USIP Headquarters Groundbreaking
Speakers' Transcripts
President George W. Bush
"In Afghanistan, you're helping a young democracy establish the rule of law and strengthen public education and build civil society. In Iraq, you're helping the nation overcome the legacy of decades of tyranny by strengthening government institutions and promoting peaceful engagement."
Former Secretary of State George P. Shultz
"Just as the work of the Institute of Peace deserves this building, the building will be enriched by what takes place in it."
Read Secretary Shultz's Remarks
PDF | 86KB
Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi
"This land was quarried for the rock that formed the foundation of both the United States Capitol and the White House. From this land, the foundations of democracy and freedom can be strengthened once again—when it becomes home to the U.S. Institute of Peace."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
"The ground we break here today, and we do it proudly, will represent more than concrete, steel and glass. Rising in the shadows of memorials to America’s gravest wars, this building will live forever as a symbol of hope of our nation to build monuments to peace, not to war."
Read Majority Leader Reid's Remarks
USIP Board Chair J. Robinson West
"It is our deep hope that this building, and particularly its roof sculpture, glowing translucent white at night, will become a powerful symbol to this city, this country, the world."
Read Chairman West's Remarks
PDF | 94KB
USIP President Richard H. Solomon
"Here we are at the corner of the National Mall and within sight of the memorials to our great national sacrifices in war. The facility… will give permanence to the work of the Institute of Peace and prominence to that hopeful, challenging vision of a national institution that can help our country better manage conflict by peaceful means."
Read President Solomon's Remarks
PDF | 89KB
Reverend Sidney Lovett
"You and I are sitting on hallowed ground. And so, as Dr. Solomon points out, the need to focus on how to bring peace is very much among us."
Read Reverend Lovett's Remarks
PDF | 52KB
Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh
"Amidst all these reliquaries of wars, we are going to commend a temple of peace."
Read Reverend Hesburgh's Remarks
PDF | 62KB
Lunchtime Speaker
National Security Advisor Stephen J. Hadley
"I want to begin by thanking the Institute for your hard work, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq."
Read National Security Advisor Hadley's Remarks
