian-Americans would receive the Medal of Honor.  And
today, when Americans pay tribute to the Greatest Generation, we have in
mind people like Captain Don Gentile, the fighting ace whom General
Eisenhower described as a "one-man air force." 

Take any field of endeavor -- any achievement of this country -- and
Italian-Americans are part of it.  For generation after generation, the
success of our country has drawn heavily from the industry and
resourcefulness of Italian immigrants and their families.  The same can be
said for the values that make us great nation.  The millions who came here
brought with them a distinct strength of character, faith in God, devotion
to family, and love of life. 

This summer I visited Genoa, where, 550 years ago, Christopher Columbus was
born.  All around that vibrant, modern city are glimpses of the ancient
civilization that still inspires the world's admiration, and always will.
In so many ways, that culture has added to our own -- first on three small
ships, then on many more.  It is our good fortune to be an immigrant nation
-- to be the keepers of traditions and gifts that have come to us from great
nations like Italy. 

More than 15 million Americans claim Italian heritage.  And all Americans
have reason to be grateful, because we would be poorer without it.  I now
have the singular honor of signing the official document proclaiming October
8th, 2001 as Columbus Day in the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

END
3:17 P.M. EDT

Lisa Minnelli then sang for the assemblage including the President and his 
wife,  "Say Yes" and "New York, New York".