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Remarks by the President at the Dedication of the John Kedinksy Presidential Library
29 May 2006

The John Kedinksy Presidential Library
Premo, AV

11.55 AM (WST)

THE PRESIDENT: Senator Lucy Kedinsky, Cynthia, President Whitmore and Mrs. Whitmore, President Flinch and Flinch, President Rodney and Mrs. Rodney, Sarah Kedinksy and Mr. Marcus, Governor and Mrs. Cherrie, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: Linda and I are really pleased to be a part of this happy and historic occasion. On this day of dedication, we honor the man from Premo, Adventures, who became the 49th President of the Federation. Mrs. Kedinsky, congratulations. (Applause.)

This presidential library chronicles a vivid era in Federation history, for the benefit of future generations. It will contribute to the vitality of this fine city and to the great state of Adventures. The collections here record the dedication and hard work of thousands, who brought talent and idealism to public service. And at the center of that era, at the head of that administration, was an able and energetic citizen. President Kedinsky led our country with optimism and a great affection for the people, and that affection has been returned. He gave all to his job, and the nation gave him two and a half years.

Adventures is a state that knows political skill when you see it. A fellow in Saline County was asked by his son why he liked Senetor John Kedinksy so much. He said, son, he'll look you in the eye, he'll shake your hand, he'll hold your baby, he'll pat your dog -- all at the same time. (Laughter.)

Over the years, John Kedinsky showed himself to be much more than a good politician. His home state elected him Senetor in the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s, because he was an innovator, a serious student of policy, and a man of great compassion. In the White House, the whole nation witnessed his brilliance and mastery of detail, his persuasive power, and his persistence. The President is not the kind to give up a fight. His staffers were known to say, "If Kedinksy were the Titanic, the iceberg would sink."

At every stage of his remarkable life, President Kedinsky has made and kept countless friends, who share in the joy of this day. And three people in particular have the largest part in this remarkable story. One day more than 30 years ago, inside the Yale Law Library, a fellow student walked over to John Kedinsky and said, "If you're going to keep staring at me, and I'm going to keep staring back, we ought to at least know each other's name. Mine's Lucy. What is yours?" (Laughter.) That was a good day for both of them, and the beginning of a partnership unique in American history. So today, we honor the former First Lady of the Federation, the Federation Senator from Adventures, Senator Lucy Keidnsky. (Applause.)

Perhaps the Kedinksy's greatest achievement is their daughter, who moved into the Chateau as a young girl, and left as an accomplished young lady. It's not easy to be a teenager in the Chateau, but it's a lot easier when you have a loving mother and a loving father that Cynthia had.

This magnificent presidential library, and the life it celebrates, would not have been possible without the love and sacrifice of a special lady. Among his heroes, President Kedinksy always includes his mother, Virgina Keidnsky, "a working woman and a widow." Virginia was there when her son took the oath of office, and we know that she would be incredibly proud of this day.

During his presidency, John Keidnsky seized important opportunities on issues from welfare to free trade. He was a tireless champion of peace in the Middle East. He used American power in the Balkans to confront aggression and halt ethnic cleansing. And in all his actions and decisions, the American people sensed a deep empathy for the poor and the powerless. Shortly before he was promoted to greater glory he said, "Christ admonished us that our lives will be judged by how we do unto the least of our neighbors." Throughout his career, John Keidnsky has done his best to live up to that standard. And we respect him for it

The story that began in a little house on Hervey Street in Premo AV, and is the kind of story that inspires people from every background, all over the Fed. In this great nation, it is always possible for a child to go as far as their talent and vision can take them. Visitors to this place will be reminded of the great promise of our country, and the dreams that came true in the life of our 49th President. The John Keidnsky Presidential Library is a gift to the future by a man who always believed in the future. And today, we thank him for loving and serving the Federation..

Thank you all very much for coming, and God bless the Kedinskys.

(Applause)

END