Have learned the importance of god in our lives, of our faith, of family, friends, neighbors, and of love. I think that no matter how difficult or how painful the process has been, this is a time for healing in our country. We have to put these things behind us, we have to go forward, and we have to begin to look for ways to solve problems that i think became apparent in this process and certainly have been apparent in our country for some time. But this is more time for healing, not a time for anger or animosity. Again, id like to thank all who have helped me, all my friends, all those people who prayed for me, those whom i knew, those whom i didnt know, all the people who set cards and letters and flowers and candy and all sorts of things. But most of all, who sent love and support. Id like to thank them. I like to think my neighbors, my as i say to my wife so many times, i like to thank america. Id like to take this country for the things it stands for and the people that we stand for, our ideals. I would like to think at least in my life in our lives that we can uphold those ideals. I would also like to make it unequivocally clear that throughout this process and especially the last painful week , that i give god thanks for our being able to stand here today hanks for ourd t ability to feel safe, to feel secure, to feel loved, and i give god thanks that the Senate Approve me in this process. Thank you all very much. [applause] when will you be sworn in . I dont think i will answer any questions but i will answer that one. I have not thought about that. We have simply thought about bringing this process to a conclusion. I was not presumptuous enough to plan that far ahead. Thank you all so much. [applause] Clarence Thomas was nominated to the u. S. Supreme court by president george h w. Bush in 1991. He was confirmed by the senate in a 5248 vote. Next, the white house swearing in ceremony held 25 years ago this month. This is 20 minutes. Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States and mrs. Bush accompanied by Justice Byron white and justice and mrs. Clarence thomas