Record for bringing in diverse and intellectually challenging and informed speakers. Tonights is no exception, and if you havent heard bill brands before, i think youll be delighted. If you have comments, in the past as i know many of you have, youre in for another treat. Please join me in welcoming my colleague, glees whitney, to introduce our speaker. [ applause ] well, thank you very much, elaine, for that warm introduction. We really treasure our partnership with the ford. Its always a treat. We will continue to bring you excellent programs that stimulate the mind and the heart for Public Service and love of our history. Happy washingtons birthday to our cspan audience and also to the audience here at the fort. Its really neat to be here recognizing washingtons birthday. This is one of the reasons we wanted bill to be here on this special day. Its always a pleasure to host bill brands. Weve had him back to west michigan so many times, ive lost count. But its been enough that he sho