Above is the message we sent out,
and below is one of the messages we received.
 
 

THE WHITE HOUSE

Washington

June 20, 2000

     I am pleased to extend greetings to the international community of scientists and support personnel in Antarctica on Midwinter's Day, 2000.

     Seen from space, Antarctica shimmers with diamond-like radiance.  For 40 years without interruption, the Antarctic Treaty Parties have held this treasure in trust for humanity.  They have strived to protect and preserve Antarctica for peaceful pursuits and scientific cooperation and have made this nearly pristine continent a great beacon of learning for scientists worldwide.

     Antarctica offers a bridge to the future by helping us to understand how human activity affects the global environment and climate and to see how these effects are reflected in the ecosystem.  Antarctica is also a window to the past, giving us clues to the mysteries of Earth's evolution.   It is a platform from which we can probe matter and energy throughout intergalactic space and learn about structures that predate the first star or galaxy in the universe.  I had the pleasure of learning more about these issues when I visited the Antarctic center in Christchurch, New Zealand, last fall.

     This knowledge we derive from Antarctica comes to the world from Earth's most unforgiving frontier because of the efforts of men and women like you -- new explorers from many countries -- who have willingly chosen to make personal sacrifices to advance scientific understanding.  I commend all of you who are wintering in Antarctica for your dedication and commitment.  Best wishes for a successful stay and a safe return to your families.
 
 

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