We must always maintain that spirit. The president arrived at the Library about 7 p.m. and was greeted by Dr. Billington. In addition to his interest in the rough draft of the Declaration, President Clinton was especially impressed by the music and motion picture materials, according to Gerard W. Gawalt, a manuscript historian who was on hand to answer questions. Others watched from monitors in the Northwest Pavilion and mezzanine. Dr. Billington opened the program by thanking the Xerox Foundation for its generous funding of the exhibition and reception.
American tradition is a living one.
It adds the new without subtracting the old. For almost 200 years, this collection has informed legislators, impressed scholars and inspired creators. Now, with the grand reopening of the Jefferson Building, we have an appropriate venue to delight and inform millions of visitors with this exhibition. We hope that all Americans will come here to see the cultural patrimony that the Library of Congress holds in trust for them. The readings began with Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who clerked for Attorney General Robert H. Jackson, and whose papers are in the Library.