2:25:00
Let's see what the inscription says.
2:25:03
"To George M. Cohan.
2:25:06
For his contribution to the American spirit.
2:25:10
'Over There' and 'Grand old Flag.'
2:25:14
Presented by act of Congress."
2:25:18
I congratulate you, Mr. Cohan.
2:25:21
I understand you're the first person
of your profession to receive this honor.
2:25:26
You should be very proud.
2:25:29
I am proud.
2:25:31
In fact, I'm flabbergasted.
For the first time in my life, I'm speechless.
2:25:37
- You're sure there isn't some mistake?
- Quite sure.
2:25:42
But this medal is for people who've given
their lives for their country.
2:25:47
I'm just a song-and-dance man.
Everybody knows that.
2:25:50
A man may give his life to his country
in many different ways, Mr. Cohan.
2:25:56
And quite often, he isn't the best judge
of how much he has given.
2:26:01
Your songs were a symbol
of the American spirit.
2:26:06
"Over There" was just as powerful
a weapon as any cannon...
2:26:11
...as any battleship we had
in the First World War.
2:26:15
Today we're all soldiers.
We're all on the front.
2:26:19
We need more songs to express America.
2:26:23
I know you and your comrades
will give them to us.
2:26:28
Mr. President,
I've just begun to earn this medal.
2:26:33
It's quite a thing.
2:26:35
Well, it's the best material we could find,
what with priorities and all.
2:26:42
Goodbye, sir.
2:26:45
And I want you to know that
I'm not the only one that's grateful.
2:26:50
My mother thanks you. My father
thanks you. My sister thanks you.
2:26:54
And I assure you, I thank you.
2:26:57
And I wouldn't worry about this country
if I were you. We've got this thing licked.