SEC. MIKE JOHANNS: "Thank you very much. Let me start out by saying, I could not be more delighted, I could not be more honored to be a part of this ceremony and a part of the opening of the 2005 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival. Many thanks to all of you who have been a part of putting this together. Your work is paying off.

"I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of those from Oman. We could not be more thrilled about your participation in the festival.

[Applause.]

"Those of you who know our location know that we are a bit spoiled at the USDA. With our building right here on Jefferson Drive we have a front row seat for the festival each year. We watch the preparations in what is really and truly America's back yard. This year however it's a bit different. We're no longer spectators. This year's festival features food and forestry, two of USDA's very important mission areas.

"On the food side, we're delighted that small growers, especially immigrant and minority growers, are here to tell their story. America's food is a big part of America's culture. Our food supply, one of the most abundant and highest quality in the world, reflects the heritage of people and the diversity of their backgrounds.

"Not only does USDA feed millions each day through our Nutrition Assistance Programs, we do everything we can to promote healthy lifestyles and diet. So we hope that folks will rediscover truly fresh produce through the farmers' markets that are blooming across the country.

"We also encourage people to stop by and get some information on the new USDA Food Guide Pyramid. I'm pleased to share with you, we've had over half a billion hits on that website, which is remarkable. It's packed full of information and we encourage people to take a look at it.

"Another key focus is USDA's management of our national forests. Speaking for the 30,000 employees of the Forest Service family, I want you to know how proud we are that we have been chosen to showcase the U.S. Forest Service over the next few days. As you all know, this is an unusual honor for a federal agency, and it comes at a very, very special time. The Forest Service is celebrating its centennial, 100 years of caring for the land and serving people.

[Applause.]

"It is pretty awesome when you think about a 100-year tradition of wise stewardship of our forests. Our Forest Service staff, they're excited about being here as you can tell, and we're excited to have them here. This is a wonderful opportunity for the people we serve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the core values of the Forest Service.

"I know it's very obvious to you, but it's worth repeating-- our Forest Service employees are dedicated to preserving our forests not only for today but for future generations. Whether we're talking about a firefighter at the smokejumper base, a backcountry ranger at the Wilderness Skills demonstration, or a tree pathologist in the interactive forest, I want the Forest Service to know I'm proud of each of every employee.

"This can be dangerous work. It's important work, and it's a product of a genuine love for the land.

"I am very pleased that USDA has an opportunity to show off a bit at this festival. So we would like to say thank you for inviting us. To all of our Forest Service employees, it's great to see you here. God bless you."

[Applause.]