George Bush: 'Cynical people accomplish little that makes them proud'

From a speech by the President of the United States to the National Boy Scout Jamboree, in Washington DC

In the years ahead you will find that indifferent or cynical people accomplish little that makes them proud. You'll find that confronting injustice and evil requires a vision of goodness and truth. You'll find that many in your community, especially those younger than you, look to you as an example of conduct and leadership. For your sake, and for the sake of our country, I hope you'll always strive to be men of conviction and character.

Finally, your life will grow in meaning when you serve a cause greater than yourself. There's a wise saying: "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give". That truth is expressed well in the Scout slogan: "Do a good turn daily". When you help someone in need, you're making America more hopeful, one heart and one soul at a time. And you're answering the call to love a neighbour just like you'd like to be loved yourself.

You also understand that freedom must be defended, and I appreciate the Scouts' long tradition of supporting the men and women of the United States military. Your generation is growing up in an historic time, a time when freedom is on the march, and America is proud to lead the armies of liberation. I believe we're laying the foundations of peace for decades to come.

And that's not the only reason I'm optimistic about the decades ahead, because I'm standing in front of America's future leaders. When you follow your conscience, and the ideals you have sworn as a Scout, there is no limit to what you can achieve for our country. Continue to make right choices in life; continue to set high standards; continue to be a leader.