Of history and culture. Gentlemen, ourd program is about to begin. Please turn off cell phones. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the installation of the 14th sec. Of the Smithsonian Institution. Rise and remain standing for the presentation of the colors by the smithsonian honor guard, and the singing of the National Anthem by kenny lattimore. [footsteps] company halt. Present colors. [the starspangled banner being sung] o say can you see, by the dawns early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, oer the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming . And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; o say does that starspangled o say does that starspangled banner yet wave oer the land of the free and the home of the brave . [applause] forward arms right face. Forward march. [footsteps] ready, troop. Ready, troop. Ready, troop. [footsteps] host host ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Please welcome the chair of the smithsonian board of regents, rubenstein. [applause] rubenstein. [applause] david thank you. On behalf of the board of regents of the smithsonian, welcome to the installation of the 14th sec. Of the smithsonian, lonnie bunch. How many here are associated with the smithsonian, work at the smithsonian, are on the boards, so forth . How many came to the smithsonian as a child . Ok. How many think the smithsonian is the most unifying organization in washington . [laughter] ok. [applause] use a little unification. The nationals do a pretty good job, but nothing, nothing is as good as the smithsonian. There is nobody that doesnt like the smithsonian. And that is true because of so much of the work all of you have done. Let me acknowledge the presence of our congressional regents who are here, senator lahey, congresswoman matsui. And our regions and former regents, thank you for all you have done to make the smithsonian such a strong organization. I acknowledge directors and Research Directors as well. Thank you for everything you have done. I would like to thank all of you who are otherwise connected to the smithsonian, for coming to this important historic event. This has only happened 14 times in our countrys history. We have had 45 president s, but only 14 smithsonian secretaries. I will let you judge which is more important. [laughter] i would like to recognize a few people some of you may not know. Two of them are the daughters of lonnie bunch. Could they stand up, the daughters of lonnie bunch . Could they stand up . [applause] thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Brother . E bunchs [applause] and the most important person, Lonnie Bunchs mother. [applause] thank you very much. We are here todaywe are here ton incredible event that all of us has waited for for some time, the installation of somebody we all love. You will hear more about him in a moment from steve case, my successor, and i hope all of you will feel that today was a very historic day for lots of reasons and will be apparent soon, you will feel this is something well worth your time, to be here. I would like to have the academic procession begin with the Smithsonian National honor guard. [footsteps] [footsteps] i would like to thank our ourers leaders of the various parts of the smithsonian for getting out there academic gowns. If you have been academic down, you usually only get to where to commencement. We wanted everybody to amortize their use. [applause] so thank you forgetting those out of your closets and wearing them. One final comment. I think Everybody Knows the smithsonian is a unique institution. Peopleessentially no anywhere in the United States that dont like it, and people around the world love it. But think how close it came to never actually existing. Smithson died, and in his will he left money to the United States to create an institution for the increased and diffusion of knowledge, whatever that meant. And that is the conventional story, and that is true. But what was in his will was this. He left all of his money to his nephew, and only if his nephew did not have any children, with the money revert back to james smithsons estate and then go to the United States for this institution. Likelihood that his nephew, who was in his 20s at the time, would never have children . Well, i think his nephew decided this institution was more important than his having children. [laughter] so he died with no children, and shoring this institution would be started and would prosper. So i want to thank james smithson, and his nephew, [laughter] for making it possible for this institution to start. Thank you. [applause] please welcome senior curator from the smithsonian american art museum, dr. Eleanor harvey. [applause] dr. Harvey good afternoon. On behalf of the over 6000 Staff Members and equivalent numbers of volunteers and interns at the Smithsonian Institution, i offer au, secretary lonnie bunch, warm greeting and our congratulations p and many of us know you, some of us quite well, and as such, we greeted the announcement of your appointment is the 14th sec. With enthusiasm and joy. Dr. Harvey good afternoon. It has been over 60 years since the smithsonian was officially led from within. You are one of us. Over the course of your distinguished career, you have been a curator, scholar, educator, administrator and a museum director. With your background in the humanities, you bring a different perspective to the leadership of the smithsonian, one that spans multiple disciplines and is reflected in the multifaceted mission of the National Museum of africanAmerican History and culture, a museum that brings together the arts, history, ature, and the sciences kind of microcosm of the breadth of the institution that you know lead. It is that breath that defines james smithsons otherwise nebulous desire for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. In your various roles here at the smithsonian, you have countered have encountered all of us, from capital leadership to curators, Research Scientists and historians, to the men and women who protect of the collections, maintain the buildings and grounds, and the multitude of people who support every department in every location at every level. That provides you with a head start on grappling with the complexity of this organization. We hope that your years of experience at the National Museum of American History at the National Museum of africanAmerican History and culture will ease the inevitable learning curve associated with your new position as its secretary, because with our enthusiastic support for you comes high expectations. [laughter] the smithsonian is more than the sum of its parts. We are the Worlds Largest collection of museums, libraries and Research Centers. We have expanded dramatically from the institutions origins, but the concept of one smithsonian, a kind of E Pluribus Unum for the institution is still on the horizon. Together we have the capacity to harness our very strengths and andide provide an unparalleled opportunity to fulfill the smithsonians mandate area mandate. We stand at a moment where truth or expertise are sometimes questioned. The smithsonian exists to champion those qualities. To uphold our mission requires a shared commitment to use our reputation and resources to be a it is about envisioning a smithsonian that is more digital to reach more people in more places, more agile so we can experiment more frequently and the promise of more that great african proverb, if you want to go fast, you can go alone. But if you want to go far, you must go together. And together, create an institution where, just like this great nation, the whole can indeed be greater than the sum of its parts. A and get things done more quickly, and more collaborative, so we can live up to great example ofs coming together is the smithsonian womens initiative, uniting as one smithsonian to tell the often hidden stories of women who have played a pivotal role in our country and our world. About the next chapter for the smithsonian, our aim is clear, we seek to move this great information forward by creating a more virtual smithsonian, more entrepreneurial smithsonian anymore networked smithsonian. Some say this expensive vision for the smithsonian is a tad unrealistic, suggesting it will be hard to move such a complex organization, with so Many Disparate parts and constituencies come into the future. But we will see about that. I am reminded just this week of the saga of the washington nationals. [applause] just [laughter] just six month ago, the experts said the nats had a one point 5 chance of winning the world series. In other words, a 98. 5 chance they would lose, but they beat the odds and won, and tomorrow the city will celebrate in thes willing to stay fight entity what most thought was unachievable. [applause] im also reminded that when lonnie bunch set out to build a new museum, he had no money, no collection and no site. Most people said it was a fools errand a fools errand, indeed, the title of his book. But lonnie didnt listen to doctors, he assembled a coalition of the willing, believers, and moved forward, and that museum now sits proudly across the mall as a testament to the possibilities of the seemingly impossible. [applause] so the bottom line is this. There is no better person to help the smithsonian be more moreal, more agile, collaborative, to lead the way forward and do the impossible, then lonnie bunch than lonnie bunch. Indeed, lonnie has the potential to be the most transformative secretary in smithsonian history. Theie knows and loves smithsonian and is loved and trusted by the 7000 people that make up the smithsonian. He is the perfect leader to strike the right balance, as we seek to celebrate what next the smithsonian so special today, while we strive to lean into the future, creating the smithsonian of tomorrow. A toughuch as i have act to follow succeeding David Rubenstein as chair in january, lonnie has a tough act to follow as well, succeeding david squa rton. Inid put the eject plan place, leading a 1. 9 billion dollar capital campaign, and strengthening leadership of the smithsonian, in part by insisting on more inclusive recruiting. David was a very strong advocate for lonnie to succeed him as secretary. The smithsonian board conducted a very wide search, talking to hundreds of people, but ultimately we landed were david predicted we would, selecting lonnie bunch as the next secretary. We were sorry to see david lead but also grateful for his service to this event sony and in the country, and also thankful that he only moved across the mall. So we still get to see him from time to time, including this afternoon. So please join me in welcoming back the 13th secretary of the smithsonian, david david jace gorton. [applause] david speaking of a fools air and, they told me i was supposed to talk about what it takes to make a secretary of the smithsonian. I feel silly, but i will tell you what i think anyway. The number one thing it takes to be secretary of the smithsonians love. Learning, love of truth, lovee of the of staff, love of the willingness to look beyond what we think we know right now. It also takes humility. Folks, i hope you dont mind im only talking to lonnie here. Youie, the staff will keep humble and if there are days when the staff doesnt get the job done, the regions will jump right in. [laughter] it also takes enormous curiosity. On es unending, eable thirst for knowledge, and alwayseable thirr knowledge, and always wondering the answer to the next question. There is never a final answer to anything. There is only a slight journey a half a step to the next question. Courage is important. Mentioned, we are in an age right now where there is some decrying of the facts and science and the truth. Lonnie, one of your many, many attributes for this job is that you have never shirked from finding the truth, sharing the truth and being motivated by the truth. Back to the issue about love. As David Rubenstein said eloquently, as he always does about everything, the smithsonian is in fact a unifying presence, not just for the city of washington or new york or other places we have professionals, but for the whole country. All of our differences, all our various stripes go away once people cross our thresholds. And you have done, and the various parts of this smithsonian you have served so well and led, done a terrific job of making sure that when people cross that threshold, they are in for Straight Talk and truth, and some love as well. That was the first question. The second question was, they said please do the proverbial passing of the baton march. I looked through the collection of 150 5 million objects, and there is no baton that is supposed to go from secretary to secretary. [laughter] i thought about this and asked my wife, and she said, it is just figurative, you idiot. So figuratively speaking, im going to pass the baton to you. I have had great joy of passing batons to people in many positions i have held over decades. I have never had an easier want to pass than the one i am passing today. Lonnie, you are the genuine article, and i think you know this i mean this sincerely, i think he will be the standout secretary of the 14. I believe you will get it done, you are the genuine article, and we are so, so lucky and happy to have you here. Consider the baton passed. [applause] i want to get something off my chest. I have the floor, so there isnt much you can do but listen. It has to do with charlie young, music director of the smithsonian jazz masterworks orchestra. Charlie asked me when i became secretary to sit in with the group. I rehearsed with him for one hour before the performance. He gave me two numbers, i played the first one, did the solo, said, charlie, what do you think . Charlie is a teacher, a professor. Said, yeah, you did fine, like that. I did the second one and i said, how did i do, charlie . And he said, how did i do, charlie . And he said, well, the performances tomorrow. Lets put it this way. You keep practicing, we will pray for a miracle. [laughter] charlie has apparently lost my cell phone number, because he has not called me back to appear with them. Is [gives phone number] and besides your difficult attitude, you are my hero as a music director and alto sax player. It is an honor for me to introduce the septet. Worldclass collections, scholarship, concerts, exhibitions and programs, the smithsonian jazz masterworks orchestra explores and celebrates the American Experience through the transformative power of one of the real, original art forms to come from this country, and that is jazz. Jazz is a very important bridge between our nations identity, ourshared history, and communities. Ourwe are committed to communities. And we are committed to stewarding this connection for all audiences. I hope this is accurate, charlie, but i have been told the performance will be accurat, charlie, but i have been told the performance will be gregory is here, members of the smithsonian jazz masterworks orchestra. Enjoy it. [applause] [septet performing] [septet performing] [applause] some of you may be wondering how you get to be selected as secretary of the smithsonian. Anybody here wonder about that . Some of you may be saying 25 years from now, maybe i would like to be secretary of the smithsonian. How does he get selected . I cant tell you what will happen in 25 years one lonnie is probably finished in 25 years being secretary, and let me tell you how we selected lonnie. My successor is an extraordinarily wellqualified person to be chair of the smithsonian board. Steve has been a terrific region and i terrific regent appreciate his willingness to step into this role. It is a highly paid position. [laughter] and there are no challenges to it. Steve, thank you for doing it. [applause] was completely dark when i took that position. We had a Search Committee, and i want to make sure people know how this came about. We had a Search Committee. Steve, as my likely successor, i thought we should chair it because we were leaders of the Smithsonian Institution, but we had a very Diverse Group of 11 people on the committee. How many people on the Search Committee are here . Raise her hand. Thank you for your service on the Search Committee. We met many, many times he and steves office and liked doing it because he served very good food and we gained a little weight. But we interviewed many good people, outstanding people. And almost anybody we interviewed could do a reasonably good job, but it was clear lonnie was the best. Everything he had done before in his career was terrific. There was one problem. The problem was, his wife worked at the smithsonian. And he always told me his wife was the boss. [laughter] so how could lonnie be secretary of the smithsonian and be boss of all the employees there, if his wife was the boss . Thatbated that and decided lonnie could be the boss and his wife could be the boss most of the time. Thank you for what you have done. [applause] for those who are not that familiar with the smithsonian, we have nine citizen regents and six congressional regents. But we also have the Vice President of the United States and a chief justice of the United States, and the chief justice serves as a chancellor and is really in control. Thee are no 54 votes among nine. [laughter] everything is unanimous. When the chief says, this is what he wants done, we recognize he has ultimate authority. And we are pleased. The chief justice of the United States, i always look up to the chief justice looked up to the chief justice when i was younger. I got disappointed when the chief justice was younger than me, which john roberts is, what is, what i look up to the chief justice, he is an extraordinary legal talent. In any generation there is an extraordinarily extraordinary legal talent that comes along, summa cum laude at harvard, harvard law review editor, a clerk for judge friendly on the second circuit, one of the finest judges of his generation, clerked for Justice Rehnquist on , worked at thert justice department, white house, d. C. Court of appeals, and picked at the age of 50 to be chief justice of the United States. Responsibilities very seriously, he comes to every single meeting he is supposed to, runs the meeting, and could not be a better chancellor. We are privileged to have him serve as chancellor. I would tell you will tell you when the story. I did an interview of the chief in front of members of congress and asked, did you always want to be chief justice of the United States . He said, when i was growing up, i didnt think about it. And did you want to be justice of the court at all . Did you want to be a judge of any type . No. What about a lawyer . No, i didnt want to be a lawyer either. Well, what did you want to be . I wanted to be a historian. All i cared about was history. My father said, john, that is nice and you will read a lot of books people probably wont read , lead a may be very boring life. Are you sure you want to be a historian . And he said, that is what i care about, history. John went off to harvard college, which he graduated from in three years. While he was there, he came back for spring break one time and landed at Logan Airport in the capnd said in drive, said to the cabdriver, can you take me to cambridge . The cabdriver said, are you a student at harvard . Yes im. What are you majoring in . Majoring in history. The cabdriver said, when i was a student in harvard, that is what i majored in also. [laughter] so john thought maybe his father had some good ideas there. He did state as a history major, as a history major, but he didnt he did think law may be might be a good profession. Our countries much better off for his having been a lawyer and a great justice of the super court. He would have been a great historian as well, but it is my privilege and honor to introduce the 17th chief justice of the United States, john roberts. [applause] chief Justice Roberts thank you, very much. I think i would have been a good cabdriver too. Ofnie bunch, at the opening the africanamerican museum of history and culture, scheduled me to give remarks after a musical performance by stevie wonder. [applause] apparently, this is an ongoing tradition with lonnie, to appear after a very moving musical presentation. Let me add my welcome to all the members of the smith sony community. It is an honor to be here. The installation ceremony today is our formal recognition of the Smithsonian Institutions new individual secretary, an individual who has made the institution his calling and his home. Earned the title of secretary of the Smithsonian Institution by rising to the ranks of museum professionals, including three prior stents at the smithsonian, first as an educational profession educational specialist, then as a curator at the museum of africanAmerican History, and most recently as founding director and driving before us behind the reagent of National Museum of africanAmerican History and culture. Hisie has earned renown for tireless work in creating that special place on the mall, a place with a high purpose of telling stories of the africanAmerican Experience that all americans need to know. Has grown accustomed to referring to the africanAmerican History and Culture Museum is simply, the museum, an understandable habit, and one i know he is trying to break now that his responsibilities reach many museums in addition to that special place. And now it is important to recognize that lonnie brings to the secretarys office handson experience in the daytoday work of employees throughout the smithsonian, employees who are the foundation of the institutions success. We all know that lonnie has already done much to further the smithsonians mission for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Today he receives the reward for his tireless and successful hard work, a call from the regents that he do more. By unanimous vote we have placed bunch iiiin lonnie g. To be the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Secretary bunch, i have the privilege of presenting you with a ceremonial key. Prior secretaries have held this turn, asn key in each secretary labored to make the smithsonian greater still. I know the key will have significance for you. I have heard the story of how, when you were appointed to lead the creation of the new museum, you went to inspect your office space and found the door locked. [laughter] through the applied force of your new jersey ingenuity and a and aed borrowed crowbar, you managed to open that door. I am sure you have relied on your determination to end Life Experience to figuratively open many doors, for yourself and others. Our hope is that this key will remind you that we are entrusting you, like your distinguished predecessors, with the responsibility to open the smithsonians doors to new visitors, to new ways of visiting the smithsonian, to new learning, to new ideas. And perhaps the key will also remind you that if you find any doors locked, please just call the building manager. [laughter] we will charge you for any damage. [laughter] you with pleasure and great anticipation on a continuing journey forward toward an even stronger, more vibrant and engaging Smithsonian Institution. Congratulations, mr. Secretary. [applause] [crowd cheering] is atary bunch man, this long way from jersey. [laughter] just want to make sure you all know, i am not ralph bunch. [laughter] members of the, board of regents, distinguished guests, and that rowdy group of my cousins over there, [laughter] thank you all for joining us, joining me to share this special moment. There is no place i love more than the smithsonian. Let me thank chief Justice Roberts, chancellor of the smithsonian. You have been a fervent supporter of this institution, and your study leadership has made us stronger. Thank you so much for that. Two members of the board of regents, i am humbled and think for for your confidence and support, and for entrusting me ath this amazing institution what i believe is a time of great possibility. This is a time that we should look forward, as a help but thinkt back and revel in the memories of the events and the people that have shaped this journey. I think so much about a trip my family took, going to visit my mothers family from new jersey to her family in North Carolina in the mid1960s, when everybody was celebrating the centennial of the civil war. As we passed museums and battle sites in virginia and North Carolina, i begged my father to stop, but he had kept driving, we had to get gas. On the way back, i asked him to stop again, and he just found reasons not to. And rather than go straight home, we turned into washington dc. He pulled in front of the smithsonian, and he said to me, smithsoniansit the and not worry about being turned away for the color of your skin. I have never forgotten that moment, which told me the smithsonian was a special place, that the smithsonian and not worry about smithsoniant of knowledge and education, that the smithsonian was a place that welcomed all to learn, to tovel, marvel, to imagine, an institution where anyone, regardless of who they were, could become something more than who they had been. I could never have imagined that a temporary job that was only supposed to last six months at the national air and space museum would lead me to a calling and a career. I was fortunate to work with so many gifted colleagues at the museum of American History and be part of the team to found the National Museum of africanAmerican History and culture. But i am at a loss, i am humbled at this moment, this combination of this unexpected and this culmination of this unexpected and unlikely journey. Who would believe, i worked for six secretaries, and now i am one . [laughter] in the early days, i never even knew the smithsonian had a secretary. [laughter] it is really humbling to be here. My wife maria, who knew more about museums than i ever will, and especially my mother. ,om, thank you for being here who taught me to believe not only in myself, but to believe in this country. [applause] i am at this moment because of the many amazing colleagues here at the institution who mentor to me, who challenged me, who embraced me. I recognize i am standing on the shoulders of too many people whose names i cant mention, but i am standing on the shoulders of people like solomon brown, who was here in the 19th century as an africanamerican, working for almost 50 years as at the smithsonian. Johnnd on the shoulders of john cunard, and lou parnell, one of the first curators of the air museum. And i am here because of someone museums,nothing about and hired them. And i am here because of my dear secretary of3th the smithsonian, dr. David skorton. Thank you, david. A long and proud history undergirds the smithsonian. As a historian, i appreciate the this legacy. We must never be trapped by our traditions, the smithsonian has always been a forwardlooking institution, a site to shape, capture and share innovation with our audiences. We supported early spare mentation and rocketry. We developed the forerunner for the National Weather service. We helped the nation understand and celebrate its bicentennial. And celebrate its bicentennial. We worked to save coral reefs, and recently captured the firstever image of a black hole. I am deeply proud of this legacy, but i am even prouder about the work that has yet that is yet to come. I have always been moved, impressed by the productivity of my colleagues, from our worldclass exhibitions and collections, from our pioneering environmental and scientific research, to our preservation of Cultural Heritage and our innovative education and audiencedriven initiatives. It is an impressive portfolio. Impact if weur worked as one smithsonian, that allowed us to rise above our silos to find common, collaborative ground that amplified our impact. A recentuck during visit to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Laboratory in cambridge, that wonderfully powerful image of the black hole was only made possible i collaborative effort to get telescopes from countries around the world pointed for a single moment on a single issue, to be able to create that image. I want the smithsonian to have those laser focuslike moments to allow us to leverage our assets, capitalize on our strengths and rethink our possibilities, and work to be that evolving, innovative, 21st century institution. When we value the contributions , when we userner our resources to the fullest potential, man, we are so transformed. Add through the transformation and through that transformation, the smell of sin transformation, the smell of n the smithsonian can have greater relevance and a more profound impact that is such a great part of our strategic plan. I echo something steve said. It is essential we develop the virtual smithsonian that complements and amplifies our collection, our expertise, our expertise, our collections, in a way that was unimaginable just a few years ago. Through this robust digital strategy, we should aim to touch every home and be in every school in america. Everyone should have the opportunity to explore the wonder of the smithsonian, and even if they never come to washington, that shouldnt be a barrier. We should be much more aggressive and strategic in using important resources like the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition service, and the wonderful partners we have through the affiliates program. Thus the smithsonian moving forward virtually and traditionally, can reach millions. It is important that we continue efforts to make the smithsonian even more relevant ofa world full of this vastly evolving world. We can make great contributions in education, marrying Digital Access coupled with strong educational programmatic offerings housed in our museums and Research Centers. We can contribute mightily to the challenge of providing equal and effective education to all our children. I have been moved by things we already do, by the smithsonian learning lab, where teachers can find the resources to allow them to create and curate their own materials. And im intrigued by the collaboration with the district of columbia public schools, that believe the smithsonian will always be a place of lifelong learning, but we must contribute everything we of thoseprove the lot kids from p from prek to 12. We must find ways to use our expertise to ignite wonder and spark the joy of learning. In the last two months, i have been asked, what do i envision for the smithsonian . The key to our success will be we, and i emphasize we, if we come of smithsonian, can build on this legacy to become an institution that this country deserves and needs. Smithsonian, will be a Research Driven audience committednstitution to contributing to the greater good. We will be the hub of learning and innovation that will bring together Diverse Voices to grapple with contemporary challenges of today. The place that america looks to to understand itself, their history and their world. We must be the glue that holds the nation together. Become smithsonian, must much more comfortable working outside of our silos, reaching across museums and Research Center boundaries to maximize our creativity and impact. We must be a more nimble organization that embraces innovation as the key to understanding the 21st century. Balancestrike the between tradition and innovation , using technology to expand our reach and vision that we are to reach places we have yet to imagine. We must be open and accessible. We must be an institution that thats every allows every person, regardless of race, age, gender, background or ability to experience the wonders and joys of this sodium. The smithsonian. We will be an institution that makes venerated and valued for our contributions to the community and nation we serve. As i began, by looking back. In 1852, the smithsonian refused to let Frederick Douglass speak in the smithsonian. , did hewas asked despair for this country, for the racial issues that divided us, he said, my hopes were never brighter. His optimism came from a belief america, in their institutions, and most importantly, in their ability to change. Today, we are here speaking in a place as an africanamerican where Frederick Douglass could not speak, but we are a different institution. We have made great changes and continue to do so. Nothing is impossible. I ask you today, to join me in sharing his optimism for the future. To realize that we, the smithsonian, can bring to the nation and to the world the richness of understanding, the resources to meet our challenges, and the courage to make lasting change for the benefit of humanity. Support, as douglas road, my hopes are never brighter than they are now. Thank you all for a day i will treasure. In theou for trusting me institution we all love. Thank you so much. [applause] please welcome member of the board of regents executive committee, committee. Good afternoon. It first time i met lonnie, was obvious he had not only vision, but the knowing of the why and how our people should celebrate its people. You probably dont remember, but we met at least the construction site for the National Museum for the africanAmerican History and culture. In the trailer that used to be the gate. It was a rainy, cold morning. You probablywe all put on hardhk through the museum, stepping cords and makeshift flooring as we listen to lonnie tell us about the various artifacts he had collected. It was clear to me that he had a vision not only of where they would be placed, but cords and t be placed, but a reverence for them and for the people that had represented those artifacts. Wewe were enthralled to listen o you as you described how you are particularly excited about the Southern Railway car that was soon to arrive right from renovation and was going to be seated right where we would explore segregation. Where we would explore segregation. The rest of the museum on that day, this small group got to see and experience your vision and a bit of you. Just is much larger group as this much larger group has got to see your vision today. We also got to hear why he saw the smithsonian to be the very heart and soul of this country. I must say, as we are sitting here, this venue is a little more comfortable than that venue was at that time. Smithsonian tells the stories of our ancestors. Whether our ancestors are from millions of years ago, thousands a few years ago, or just a few generations ago. Its tries to tell the stories of all of our ancestors. The stories he wants to hear, as well as the stories you often tell us we need to hear. Its allse of those stories that have gotten us to where we are today. Bunch book, secretary this from aaring man in a houston airport as he completed his ritual of getting his shoes shined before he got on the plane. On that day, this man, who had just signed his shoes, gave him a donation of nine dollars, and instructions to tell the story of his ancestors in a way that would make him proud and all of us proud. Has a vision for the smithsonian that it will strengthen the connections and respect that all of us have for one another. He is doing that by invoking and exploring the connections and respect between us through the arts and humanities, just as museums have done over time. Without those connections and respect, it is difficult to use the science, history, knowledge, the very tools of the smithsonian to converse and confront difficult issues of the day. Smithsoniant of the and lonnie gets this, it is the power to inspire and spark curiosity and all of us, but especially our children. You heard him talk about the impact the smithsonian had on him as a child. I get this. A tradition for me and my family, for my grand daughter and me, to spend her spring break here at the smithsonian, with thousands of enthusiasticic, and loud children. Its a wonderful experience. Exhausted. Ave but also, hopeful about the future. Harness thishow to hopefulness along with an eloquence and a compassion that motivates us all to continuously make the institution better. , you are now officially installed as the leader of the entire smithsonian. With a quote from one of my favorite books. It is called bless this space between us. Betweens this space us. They are it is a group of poems that address every aspect of our lives. This has to do with leadership. May the gift of leadership awakening you and keep you mindful of the providence that has called you to serve. The mountains as the eagle spreads its wings, may your perspective the larger than the foothills. May you have the wisdom to read the time clearly and know when the seed of change will flourish. May leadership be for you a true journey of joy and growth. Congratulations, mr. Secretary. [applause] in the now, please join me in lcoming back to the stage, stage. Forlease remain standing the retrieval of the colors by the smithsonian honor guard and academic recession. Harmonywith a ring with a harmony of liberty rejoice sing high loud as thend roaring sea song full of the faith our dark past has taught us song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun of a new day begun until victory is one won you have brought up far on our way led us into the night forever in the path, we pray lest our feet stray from the places where we met the thee bless our heartsbless our hearte wine of the world shadows beneath thy hand may we forever understand true to our god true to our native land [applause] [no audio]r [chanting] [no audio] Smithsonian Institution officially involved involved ts introduced its new secretary today. Even though lonnie bunch has been leading the agency since june, overseeing 19 museums, 21 libraries, and the national zoo. You can watch the ceremony and learn more about sec. Bunch at 8 00 eastern on cspan3. You can watch it online anytime its eastbound cspan. Org. Cspans campaign 2020 coverage continues live today, with president ial candidates in iowa and mississippi. Starting at seven 30 p. M. Eastern on cspan, the democratic residual contenders speak at the liberty and justice celebration in des moines. Featured speakers include senator michael, joe biden, cory booker, steve bullock, pete buttigieg, hooley and castro, john delaney, kamala harris, amy klobuchar, beto orourke, bernie steyer, elizabeth warren, and yet you gain and andrew yang. En cspan2, President Trump holds a Campaign Rally in tupelo, mississippi. Watch cspans campaign to the 20 Coverage Today on seven 30 on seven 30 p. M. Eastern on cspan and at 8 00 p. M. Eastern on cspan2. Watch anytime on cspan. Org and listen on the go with this with the free cspan radio app. The outlaw trail ended here. A place of open skies and public lands, extractive energy, oil, gas and coal, in particular. The cspan cities tour is on the road, exploring the american story. We take you to laramie wyoming. We call it the gem city of the planes, because we are in a valley surrounded by mountains. This was a Railroad Town until it became a university town. The railroad was an important part of our history. There are all different kinds of history in laramie also. Noonin us this saturday at eastern on book tv and saturday at 2 00 p. M. On American History tv as the cspan cities tour looks at the history and literary life of laramie, wyoming. Next, the Senate ForeignRelations Committee considers the nomination of John Sullivan to the u. S. To be u. S. Ambassador to russia. He currently serves as ticket terry deputy secretary of state. He was asked several questions about President Trumps communication with the president of ukraine in july