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CNN Live Event/Special

First Lady Laura Bush Awarded at American Legion Convention

Aired August 29, 2001 - 10:27   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We're showing you live pictures right from San Antonio, Texas. That is Laura Bush, who just received an award. The Bushes today are at the American Legion convention in San Antonio.

Let's listen into Mrs. Bush. for just a moment.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES: ... the American Legion Women's Auxiliary.

I'm honored to be included on the roster of the remarkable women who have received this award. These women are leaders whom I respect and admire very much, people such as Governor Christie Todd Whitman and Elizabeth Dole and, of course, the incomparable Erma Bombeck who was a great lady. She said, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I wouldn't have a single bit of talent left and I could say to him, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

In this room, we have a group who uses everything given to you, from individual talent to a network of resources, and you use all of these assets to make our country a better place. You make a huge difference in so many lives, from older veterans to our youngest citizens.

I salute your commitment to education, especially your work with the America Reads program. In this one effort alone, the American Legion Women's Auxiliary devoted nearly 19,000 hours to reading with and tutoring thousands of America's children, and I'm pleased to stand here today and applaud you for that.

Erma Bombeck also said, "Children make your life important." They really do. And President Bush and I will never forget that. That's what motivates us and shapes our goals and our efforts for the future.

So on behalf of the children of America, I accept this award. Thank you so much for honoring me.

(APPLAUSE)

KAGAN: Watching the scene and listening to San Antonio, Texas today, the American Legion convention, Mrs. Bush being presented with an award. We're also expecting any minute Mr. Bush to have words from the convention, We're expecting him to ask for his to demand from Congress to approve big spending increases from the Pentagon. When the president does speak, you will see that live here on CNN.

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