Remarks by President Bush

"Charlton Heston is known for his portrayals of the most compelling dramatic figures: Moses, Judah Ben-Hur, Michelangelo, General Andrew Jackson, and Captain George Taylor. In the process, Charlton Heston, himself, has become one of the great names in film history. Over more than half a century his talent and intensity have proven big enough to fill any role.

The largeness of character that comes across the screen has also been seen throughout his life. During Charlton Heston's service in World War II, his leadership of a labor union, his activism on behalf of civil rights, and his principled defense of the Bill of Rights. Charlton Heston has left his mark on our country as an artist and as a citizen and as a patriot, and we're honored he is with us today."

George W. Bush

Remarks by Charlton Heston

"I am very humbled and honored today, and grateful to President Bush for his generosity in allowing my family to share in this moment. My life's work, recognized on this deeply moving occasion, would be nothing had not my lovely wife, Lydia, been by my side all these years. I share this honor with her, and with my children and grandchildren, the next generation of free Americans.

Thomas Wolfe wrote that America is ' ... the only fabulous country, where miracles not only happen, they happen all the time.'

The life of this once-scrawny kid from the Michigan woods, who tried to heed his father's advice to, 'Do your best, keep your promises,' has indeed been a miracle. May God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America."

Charlton Heston