The term was used by George H.W. Bush in his speech accepting the presidential nomination at the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans , Louisiana . Written for Bush by Peggy Noonan and Craig R. Smith , the address likened America 's clubs and volunteer organizations to " a brilliant diversity spread like stars , like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky . " Bush reprised the phrase near the end of his speech , affirming that he would " keep America moving forward , always forward — for a better America , for an endless enduring dream and a thousand points of light . " He repeated the phrase in his inaugural address on January 20 , 1989 : I have spoken of a thousand points of light , of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation , doing good . We will work hand in hand , encouraging , sometimes leading , sometimes being led , rewarding . We will work on this in the White House , in the Cabinet agencies . I will go to the people and the programs that are the brighter points of light , and I will ask every member of my government to become involved . The old ideas are new again because they are not old , they are timeless : duty , sacrifice , commitment , and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in . A 1991 article in '' The New York Times '' noted that the phrase had inspired " a host of caustic political satires , including cartoons of devastated communities as ' a thousand points of blight . ' " U.S. President Donald Trump mocked the phrase at a rally in Montana on July 5 , 2018 , asking " What does that mean ? I know one thing : Make America Great Again we understand . Putting America first we understand . Thousand points of light , I never quite got that one . What the hell is that ? Has anyone ever figured that one out ? It was put out by a Republican was n't it ? " On December 5 , 2018 , former U.S. President George W. Bush eulogized his father , late former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the State Funeral held at the Washington National Cathedral . Part of that eulogy included the following text that made reference to his father 's passion for public service . He strongly believed that it was important to give back to the community and country in which one lived . He recognized that serving others enriched the giver ’s soul . To us , his was the brightest of a thousand points of light . During his presidency Bush handed out " Point of Light Awards " six days a week to citizens working to aid their communities through volunteer work
1988 Republican National Convention
1988 Republican National Convention
Thousand points of light