Remarks to the American Legion Boys Nation and the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation

The President. Hello, everybody.

Audience members. Hello, Mr. President.

The President. We actually just met, for the audience. We just met. [Laughter] We took pictures, right?

Audience members. Yes.

The President. That's right. Well, thank you very much. It's my great honor to officially welcome Boys and Girls Nation to the White House. Really special place, isn't it though? Isn't it great?

Audience members. Yes.

The President. Great. And I want to congratulate you—what a job you've all done—basically on all you've achieved at a very young age. It's incredible. For decades, the American Legion has brought the best and brightest to the White House. This has taken place for many years.

Each of you were chosen out of the many thousands of people, that—you know, they're all calling in, they want to get into the White House. Is anybody upset that you're here?

Audience members. No.

The President. Okay, but you're all really happy that you're here, right?

But you represent your State, and that's a very, very important element too. And a very important factor in getting here. You all share incredible talent and drive. Most importantly, you have each other to really work with and to help. And you help each other, you're teammates, you love our country—that's something we all have in common, right? We love our country, right?

While you come from all corners of our great landscape, you are all united by your devotion—total devotion—to our great American flag, our freedom, and the principles that bind us together as one people and one Nation. For more than a century, the American Legion has taught young citizens about the importance of patriotism and loyalty to our country. And through it all, there's nothing like what you're doing today and what you've achieved over a very, very short period of time. We want to thank you, and we want to thank the national chapters and everybody else.

We have to really give a special thanks to Commander Charles Schmidt. Where's Charles? Where is Charles? Come here, Charles. Come here, Charles. Come on up here, Charles. What a great job. Come on. You want to—see, he wants to give you all the credit. [Laughter] Who served in the Air Force for 28 years and now advances the Legion's proud legacy. Thank you, Charles.

Today we are joined by President of the American Legion and Auxiliary Mary Davis. Where is Mary? Where is Mary? Hello, Mary. You want to come up here? Come on, Mary. And Executive Director—who I know—Verna Jones. Come on, Verna. Come on up. Come on up. Come on up, Mary. Be careful.

I want to thank you for your commitment to these incredible students and to our country. Thank you.

American Legion Auxiliary National President Mary E. Davis. Thank you so much. I appreciate that.

American Legion Executive Director Verna Jones. Thank you. I appreciate it.

The President. Congratulations. I also want to honor former National Commander Bob Turner, who everyone really knows.

Audience members. Bob! Bob! Bob!

The President. Wow. That's pretty good, Bob. [Laughter] That's as good as I've ever heard. [Laughter] That's fantastic. Come on over here, Bob. Be careful. We don't want to see Bob go down. Do you agree with that? [Laughter] Because he will never forget that. Come on, Bob.

American Legion Director of Activities and Former National Commander Bob Turner. I've got it.

The President. Got it?

Mr. Turner. I've got it.

The President. This year, Bob is celebrating his 35th year helping to lead Boys Nation, all as a volunteer. Thank you very much, Bob. That's so great. And, Bob, I know everyone here today agrees when I say thousands of young Americans are better patriots because of your incredible and steadfast service. Right, fellas? Right?

Through this program, countless young people like you have been inspired to protect American interests and to promote American values. Right? Many of those who have been in your place have gone on to become Governors, Members of Congress, generals, and one even became a President. You know who that one was?

Audience members. Yes, sir.

The President. Go ahead.

Audience members. Bill Clinton.

The President. That's true. See? [Laughter]

The American Legion has held this meeting for seven decades. Just think of the history that has occurred during that time. When the first group of students met in 1946—oh, that's an important day, you know why? That's when I was born. [Laughter] I hate to admit it.

Ms. Davis. I'm 3 years younger.

The President. I hate to admit it. Oh, 1946. Oh, wow. [Laughter] I shouldn't have said that, Bob. You—[laughter].

Our nation had just welcomed home our brave heroes whose spirit and courage achieved victory over tyranny in World War II. Just over 20 years later, young men and women like you watched a man land on the Moon and dreamed of new frontiers in space. In 1987, Americans all across this Nation joined their hearts with President Ronald Reagan in the hope, the prayer, and the conviction that the Berlin Wall would crumble in the face of truth, justice, and freedom. You know all about that.

Audience members. Yes, sir.

The President. In each of these moments and so many others, America triumphed. We win. We know how to win, right? Does everybody know——

Audience members. Yes!

The President. And we win because of the spirit of our people. Believe me, that's a big part of it.

Just think of the amazing moments in history you will witness during your lifetime. Well, you saw one on November 8, right? Huh?

Audience members. Yes!

The President. That was a pretty amazing moment we have—and we're doing a good job. Our country is doing so well now. We're doing a good job. You all happy?

Audience members. Yes!

The President. Because you have what it takes to be the leaders that will shape this future. Some of you may want to come back to the Capital—someday, you're going to be back, many of you—and help make the laws that will guide this Nation and govern our land.

Others may choose to answer the call of duty, put on the uniform, and risk everything for our Nation and for our Nation's people. Still others may become business leaders, teachers, artists, and inventors. We have them all, and we have them all here today.

And some of you don't even really know what it might be, but we have people that are going to be so successful, so incredible in their lives. And you're going to be happy. Do what you love. Do what you love. Follow what you love.

So I want to just tell—as you pour your whole heart into everything you do, really, you're doing it for your family, you're doing it for your country, but you're also doing it for yourselves. Because ultimately, you have to do it for yourself. It's better for your country, and your country wants you to succeed so much.

But there's no country like the United States of America, and there's no country that can give you the kind of opportunity that we give you in the United States.

Being successful is about finding your purpose in life and never ever giving up. Do you ever give up?

Audience members. No, sir!

The President. No. Does anybody here give up?

Audience members. No, sir!

The President. What about here?

Audience members. No, sir!

The President. You're right. [Laughter] And I think they mean it. I think they mean it.

Ms. Jones. They mean it, sir. They mean it. The President. You were chosen for this program because you believe in America's future and because you have the ambition and the heart to ensure that America will always be victorious and will always prevail.

Through Boys and Girls Nation, you are learning the values that are necessary for a nation to endure and for a nation to thrive: pride in our history, loyalty to our citizens, and allegiance to our great American flag.

In the decades to come you will help our Nation reach new heights—we'll be so proud of you—discover new frontiers, and strengthen the bonds of loyalty between our country and its people.

It is my honor to meet with you all today, and it was my greater honor to come out here early before the press got here to take all of those pictures that we took, and I hope they send you the right pictures. [Laughter] And they will.

As I look out at the audience, I see the next generation of American leaders. I see the promise of our future. I see the strength and love of the American spirit. And because of young people like you, I am more confident than ever in the future of the United States.

Together, we will make America greater than ever before. I mean that. We're going to make America greater than ever before, and we're on our way. You see what's going on. We're building up military. We're getting great job numbers, best in 17 years. Best job numbers in 17 years. The enthusiasm for manufacturers and business is at just about the highest point since they started taking those tests.

So I just want to tell you, go out there. Go get them. I have no doubt you're going to—every one of you—be successful.

Never quit. Never give up. Always do what you love. Take great care of your family and your parents, because we love your parents. [Laughter] You probably wouldn't be here without your parents, right? [Laughter]

So thank you again to the American Legion, and congratulations to you all. God bless you, and God bless America. And thank you for being at the White House. Thank you.

Q. Mr. President, how did you decide your policy on transgender people in the military?

Audience member. Get out of here.

The President. You go ahead. She's very rude.

[At this point, Mr. Turner led participants in singing "Show Your Colors, America".]

Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

Audience members. U.S.A.! [Laughter]

The President. You got the last word. Thank you, Bob. Thank you, everybody. Have a great life and love your country and love your God. Okay? Bye, everybody. Bye, everybody. Thank you.

[Mr. Turner led participants in singing "Battle Hymn of the Republic".]