I am happy to be here today to honor and celebrate two extraordinary young Americans whose commitment to public service is an inspiration to us all.
The New Frontier Awards would have had special meaning for President Kennedy. He would have been delighted that the Institute of Politics and the Kennedy Library Foundation, two institutions that celebrate the ideals he cherished, have collaborated to establish these honors for young public servants.
President Kennedy believed young Americans who devoted themselves to public service were realizing the greatest aspirations of the nation. He often encouraged students to waste no time putting their talents and energies to work for their communities. He especially believed that public service was a noble profession, and he hoped young people would achieve their own dreams by meeting and solving public challenges.
President Kennedy would have been especially delighted to know the two people we honor today. Eric Garcetti and Jane Leu are remarkable leaders who make clear that young Americans can make important and lasting contributions to our public life.
Jane Leu has worked tirelessly to help immigrants realize the promise of the American dream. Her achievements remind us that our differences need not keep us from working together to build a future of opportunity for everyone.
Eric Garcetti has shown that politics at its best brings people together in search of solutions to challenging public issues.
Together, Jane and Eric embody the spirit of public service that President Kennedy championed. They are bridge builders who are bringing idealism, passion and hard work to public challenges that affect all of us. They are role models not just for young Americans, but for all Americans.
Presentation of the New Frontier Award to Eric Garcetti
I am pleased today to present Eric Garcetti with the New Frontier Award for elective public service. This award is also called the Fenn Award, in honor of Dan Fenn, who worked in my father’s administration and was the first director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Dan Fenn is with us today, and I’d like to ask him to stand for a moment and be recognized.
Eric Garcetti has demonstrated the impact of elective public service through his innovative work on the Los Angeles City Council. He has won praise from fans and skeptics by reaching out and asking diverse and sometimes adversarial stakeholders to work together on the problems confronting the city. His service on the city council has made a difference to thousands of urban Americans. I am delighted to ask Eric Garcetti to come up and accept the 2006 New Frontier Award.
Presentation of the New Frontier Award to Jane Leu
Jane Leu has brought creativity and compassion to the challenges facing immigrants in the United States. Her cutting-edge work is a model of public entrepreneurship which has already contributed greatly to this country – a country whichitself was founded by immigrants. Her work is also improving the lives of countless men and women who are eager to make their own contributions to our public life. She is an inspiring leader, and I am pleased to present Jane Leu with the 2006 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award.
Remarks delivered by Caroline Kennedy at the 2006 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award Ceremony, November 20, 2006.