Remarks at the Dedication Ceremony for the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House in Bethesda, Maryland

Thank you, Secretary. What a beautiful day out here at Bethesda. Please be seated and thank you. Thank you, Secretary Garrett. And good morning, Admiral Lichtman. Thank you and all your associates for this warm welcome. I want to, of course, single out Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher for their generosity, not just for this but for others to follow.

I want to, with the risk of embarrassment, say that coming in I congratulated Admiral Trost, our former CNO, for his vision in getting this program underway. And everybody jumped all over me and said, it's not Carl, it's Pauline. So, we salute her as well, and both of them for their vision.

It's a special day for Barbara and me, coming back here to Bethesda to see an exceptional group of people. Glad we don't have to stay this time. [Laughter] But it does give me an opportunity, seeing so many familiar faces -- with my tiny, minor problem in mind -- to just say thank you. For those who have not been inside this place as a patient, the care and the concern for everybody -- all the patients that I visited with telling me this -- is just unbelievable. And it's typical of hospitals, of course, all across this country, but we saw it firsthand. And I extend you all my heartfelt thanks. No fibrillation, just bringing it on out -- [laughter] -- and would give you this report. Over the weekend, I played three hard sets of tennis, ran 2 miles, hit some golf balls. So, lest there be any doubts about the efficiency of Navy medicine, why, Admiral, I'm back 100 percent.

And true story and perhaps of not much interest, but I got this letter from a farmers' group during my recovery: "This wouldn't have happened if you'd eaten your broccoli." [Laughter] I would rather risk refibrillation, but that's my position. [Laughter] But there's a lot goes on at this medical center that's inspiring. I again commend the dedication of the doctors and the nurses, the corpsmen; all who make life so pleasant for people that are under stress and strain -- some of whom are just back from the Gulf, I might add, some of the professionals; and others who are still caring for some of the cases right here at the main hospital for those who really suffered, really got hurt in Desert Storm.

And so, today we celebrate something else that makes this place remarkable -- the opening of this Elizabeth and Zachary Fisher House, the gift of two longtime friends of ours. Barbara and I have known the Fishers for many, many years. I think it dates back, Zach, to 1971 when I was Ambassador at the U.N. But his building will provide lodging for military families who have come to visit their seriously ill or injured loved ones.

With pride I tell you that Barbara Bush has been very helpful in encouraging this kind of dwelling -- the Ronald McDonald Houses that so many of you know about that are connected with the many other hospitals, civilian hospitals. And she shares my joy in celebrating this one here.

Because a concerned couple cared, this house will become a home to families facing the triple blow of critical illness, financial pressures, and separation. And we had the pleasure of meeting several such families inside. And I must say, to hear them talk about what this means to them says it all.

Listen to how the Fishers dedicate this house: "To our greatest national treasure, our military men and women and their loved ones." Millions were touched by the sacrifice of our troops, but the Fishers did something. They acted upon this. And I've spoken to a lot of people about our concept of Points of Light, those who have given themselves to help others. And Elizabeth and Zach are brilliant Points of Light. They saw a need, and then they moved in to fill it. They didn't wait for Congress. They didn't wait for a study or a committee hearing. They saw a problem, moved in and solved it.

This kind of dedication and ingenuity has made ours the strongest and, I think, the most caring nation in the world. This comfort home is one of seven furnished family retreats that the Fishers are donating to military hospitals across the country. They were inspired by a simple wonderful truth: The most important part of life is being with someone you love, helping someone you love, sharing life with someone you love.

It was a little over a year ago that Barbara spoke up at Wellesley about our philosophy -- I think, our country's philosophy. So, let me -- possibly risking embarrassing her -- but let me share it with you again today. She said: "You will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent."

And on behalf of the families who will find peace in this home and the ill or injured loved ones who will find comfort in their presence, I want to join the rest of you in thanking the Fishers. You really represent this wonderful concept in America. De Tocqueville noticed when he first came here the propensity of one American to help another. You represent our best.

And may I just say to our military men and women with us here today -- the Coast Guard, represented by Admiral Kime, the Navy and other services as well -- thank you for your service to our nation. And may this house bring you comfort in your time of need.

Thank you all very, very much.