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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13486
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13486-009
Folder Title:
Mississippi State University, 5/13/89 [2]
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26
15
7
2
THE WHITE HOUSE
fill
WASHINGTON
May 10, 1989
INFORMATION
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
5/11/89
THROUGH: CHRISS WINSTON
cu
FROM:
CURT SMITH
as
SUBJECT: MAY 13 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT
I. SUMMARY
At 3:15 p.m., Saturday, May 13, you will address the
Mississippi State University Commencement ceremonies. The
graduating class totals 2,000. About 15,000 people are expected
to attend, including John Stennis and Sonny Montgomery.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks discuss how the world has changed since
your 1948 graduation, and how what hasn't changed are the values
which make America great. In particular, the text focuses on how
community service reflects the selfless character of America's
"good, quiet, decent people."
958L-84S
Dave:
yesterday we talked about owkring in a para. on each of these
speeches in Miss about "Yesterday I spelled out a new
doctrine towards hte Soviet Union. This doctrine must lead to a more
peaceful world. CV1; eraly we are living in hopeful times
then segue in to
what comes next
(you can do this better, but let's tie it in to
both soem way.)
GB
Both speechent need only
a Little little nore move Humon work. if possible but pretty as is good
length five!!
(Smith/Blessey)
May 10, 1989
Draft Six
MISS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
MISSISSIPPI STATE U.
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1989
3 P.M.
President Zacharias, Members of the Board of Trustees, soon-
to-be fellow graduates, faculty, administrators, friends.
I want to thank you for that warm introduction. And for the
generosity of your welcome. And let me say how delighted I am to
address these Commencement ceremonies.
You know, one of my favorite Presidents was the man who
first coined the term "bully pulpit." The story goes that Teddy
Roosevelt would roam the halls of the White House, shouting
"bully, bully." Well, having just met your mascot, I think Teddy
would have felt right at home.
I also want to say what an honor it is to see again one of
the great patriots of this or any era, the Honorable John
Judge senaton stennis,
Stennis. Ask anyone: John Stennis A doesn't merely hail from
Mississippi. He is Mississippi.
Another long-time friend, of course, is Congressman Sonny
Montgomery -- and I'm glad that he, too, is here.
2
Sonny's great-grandfather, Colonel W.B. Montgomery, was
instrumental in rebuilding Mississippi after the Civil War. And
he played a major role in founding this university.
This afternoon, I want to recognize those pioneering
efforts. And to salute his great-grandson, too. Sonny and I
play paddleball regularly. And he always kids me that I win only
when I'm wearing my Mississippi State sweat-shirt [PAUSE]
...
When I lose, I'm wearing Ole Miss.
me
You know, I come from a State where they like to sing "The
Eyes of Texas Are Upon You." Well, today, my friends, the eyes
of America are upon Starkville, Mississippi.
For we meet, to begin with, at a special school -- special
because for 109 years, Mississippi State has made education a
lasting legacy, and opportunity its bequest.
We gather, also, in a special State -- special for its
people. You realize that who we are matters more than what we
have. It's a state whose people value home and family and
tradition.
I thought of that today as Air Force One brought me to
?7
Mississippi. And of how for me, this morning also marks another
3
journey: Back to some of my pivotal years -- the years I spent
as an undergraduate.
It was 41 years ago next month that I, too, received my
degree. I'll never forget it
nor will my family
they're still in shock.
Du spring A the 4E were only / TV sets sward it the county and Milton et
In 1948 1 Milton Berle was Mr. Television, and taking pies in
the face. Harry Truman was Mr. President, and he was giving 'em
hell. In many ways, it was a different America. Less
congestion. Less pollution. Less high technology. PacMan was a
camper, not a video game.
We had problems, sure. At home, gas lines, a housing
?
shortage, and high inflation. And veterans adjusting to domestic
(was about to turn)
chich
life. Abroad, the Cold War had turned downright frigid. The
facts
Communist bloc was solidifying. China and the Middle East were
rent by war. And in a Europe torn by conflicting ideologies, the
Soviets were blockading West Berlin.
Yet, with the end of World War Two, America was unified as
few would have thought possible. I am sure many of you have seen
the famous Life magazine photo that captured the spirit of the
times: the sailor in Times Square embracing a woman in the mass
exultation of V-J Day. A victory for freedom that came after so
much sacrifice.
4
Like the woman swept off her feet, the spirit of rejoicing -
- and more importantly -- the limitless possibilities of America
swept us all. I, too, felt that sense of idealism and
opportunity. And I decided to go to Texas to make the most of
the American Dream for my wife and baby.
Today, I look back upon those times and I am struck --
struck by the wonder of how much this country has achieved. What
newly-married vet in his early twenties could have imagined just
how wide the golden door of opportunity would have swung in four
short decades?
And yet, in spite of all this achievement -- in spite of
technological and scientific advance
of prosperity and
power unprecedented in world history -- let us not forget the
things that made our progress possible. One is what
Mississippi's own William Faulkner called "the old verities and
truths of the heart."
My friends, it is these verities that in 1948 allowed us to
meet our problems together. For we took pride in our identity as
a Nation. And solace in our faith in God. Above all, we
believed in the simple, the basic, truths like kindness and
civility, self-sacrifice and courage,' compassion and concern for
Mult
5
others. Timeless values which span the generations. Values
which show that America is great because America is good.
we be ancimpro
Thomas Paine once wrote that "the world has turned over
many times.' It has since I graduated. The post-war period has
given way to a new world -- a world still perilous, but alive
with prospects for peace and with the certainty of change. Yet
there are some things that haven't changed since 1948. America's
values haven't.
We see these values everywhere -- at a church-based child-
care center, at choir practice, at the PTA. They uplift American
society -- for they reflect the tenets of "Do Unto Others":
tenets I respect, and which as President I will serve. And they
are the values of America's good, quiet, decent people --
Americans who know that we are not the sum of our possessions,
but of how we conduct ourselves.
These people form the heart of our society. And they enrich
its central unit: the family. Here, these values play a special
role. For they teach that life is not a celebration of self.
And our fate is not told divisible. the graduating clas b off Alcan state
an I society- will I nothing will as do everything I can to emphase the importance faints and A/
do AS I President to weakn the role of famly m
You know, I've been lucky -- a wonderful wife and five great
to strengthe
kids. And having put them through college, I remember receiving its role.
letters from them, and there would always be a "P.S." at the
6
bottom. It was those three little words that say so much about
the special bond between parents at home and kids away at school:
"Please Send Money."
Five kids. And eleven lively grandkids -- by themselves,
they could field the Bulldogs' entire pitching staff. Like all
kids, they provide a Rubik's Cube of questions. And, like most
families, they supply that love and allegiance which make us more
fulfilled. And, believe me, sometimes we need that loyalty. I'm
reminded of the alumnus who sent his coach a telegram before the
big game. It read: "Remember, coach. We're all behind you --
win or tie. "
Yes, the individual is important. But the family unit can
be our secret weapon, and our shield. And as President, I want
to strengthen it.
To help the family, we must keep America prosperous, strong,
and free. We must stop the scourge of drug abuse, and we will.
We must build an educational system which invests in our
children. And for those who, for whatever reason -- sickness,
poverty, the death of a loved one -- feel alone and isolated, let
us become their family: Not in a legal sense, but in a human
sense -- helping, supporting, and caring for our neighbor.
7
Today, millions of Americans are doing that -- giving of
themselves, and helping others. We term their work volunteerism,
or community service. For they show how the definition of a
successful life must include serving others.
I have often said I like what works. Community service
works. Because it's real, not abstract -- it makes achievement
feasible. Compassion helps one child escape heroin addiction.
Generosity allows another to eat a decent meal. Through faith in
God, still another overcomes the curse of bigotry and hatred.
That is why I have created the Office of National Service,
which will enlist new volunteers to help meet unmet social needs.
Project Victory, or Mission Impossible? Look to the heroes of
today for an answer.
Look, for example, to Dave Pettry, an MSU agronomist who has
traveled around the world to nurture soil management. or Steve
Cooper, who works in Starkville's "Help Find the Children"
campaign. Or Donnie Prisock -- Dr. Donnie -- a paraplegic who
earned his Ph. D., and who counsels handicapped students at this
school.
Heroes? Every one. For they know that the private sector -
- and individuals -- have the resources -- and the responsibility
-- to confront issues like hunger and health care, drug abuse and
8
teen pregnancy. A famous adage says that "Luck is the residue of
design." Well, America's luck can be the residue of
volunteerism's design.
Mississippi has given America some indelible
litics, John Stennis and Sonny Montgomery; in
gene Butler; in entertainment, country's Jerry
mentyion I dont believe this is sonny'as district so maybe we
the
lways, you've treasured Faulkner's "verities and
eart.' "
service -- national service -- reflects those
Stemis is time
Senmators and their congressman or leave sohul;d it out abotu
ve and honor
and pride and compassion and
'alues which can ennoble the family, and American
rge.
kner's "verities of the heart" be our values -- not
is generation, but for future generations. And
america's good, quiet, decent people, let us help
ca -- so that America can enrich the world.
ck to each of you, and my heart-felt congratulations.
:ure be worthy of your dreams. And may you always
sonny.
) now, God bless America. Thank you for inviting me
u so very much.
7
#
#
#
#
April 12, 1989
Dear Dr. Zacharias:
On behalf of the President, I wish to acknowledge and thank you for
your kind invitation to address Mississippi State University's
commencement ceremonies
The President is pleased to accept. This has been entered on his
schedule for May 13th, and nearer the date Mr. John G. Keller, Jr.,
Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Advance will contact
you about the President's acceptance of your invitation.
The President's acceptance of this invitation should not be announced to
anyone until official notification is given by the White House Press Office,
and any public announcement of this event must be coordinated with that
office.
You should be aware that certain physical facility requirements exist for
any Presidential appearance. The costs associated with these
requirements are generally the responsibility of the host and are
summarized on the attached list.
If you wish to alter the current plans for this event in any way, such as
changing any part of the format, the location, or the participants, please
direct your request for the proposed change to the Office of Presidential
Appointments and Scheduling.
With best wishes.
Sincerely,
JOSEPH W. HAGIN II
Deputy Assistant to the President
for Appointments and Scheduling
Dr. Donald W. Zacharias
President
Mississippi State University
givedo gear
Post Office Box Drawer J
Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
CC and incoming to Speechwriting Office
CC to Helen Donaldson 182, OEOB
schedulio. Mississippi hes. stat Kim
Letter
"/
17721#1
Republican
National
Committee
Ann Wilson
March 8, 1989
(Mrs. Roberts Wilson, Jr.)
Member for Mississippi
31 Polo Drive
Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 956-2051
The President
Ells
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President:
I have received a letter regarding your invitation from Dr.
Donald Zacharias, President of Mississippi State University, to address
the commencement exercises on May 12, or 13, at Mississippi State University.
It would be a great honor to have you here in Mississippi and
certainly an unforgettable experience for the 2,000 graduates of Mississippi's
largest institution of higher learning.
It is always a great honor and privilege to have you visit Mississippi
and I look forward to your next_trip. No President has ever spoken at Mississippi
State, and I think it would be good for the University, and good for the State
of Mississippi to have you there for graduation.
Your consideration of this request will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
ann
Ann Wilson
RECE
MISSISSION » STATE VALICE LIVIERSITY
FEB 08
SCHEDULING
OFFICE
1878
for 7 - 13
Office of the President
11
February 3, 1989
President George Bush
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Attention: Director of Scheduling
Dear President Bush:
Mississippi State University would consider it a high honor and privilege to
have you address our university commencement on May 13, 1989, at 3:00 p.m.
We anticipate awarding degrees to approximately 2600 students at the
baccalaureate through doctoral levels. Our university_is the largest in the
state and is, of course, a land-grant university.
I had the honor of welcoming you to speak at Western Kentucky University
during the 1984 campaign. I was serving as president of Western Kentucky at
the time. You made an outstanding presentation on that occasion, and I
would like the privilege of presenting you to the crowd of 10,000 or more
who would attend the indoor and air-conditioned commencement ceremony at
Mississippi State.
I realize of course that you will have numerous invitations to make
commencement addresses, but I believe Mississippi merits recognition for the
numerous achievements that have been made in science, industry, and social
conditions within this state. Having the President visit and see firsthand
what is occurring here would emphasize to the nation that education is in
the forefront of this state as well as at the top of your national agenda.
We would be happy to work with you in setting the starting time for the
commencement activities if that becomes a factor in making it possible for
you to be our guest speaker. Thank you for considering our request.
Sincerely yours,
Donald W. Zacharias
President
nc
c: Senator Thad Cochran
Senator Trent Lott
Congressman Sonny Montgomery
P.O. Drawer J, Mississippi State, MS 39762 (601) 325-3221
HALEY BARBOUR
POST OFFICE BOX 960
SUITE 1010
AZOO CITY, MISSISSIPPI 39194
600 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW
(601) 746-2134
WASHINGTON, DC. 20037
(202) 333-8767
February 13, 1989
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
Congressman Sonny Montgomery has made me aware of
Mississippi State University's invitation to you to address their
commencement exercises on May 12 or 13. I am writing to endorse
their invitation.
Although it excels in such fields as engineering and
computers, Mississippi State was founded as a land grant
institution and continues to be the -lead university in our state
for agriculture and agri-business, still the dominant industry in
Mississippi- and many other states.
Despite the serious decline of agriculture during a large
portion of the 80's, most farmers and agri-business people voted
for you last November. They did so because they- share your
belief in more market-oriented policy and trust you to make the
move away from excessive government involvement in a way that
protects the farm community during the transition.
With this in mind and considering both the reduction in the
budget for agriculture for FY 1990 and the upcoming
reconstitution of the farm bill, a visit to Mississippi State may
provide a timely opportunity for you to speak to the entire
country and agriculture in particular about your concerns and
views in this critical area. I hope SO.
Thank you for giving this matter the consideration it
deserves.
Sincerely,
Haley Barbour
Chilly Barry
HB/1p
cc: Sonny Montgomery
Thad Cochran
Trent Lott
Ed Rogers
#620
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Starkville, Mississippi)
For Immediate Release.
May 13, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
Thurman Field
Starkville, Mississippi
3:22 P.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
(Applause.) Thank all of you. Congratulations to you. Thank you
all very much. President Zacharias and members of the Board of
Trustees, members of the distinguished faculty, administrators,
friends, soon to be graduates, I can't tell you how much I appreciate
that warm Bulldog welcome. (Applause.)
Before I get too far into these remarks, I don't believe
I've ever heard a more beautiful or remarkable rendition of the "Star
Spangled Banner." Richard Gaddis -- (applause) -- just wonderful.
And thank you all for the warmth of this welcome here today. And I
am very honored and privileged to address your commencement. I was
at Alcorn State, another part of this great state, earlier on. And I
told them that I was reminded of my own graduation, because I could
see on the faces of some of these kids the apprehension about the
President coming here and how long they might have to endure the
message. And I was reminded of a graduation at Yale and the speaker
got up and went on and on. He finally --- at the beginning he said
"Yale -- Y is for youth.' He talked about that for 20 minutes. "A
is for altruism. 18. "L is for Loyalty." 32 minutes. "E is for
excellence." Finished his speech -- there was only one person left,
head down in prayer. And the speaker said "Were you praying for
those values?" He said "No, sir. I was giving thanks that I didn't
go to Mississippi State University. (Laughter.)
I want to say what a great honor it is to see a long time
family friend, one of the great patriots of this or any other era,
the Honorable John Stennis, who resides right here on this campus.
(Applause.) Judge Stennis, Senator Stennis, call him what you will.
He doesn't merely hail from Mississippi. He is Mississippi. And his
service to the United States of America will not be forgotten.
Now, I wondered whether we could ever fill those big
shoes. But I say this not as a partisan, but as an observer of some
time, as President Zacharias said of the public scene -- and you have
two great United States Senators in Thad Cochran and in Trent Lott
and I'm proud to be with them here today. (Applause.) And I salute
the two Members of Congress that are with us today.
One of them, Congressman Montgomery and I were elected to
Congress on the same day. I'm delighted he's here. His
great-grandfather, Colonel W. B. Montgomery, was instrumental in
rebuilding Mississippi after the war, and he played a major role in
founding this university.
And so this afternoon, I want to recognize those
pioneering efforts, and to salute my dear friend, the Colonel's
great-grandson, your own Congressman, Sonny Montgomery. (Applause.)
He always kids me that I win only when I'm wearing my Mississippi
State shorts. I brought them along today with a plea: Can't we do
MORE
- 2 -
better than this? (Laughter.) Twenty years. If you don't do better
than that by me, you're going to get this. (Laughter.)
You know, I come from a State where we like to sing "The
Eyes of Texas Are Upon You." Well, today, my friends, the eyes of
America are upon Starkville, Mississippi. For we meet, to begin
with, at a special school -- special because for 109 years, MSU has
made education a lasting legacy, and opportunity its bequest.
We gather, also, in a very special state -- special for
its people. You realize that who we are matters more than what we
have. And you value home and family and tradition and service to
country. I thought of that today as Air Force One brought me to
Mississippi, and of how, for me, this afternoon also marks another
journey -- back to some of my own pivotal years -- the years I spent
as an undergraduate.
It was 41 years ago next month that I, too, received my
degree - 1948.
In 1948, there were only 172,000 television sets owned in
the entire United States of America. Milton Berle was Mr.
Television, taking pies in the face. Harry Truman was Mr. President,
giving 'em hell. And in many ways, it was a different America. Less
congestion. Less pollution. Less high tech. Pac Man was a camper,
not a video game. (Laughter.)
And we had problems, sure. At home, gas shortages and
housing problems, and veterans adjusting to domestic life after World
War II. Abroad, the Cold War had turned frigid. The Communist Bloc
was solidifying. China and the Middle East were rent assunder by
war. And in a Europe torn by conflicting ideologies, the Soviets
were blockading West Berlin.
And yet, with the end of World War II, America was
unified as few could have imagined. I'm sure many of you have seen
that famous Life Magazine photo that captured the spirit of those
times -- the sailor in Times Square embracing a woman in the mass
exultation of V-J Day. A victory for freedom that came after so much
sacrifice.
Like the woman swept off her feet, the spirit of
rejoicing and more importantly -- the limitless possibliites of
America swept us all. And I, too, felt that sense of idealism and
opportunity and headed on out with Barbara -- headed out to Texas to
make the most of the American Dream.
But today, I look back upon those times and I am struck
-- struck by the wonder of how much this country has achieved. What
newly-married vet in his early twenties could have envisioned just
how wide the golden door of opportunity would swing in four short
decades?
And I ask myself, what made this achievement possible?
What caused America's technological and scientific advance -- a
prosperity and power unprecedented in world history? One thing, I
believe, is what Mississippi's own William Faulkner called "the old
verities and truths of the heart."
My friends, it is these verities that in 1948 allowed us
to meet our problems together. We took pride in our identity as a
nation and solace in our faith in God. And above all, we believed in
the simple, the basic truths like kindness and civility,
self-sacrifice and courage, compassion and concern for others.
Timeless values which span the generations. Values which show that
America is great because America is good.
An old saying notes how "the world has turned over many
times.' It has since I graduated. The post-war period has given way
to a new world -- a world still perilous, but alive with prospects
for peace and with the certainty of change. Yesterday at Texas A&M
MORE
- 3 -
in Bryant, Texas, I talked of that change, of a new policy that moves
beyond containment of the Soviet Union. And the new policy seeks to
bring the Soviet Union into the family of nations -- a policy, if you
will, of reintegration. And, as the Soviet Union moves toward
greater openness and democratization, and as they meet the challenge
of responsible international behavior, we will match their steps with
steps of our own. And if we succeed, the future of every graduate
today is going to be safer. The world we know will be more free. We
can dedicate ourselves then to helping others even more.
Yet there are some things that haven't changed since
1948. Our values haven't. We see these values everywhere -- a
church-based child care center, choir practice or the PTA, and they
uplift American society -- for they reflect the tenets of "Do Unto
Others" -- tenets I respect, and which I will try hard to serve as
President of the United States. And they are the values of America's
good, quiet, decent people -- Americans who know that we are not the
sum of our possessions, but of how we conduct ourselves.
And these people form the heart of our society. And they
enrich its central unit --- the family. Here, these values play a
special role, for they teach that life is not a celebration of self
and our fate is not divisible.
As I mentioned to the graduating class at Alcorn, I will
do nothing as President -- nothing at all --- to weaken our society by
weakening the fundamental role of family in our society. Instead, I
will do all I can to emphasize its importance and to reinforce its
role.
I've been very lucky -- a wonderful wife and five great
kids. They're through college. And I remember receiving letters
from them, and there would always be that "P.S." at the bottom --
those three little words, "Please Send Money" -- that special bond
between parents at home and kids away at school. I expect these
parents have never, ever received a letter like that.
Five kids and 11 lively grandkids -- and by themselves,
they could field the Bulldogs' entire pitching staff. And I
understand you people with the earphones staying plugged in to the
baseball game. (Laughter.) If I were sitting up there, I'd be doing
exactly the same thing. (Laughter and applause.) Never say that
Mississippians do not have their priorities sorted out right.
(Laughter.)
But like all kids, ours provide a Rubik Cube of
questions. And like most families, they supply that love and
allegiance which make us more fulfilled. And, believe me, sometimes
we need that loyalty. I'm reminded of the alumnus who sent his coach
a telegram before the big game. It read: "Remember, coach. We're
all behind you --- win or tie." (Laughter.)
The individual is important. But the family unit can be
our secret weapon, and our shield. And as President, I want to
strengthen it.
To help the family, we must keep America prosperous,
strong, and free. We must stop the scourge of drug abuse, and we
will. We must build an educational system which invests in our
children. And for those who, for whatever reason -- sickness,
poverty, the death of a loved one -- feel alone and isolated, lot us
become their family: Not in a legal sense, but in a human sense --
helping, supporting, caring for our neighbor.
Today, millions of Americans are doing just that --
giving of themselves, and helping others. And we term their work
volunteerism, or community service. For they show how the definition
of a successful life must include serving others.
The French writer Jean Cocteau was once asked what he
MORE
- 4 -
would take if his house were on fire and he could remove only one
thing. "I would take the fire," he replied. (Laughter.) Ile liked
what worked. Well, so do I. Community service works. Because it's
real, not abstract -- it makes achievements feasible. Compassion
helps one child escape heroin addiction. Generosity allows another
to eat a decent meal. And through faith in God, still another
overcomes the curse of bigotry and hatred.
And that's why I have created the Office of National
Service, which will enlist new volunteers to help meet unmet social
needs. Project Victory, or Mission Impossible? Look to the heroes
of today for an answer.
Look to David Pettry, an MSU agronomist who has traveled
around the world to nurture soil management. Or Steve Cooper, who
works in Starkville's "Help Find the Children" campaign. Or Donnie
Prisock -- Dr. Donnie -- a quadriplegic who earned his Ph.D., and who
counsels handicapped students right here at this school.
Heroes? Every one. For they know that the private
sector --- and individuals --- have the resources -- and the
responsibility -- to confront issues like hunger and health care,
drug abuse and teen pregnancy. A famous adage says that "Luck is the
residue of design." Well, America's luck can be the residue of
volunteerism's design.
My friends, you've worked hard and studied and struggled
for four years, and now you've endured the hardest part: Listening
to the commencement address. (Laughter.) And I haven't even begun.
Let's see, Y,M,I,S. (Laughter.)
But let me leave you with the thought that Mississippi
has given America some indelible leaders --in politics, John Stennis;
in publishing, Eugene Butler; in entertainment, country's Jerry
Clower. And, always, you've treasured Faulkner's "verities and
truths of the heart.'
Community service -- national service -- reflects those
verities: "Love and honor and pride and compassion and sacrifice."
Values which can ennoble the family, and American society at large.
So let Faulkner's "verities of the heart" be our values
-- not merely for this generation, but for future generations. And
inspired by America's good, quiet, decent people, let us help enrich
America -- so that America can continue to enrich the world. Good
luck to each one of you. My heart-felt congratulations. May your
future be worthy of your dreams. And may you always say, as I do
now, God bless the United States of America. Thank you for inviting
me. (Applause.) Thanks a lot.
END
3:40 P.M. CDT
REMARKS: COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
MISSISSIPPI STATE U.
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1989
3 P.M.
PRESIDENT ZACHARIAS, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES, SOON-TO-BE FELLOW GRADUATES, FACULTY,
ADMINISTRATORS, FRIENDS.
- 2 -
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT WARM INTRODUCTION.
AND FOR THE GENEROSITY OF YOUR WELCOME. AND LET ME SAY
HOW DELIGHTED I AM To ADDRESS THESE COMMENCEMENT
CEREMONIES.
You KNOW, ONE OF MY FAVORITE PRESIDENTS WAS THE MAN
WHO FIRST COINED THE TERM "BULLY PULPIT." THE STORY
GOES THAT TEDDY ROOSEVELT WOULD ROAM THE HALLS OF THE
WHITE HOUSE, SHOUTING "BULLY, BULLY."
- 3 -
WELL, HAVING JUST MET YOUR MASCOT, I THINK TEDDY WOULD
HAVE FELT RIGHT AT HOME.
I ALSO WANT TO SAY WHAT AN HONOR IT IS TO SEE AGAIN
ONE OF THE GREAT PATRIOTS OF THIS OR ANY ERA, THE
HONORABLE JOHN STENNIS. Ask ANYONE: JUDGE STENNIS,
SENATOR STENNIS, DOESN'T MERELY HAIL FROM MISSISSIPPI.
HE IS MISSISSIPPI.
ANOTHER LONG-TIME FRIEND, OF COURSE, IS CONGRESSMAN
SONNY MONTGOMERY -- AND I'M GLAD THAT HE, Too, IS HERE.
- 4 -
SONNY'S GREAT-GRANDFATHER, COLONEL W.B. MONTGOMERY,
WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN REBUILDING MISSISSIPPI AFTER THE
CIVIL WAR. AND HE PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN FOUNDING THIS
UNIVERSITY.
THIS AFTERNOON, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THOSE
PIONEERING EFFORTS. AND TO SALUTE HIS GREAT-GRANDSON,
TOO. SONNY AND I PLAY PADDLEBALL REGULARLY.
- 5 -
AND HE ALWAYS KIDS ME THAT I WIN ONLY WHEN I'M WEARING
MY MISSISSIPPI STATE SWEAT-SHIRT [PAUSE]
WHEN I
LOSE, I'M WEARING OLE MISS.
You KNOW, I COME FROM A STATE WHERE WE LIKE To SING
"THE EYES OF TEXAS ARE UPON You." WELL, TODAY, MY
FRIENDS, THE EYES OF AMERICA ARE UPON STARKVILLE,
MISSISSIPPI.
- 6 -
FOR WE MEET, TO BEGIN WITH, AT A SPECIAL SCHOOL --
SPECIAL BECAUSE FOR 109 YEARS, MISSISSIPPI STATE HAS
MADE EDUCATION A LASTING LEGACY, AND OPPORTUNITY ITS
BEQUEST.
WE GATHER, ALSO, IN A SPECIAL STATE -- SPECIAL FOR
ITS PEOPLE. You REALIZE THAT WHO WE ARE MATTERS MORE
THAN WHAT WE HAVE. You VALUE HOME AND FAMILY AND
TRADITION.
- 7 -
I THOUGHT OF THAT TODAY AS AIR FORCE ONE BROUGHT ME
To MISSISSIPPI. AND OF HOW FOR ME, THIS AFTERNOON ALSO
MARKS ANOTHER JOURNEY: BACK TO SOME OF MY PIVOTAL
YEARS -- THE YEARS I SPENT AS AN UNDERGRADUATE.
IT WAS 41 YEARS AGO NEXT MONTH THAT I, Too,
RECEIVED MY DEGREE. I'LL NEVER FORGET IT
NOR
WILL MY FAMILY
...
THEY'RE STILL IN SHOCK.
- 8 -
IN 1948, THERE WERE ONLY 172,000 TV SETS OWNED IN
THIS COUNTRY. MILTON BERLE WAS MR. TELEVISION, AND
TAKING PIES IN THE FACE. HARRY TRUMAN WAS MR.
PRESIDENT, AND HE WAS GIVING 'EM HELL. IN MANY WAYS,
IT WAS A DIFFERENT AMERICA. LESS CONGESTION. LESS
POLLUTION. LESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY. PACMAN WAS A CAMPER,
NOT A VIDEO GAME.
- 9 -
WE HAD PROBLEMS, SURE. AT HOME, GAS SHORTAGES AND
HOUSING PROBLEMS. AND VETERANS ADJUSTING TO DOMESTIC
LIFE. ABROAD, THE COLD WAR HAD TURNED DOWNRIGHT
FRIGID. THE COMMUNIST BLOC WAS SOLIDIFYING. CHINA AND
THE MIDDLE EAST WERE RENT BY WAR. AND IN A EUROPE TORN
BY CONFLICTING IDEOLOGIES, THE SOVIETS WERE BLOCKADING
WEST BERLIN.
- 10 -
YET, WITH THE END OF WORLD WAR Two, AMERICA WAS
UNIFIED AS FEW COULD HAVE IMAGINED. I AM SURE MANY OF
YOU HAVE SEEN THE FAMOUS LIFE MAGAZINE PHOTO THAT
CAPTURED THE SPIRIT OF THE TIMES: THE SAILOR IN TIMES
SQUARE EMBRACING A WOMAN IN THE MASS EXULTATION OF V-J
DAY. A VICTORY FOR FREEDOM THAT CAME AFTER so MUCH
SACRIFICE.
- 11 -
LIKE THE WOMAN SWEPT OFF HER FEET, THE SPIRIT OF
REJOICING -- AND MORE IMPORTANTLY -- THE LIMITLESS
POSSIBILITIES OF AMERICA SWEPT US ALL. I, Too, FELT
THAT SENSE OF IDEALISM AND OPPORTUNITY. AND I DECIDED
TO GO TO TEXAS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
FOR MY WIFE AND BABY.
TODAY, I LOOK BACK UPON THOSE TIMES AND I AM STRUCK
-- STRUCK BY THE WONDER OF HOW MUCH THIS COUNTRY HAS
ACHIEVED.
- 12 -
WHAT NEWLY-MARRIED VET IN HIS EARLY TWENTIES COULD HAVE
ENVISIONED JUST HOW WIDE THE GOLDEN DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY
WOULD SWING IN FOUR SHORT DECADES?
AND I ASK MYSELF: WHAT MADE THIS ACHIEVEMENT
POSSIBLE? WHAT CAUSED AMERICA'S TECHNOLOGICAL AND
SCIENTIFIC ADVANCE -- A PROSPERITY AND POWER
UNPRECEDENTED IN WORLD HISTORY? ONE THING, I BELIEVE,
IS WHAT MISSISSIPPI'S OWN WILLIAM FAULKNER CALLED "THE
OLD VERITIES AND TRUTHS OF THE HEART."
- 13 -
MY FRIENDS, IT IS THESE VERITIES THAT IN 1948
ALLOWED US TO MEET OUR PROBLEMS TOGETHER. FOR WE TOOK
PRIDE IN OUR IDENTITY AS A NATION. AND SOLACE IN OUR
FAITH IN GOD. ABOVE ALL, WE BELIEVED IN THE SIMPLE,
THE BASIC, TRUTHS LIKE KINDNESS AND CIVILITY, SELF-
SACRIFICE AND COURAGE, COMPASSION AND CONCERN FOR
OTHERS. TIMELESS VALUES WHICH SPAN THE GENERATIONS.
VALUES WHICH SHOW THAT AMERICA IS GREAT BECAUSE AMERICA
IS GOOD.
- 14 -
AN OLD SAYING NOTES HOW "THE WORLD HAS TURNED OVER
MANY TIMES. " IT HAS SINCE I GRADUATED. THE POST-WAR
PERIOD HAS GIVEN WAY TO A NEW WORLD -- A WORLD STILL
PERILOUS, BUT ALIVE WITH PROSPECTS FOR PEACE AND WITH
THE CERTAINTY OF CHANGE.
- 15 -
YESTERDAY, I TALKED OF THAT CHANGE -- OF A NEW
POLICY THAT MOVES BEYOND CONTAINMENT OF THE SOVIET
UNION. THIS NEW POLICY SEEKS TO BRING THE SOVIET UNION
INTO THE FAMILY OF NATIONS. As THE SOVIET UNION MOVES
TOWARD GREATER OPENNESS AND DEMOCRATIZATION -- AS THEY
MEET THE CHALLENGE OF RESPONSIBLE INTERNATIONAL
BEHAVIOR -- WE WILL MATCH THEIR STEPS WITH STEPS OF OUR
OWN. IF WE SUCCEED, YOUR FUTURE WILL BE SAFER, THE
WORLD WILL KNOW WILL BE MORE FREE.
- 16 -
YET THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT HAVEN'T CHANGED SINCE
1948. AMERICA'S VALUES HAVEN'T.
WE SEE THESE VALUES EVERYWHERE -- AT A CHURCH-
BASED CHILD-CARE CENTER, AT CHOIR PRACTICE, AT THE PTA.
THEY UPLIFT AMERICAN SOCIETY -- FOR THEY REFLECT THE
TENETS OF "Do UNTO OTHERS": TENETS I RESPECT, AND
WHICH AS PRESIDENT I WILL SERVE.
- 17 -
AND THEY ARE THE VALUES OF AMERICA'S GOOD, QUIET,
DECENT PEOPLE -- AMERICANS WHO KNOW THAT WE ARE NOT THE
SUM OF OUR POSSESSIONS, BUT OF HOW WE CONDUCT
OURSELVES.
THESE PEOPLE FORM THE HEART OF OUR SOCIETY. AND
THEY ENRICH ITS CENTRAL UNIT: THE FAMILY. HERE, THESE
VALUES PLAY A SPECIAL ROLE. FOR THEY TEACH THAT LIFE
IS NOT A CELEBRATION OF SELF. AND OUR FATE IS NOT
DIVISIBLE.
- 18 -
As I TOLD THE GRADUATING CLASS AT ALCORN STATE, I
WILL DO NOTHING AS PRESIDENT TO WEAKEN THE ROLE OF
FAMILY IN OUR SOCIETY. INSTEAD, I WILL DO ALL I CAN TO
EMPHASIZE ITS IMPORTANCE AND TO REINFORCE ITS ROLE.
You KNOW, I'VE BEEN LUCKY -- A WONDERFUL WIFE AND
FIVE GREAT KIDS. AND HAVING PUT THEM THROUGH COLLEGE,
I REMEMBER RECEIVING LETTERS FROM THEM, AND THERE WOULD
ALWAYS BE A "P.S." AT THE BOTTOM.
- 19 -
IT WAS THOSE THREE LITTLE WORDS THAT SAY so MUCH ABOUT
THE SPECIAL BOND BETWEEN PARENTS AT HOME AND KIDS AWAY
AT SCHOOL: "PLEASE SEND MONEY."
FIVE KIDS. AND ELEVEN LIVELY GRANDKIDS -- BY
THEMSELVES, THEY COULD FIELD THE BULLDOGS' ENTIRE
PITCHING STAFF. LIKE ALL KIDS, THEY PROVIDE A RUBIK'S
CUBE OF QUESTIONS. AND, LIKE MOST FAMILIES, THEY
SUPPLY THAT LOVE AND ALLEGIANCE WHICH MAKE US MORE
FULFILLED.
- 20 -
AND, BELIEVE ME, SOMETIMES WE NEED THAT LOYALTY. I'M
REMINDED OF THE ALUMNUS WHO SENT HIS COACH A TELEGRAM
BEFORE THE BIG GAME. IT READ: "REMEMBER, COACH.
WE'RE ALL BEHIND YOU -- WIN OR TIE."
YES, THE INDIVIDUAL IS IMPORTANT. BUT THE FAMILY
UNIT CAN BE OUR SECRET WEAPON, AND OUR SHIELD. AND AS
PRESIDENT, I WANT To STRENGTHEN IT.
- 21 -
To HELP THE FAMILY, WE MUST KEEP AMERICA
PROSPEROUS, STRONG, AND FREE. WE MUST STOP THE SCOURGE
OF DRUG ABUSE, AND WE WILL. WE MUST BUILD AN
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM WHICH INVESTS IN OUR CHILDREN. AND
FOR THOSE WHO, FOR WHATEVER REASON -- SICKNESS,
POVERTY, THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE -- FEEL ALONE AND
ISOLATED, LET US BECOME THEIR FAMILY: NOT IN A LEGAL
SENSE, BUT IN A HUMAN SENSE -- HELPING, SUPPORTING, AND
CARING FOR OUR NEIGHBOR.
- 22 -
TODAY, MILLIONS OF AMERICANS ARE DOING THAT --
GIVING OF THEMSELVES, AND HELPING OTHERS. WE TERM
THEIR WORK VOLUNTEERISM, OR COMMUNITY SERVICE. FOR
THEY SHOW HOW THE DEFINITION OF A SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST
INCLUDE SERVING OTHERS.
You KNOW, THE FRENCH WRITER JEAN COCTEAU (CocK-TOE)
WAS ONCE ASKED WHAT HE WOULD TAKE IF HIS HOUSE WERE ON
FIRE AND HE COULD REMOVE ONLY ONE THING. "I WOULD TAKE
THE FIRE," HE REPLIED.
- 23 -
HE LIKED WHAT WORKED. WELL, SO DO I. MY FRIENDS,
COMMUNITY SERVICE WORKS. BECAUSE IT'S REAL, NOT
ABSTRACT -- IT MAKES ACHIEVEMENT FEASIBLE. COMPASSION
HELPS ONE CHILD ESCAPE HEROIN ADDICTION. GENEROSITY
ALLOWS ANOTHER TO EAT A DECENT MEAL. THROUGH FAITH IN
GOD, STILL ANOTHER OVERCOMES THE CURSE OF BIGOTRY AND
HATRED.
- 24 -
THAT IS WHY I HAVE CREATED THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL
SERVICE, WHICH WILL ENLIST NEW VOLUNTEERS TO HELP MEET
UNMET SOCIAL NEEDS. PROJECT VICTORY, OR MISSION
IMPOSSIBLE? LOOK To THE HEROES OF TODAY FOR AN ANSWER.
Look, FOR EXAMPLE, TO DAVE PETTRY, AN MSU
AGRONOMIST WHO HAS TRAVELED AROUND THE WORLD TO NURTURE
SOIL MANAGEMENT. OR STEVE COOPER, WHO WORKS IN
STARKVILLE'S "HELP FIND THE CHILDREN" CAMPAIGN.
- 25 -
OR DONNIE PRISOCK [PRY-suc] -- DR. DONNIE -- A
QUADRAPLEGIC WHO EARNED HIS PH. D., AND WHO COUNSELS
HANDICAPPED STUDENTS AT THIS SCHOOL.
HEROES? EVERY ONE. FOR THEY KNOW THAT THE PRIVATE
SECTOR -- AND INDIVIDUALS -- HAVE THE RESOURCES -- AND
THE RESPONSIBILITY -- TO CONFRONT ISSUES LIKE HUNGER
AND HEALTH CARE, DRUG ABUSE AND TEEN PREGNANCY.
- 26 -
A FAMOUS ADAGE SAYS THAT "Luck IS THE RESIDUE OF
DESIGN." WELL, AMERICA'S LUCK CAN BE THE RESIDUE OF
VOLUNTEERISM'S DESIGN.
MY FRIENDS, YOU'VE WORKED AND STUDIED AND STRUGGLED
FOR FOUR YEARS, AND NOW YOU'VE ENDURED THE HARDEST
PART: LISTENING To A COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS.
- 27 -
BUT LET ME LEAVE YOU WITH THE THOUGHT THAT
MISSISSIPPI HAS GIVEN AMERICA SOME INDELIBLE LEADERS --
IN POLITICS, JOHN STENNIS; IN PUBLISHING, EUGENE
BUTLER; IN ENTERTAINMENT, COUNTRY'S JERRY CLOWER. AND,
ALWAYS, YOU'VE TREASURED FAULKNER'S "VERITIES AND
TRUTHS OF THE HEART."
- 28 -
COMMUNITY SERVICE -- NATIONAL SERVICE -- REFLECTS
THOSE VERITIES: "Love AND HONOR
...
AND PRIDE AND
COMPASSION AND SACRIFICE." VALUES WHICH CAN ENNOBLE
THE FAMILY, AND AMERICAN SOCIETY AT LARGE.
LET FAULKNER'S "VERITIES OF THE HEART" BE OUR
VALUES -- NOT MERELY FOR THIS GENERATION, BUT FOR
FUTURE GENERATIONS. AND INSPIRED BY AMERICA'S GOOD,
QUIET, DECENT PEOPLE, LET US HELP ENRICH AMERICA -- so
THAT AMERICA CAN ENRICH THE WORLD.
- 29 - -
GOOD LUCK To EACH OF YOU, AND MY HEART-FELT
CONGRATULATIONS. MAY YOUR FUTURE BE WORTHY OF YOUR
DREAMS. AND MAY YOU ALWAYS SAY, AS I DO NOW, GOD BLESS
AMERICA. THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME -- THANK YOU so
VERY MUCH.
# # # #
034025SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 5/8/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
5/9/89 10:00 AM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER in a mtq, On his desk
DARMAN 3060
STUDDERT N/C
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
PINKERTON
CICCONI
PETERSMEYER
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
N/C
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than 10:00 AM, Tuesday, May 9, 1989,
with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Blessey)
1939
MAY
May 6, 1989
Draft Five
MISS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
MISSISSIPPI STATE U.
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1989
President Zacharias, Members of the Board of Trustees, soon-
to-be fellow graduates, faculty, administrators, friends.
You know, one of my favorite Presidents was the man who
first coined the term "bully pulpit." The story goes that Teddy
Roosevelt would roam the halls of the White House, shouting
"bully, bully." Well, having just met your mascot, I think Teddy
would have felt right at home.
First, two to
Finst Nex,)
Security,
(I want first to say what an honor it is to see again one of
the great patriots of this or any era, the Honorable John
Stennis. Ask anyone: John Stennis doesn't merely hail from
Mississippi. He is Mississippi.
Another long-time friend, of course, is your Congressman,
Sonny Montgomery -- and I'm glad that he, too, is here. You
know each week Sonny and I play paddleball regularly And he always kids
me that I win only when I'm wearing my Mississippi State sweat-
shirt [PAUSE]
When I lose, I'm wearing Ole Miss.
instrument L in rebuilding Mississippi a are u Civil war. And 6
Sonny's queat-qrandfathe, Colonel W.B. Montgonery, was
layed a major role in founding this university.
L This a henoon, i want 10 recognize those pioneering elforts.
( And to salure his great-arandson, too.
2
Ampase -948h3
I want to thank you for that warm introduction. And for the
generosity of your welcome. And let me say how delighted I am to
address these Commencement ceremonies.
where they like to sing
You know, I come from a State whose official song is "The
Eyes of Texas Are Upon You." Well, today, my friends, the eyes
of America are upon Jackson, Starkville, Mississippi.
For we meet, to begin with, at a special school -- special
because for 111 years, Mississippi State has made education a
lasting legacy, and opportunity its bequest.
We gather, too, in a special State -- special for its
who
people. You realize that what we are matters more than what we
It's a state that values
have. You cherish home and people's feelings and how they grew
whose
family and tradition.
up.
people
lot that
I thought of those lessons today as Air Force One brought me
to Mississippi. And of how for me, this morning also marks
another journey: Back to some of my pivotal years -- the vears I
spent as an undergraduate.
It was 41 years ago next month that I, too, received my
degree. I'll never forget it
nor will my teachers family
they're still in shock.
Pinkerton
3
In 1948, Milton Berle was Mr. Television, and taking pies in
the face. Harry Truman was Mr. President, and he was giving 'em
hell. In many ways, it was a different America. Not worse or
better, just different. Less congestion. Less pollution. Less
high technology. PacMan was a camper, not a video game.
We had problems, sure. At home, gas lines, a housing
shortage, and high inflation. And veterans adjusting to domestic
life. Abroad, the Cold War had turned downright frigid. The
Communist bloc was Solidifying. monolithic. China and the Middle East were
rent by war. And in a Europe torn by conflicting ideologies, the
Soviets were blockading West Berlin.
Pink. inser X friends, ii is these verines the in 1948 allowed 10 meel S
But we met our problems together. For we took pride in our
identity as a Nation. And solace in our faith in God. Above
like/
all, we believed in the simple, the basic, things like kindness
and civility, self-sacrifice and courage, compassion and concern
for others. Values which \ are timeless, and which span the
know no time, no place.
generations. Values which show that America is great because
America is good.
Tom Paine once wrote that "the world has turned over many
times." It has since I graduated. The post-war period has given
way to a new world - - a world still perilous, but alive with
prospects for peace and with the certainty of change. Yet there
are some things that haven't changed since 1948. America's
values haven't.
4
church- based child care
We see these values everywhere -- at a child care center,
at Choir practice, at the PTA. They uplift American society --
for they reflect the tenets of "Do Unto Others": tenets I
respect, and which as President I will serve. And they are the
values of America's good, quiet, decent people -- Americans who
know that we are not the sum of our possessions, but of how we
conduct ourselves.
These people form the heart of our society. And they enrich
its central unit: the family. Here, these values play a special
role. For they teach that life is not a celebration of self.
And our fate is not divisible.
You know, I've been lucky -- a wonderful wife and five great
kids. And having helped put them through college, I remember
receiving letters from them, and there would always be a "P.S."
at the bottom. It was those three little words that say SO much
about the special bond between parents at home and kids away at
school: "Please Send Money."
Five kids. And eleven brimming lively grandkids -- by themselves,
they could field the Bulldogs' entire pitching staff. Like all
kids, they provide a Rubik's Cube of questions. And, like most
families, they supply that love and allegiance which make us less
more feelfilled.
alone. And, believe me, sometimes we need that loyalty. I'm
5
reminded of the alumnus who sent his coach a telegram before the
big game. It read: "Remember, coach. We're all behind you --
win or tie."
Yes, the individual is important. But the family unit can
be our secret weapon, and our shield. And as President, I want
to strengthen it.
prosperous, shong adfre.
To help the family, we must keep America economically strong
and at peace abroad. We must stop the scourge of drug abuse, and
we will. We must build an educational system which invests in
sickness
our children. And for those who, for whatever reason -- divorce,
the obaloved ave
poverty, death -- feel alone and isolated, let us become their
family: Not in a legal sense, but in a human sense -- helping,
supporting, and caring for our neighbor.
Today, millions of Americans are doing that -- giving of
themselves, and helping others. We term their work volunteerism,
or community service. For they show how the definition of a
successful life must include serving others.
I have often said I like what works. Community service
works. Because it's real, not abstract -- it makes achievement
possible. Compassion helps one child escape heroin addiction.
Generosity allows another to eat a decent meal. Through faith in
God, still another overcomes the curse of bigotry and hatred.
6
That is why I have created the Office of National Service,
which will enlist new volunteers to help meet unmet social needs.
Project Victory, or Mission Impossible? Look to the heroes of
today for an answer.
Look, for example, to Dave Pettry, an MSU agronomist who has
traveled around the world to nurture soil management. Or Steve
Cooper, who works in Starkville's "Help Find the Children"
campaign. Or other students who work at adult education centers,
combating the problem of illiterary. Or Donnie Prisock -- Dr.
Donnie -- a paraplegic who earned his Ph. D., and who counsels
handicapped students at this school.
Heroes? Every one. They know that life is not a ledger
board. And they know that the private sector -- and individuals
-- have the resources -- and the responsibility -- to confront
issues like hunger and health care, drug abuse and teen
pregnancy. A famous adage says that "Luck is the residue of
design." Well, America's luck can be the residue of
volunteerism's design.
My friends, Mississippi has given America some indelible
leaders -- in politics, John Stennis and Sonny Montgomery; in
education, a Eugene Butler; in entertainment, country's Jerry
Clower. And, always, you've treasured what Mississippi's native
son, William Faulkner termed "the old verities and truths of the
heart."
)
"
Faulkner's
7
son, William Faulkner termed "the old verities and truths of the
heart."
Community service -- national service -- reflects those
verities: "Love and honor
and pride and compassion and
sacrifice." Values which can ennoble the family, and American
society at large.
Let Faulkner's "verities of the heart" be our values -- not
merely for this generation, but for future generations. And
inspired by America's good, quiet, decent people, let us help
enrich America -- SO that America can enrich the world.
Good luck to each of you, and my heart-felt congratulations.
May your future be worthy of your dreams. And may you always
say, as I do now, God bless America. Thank you for inviting me
-- thank you so very much.
#
#
#
#
#620
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Starkville, Mississippi)
For Immediate Release
May 13, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
Thurman Field
Starkville, Mississippi
3:22 P.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
(Applause.) Thank all of you. Congratulations to you. Thank you
all very much. President Zacharias and members of the Board of
Trustees, members of the distinguished faculty, administrators,
friends, soon to be graduates, I can't tell you how much I appreciate
that warm Bulldog welcome. (Applause.)
Before I get too far into these remarks, I don't believe
I've ever heard a more beautiful or remarkable rendition of the "Star
Spangled Banner." Richard Gaddis -- (applause) -- just wonderful.
And thank you all for the warmth of this welcome here today. And I
am very honored and privileged to address your commencement. I was
at Alcorn State, another part of this great state, earlier on. And I
told them that I was reminded of my own graduation, because I could
see on the faces of some of these kids the apprehension about the
President coming here and how long they might have to endure the
message. And I was reminded of a graduation at Yale and the speaker
got up and went on and on. He finally -- at the beginning he said
"Yale -- Y is for youth." He talked about that for 20 minutes. "A
is for altruism." 18. "L is for Loyalty." 32 minutes. "E is for
excellence." Finished his speech -- there was only one person left,
head down in prayer. And the speaker said "Were you praying for
those values?" He said "No, sir. I was giving thanks that I didn't
go to Mississippi State University." (Laughter.)
I want to say what a great honor it is to see a long time
family friend, one of the great patriots of this or any other era,
the Honorable John Stennis, who resides right here on this campus.
(Applause.) Judge Stennis, Senator Stennis, call him what you will.
He doesn't merely hail from Mississippi. He is Mississippi. And his
service to the United States of America will not be forgotten.
Now, I wondered whether we could ever fill those big
shoes. But I say this not as a partisan, but as an observer of some
time, as President Zacharias said of the public scene -- and you have
two great United States Senators in Thad Cochran and in Trent Lott
and I'm proud to be with them here today. (Applause.) And I salute
the two Members of Congress that are with us today.
One of them, Congressman Montgomery and I were elected to
Congress on the same day. I'm delighted he's here. His
great-grandfather, Colonel W. B. Montgomery, was instrumental in
rebuilding Mississippi after the war, and he played a major role in
founding this university.
And so this afternoon, I want to recognize those
pioneering efforts, and to salute my dear friend, the Colonel's
great-grandson, your own Congressman, Sonny Montgomery. (Applause.)
He always kids me that I win only when I'm wearing my Mississippi
State shorts. I brought them along today with a plea: Can't we do
MORE
- 2 -
better than this? (Laughter.) Twenty years. If you don't do better
than that by me, you're going to get this. (Laughter.)
You know, I come from a State where we like to sing "The
Eyes of Texas Are Upon You." Well, today, my friends, the eyes of
America are upon Starkville, Mississippi. For we meet, to begin
with, at a special school -- special because for 109 years, MSU has
made education a lasting legacy, and opportunity its bequest.
We gather, also, in a very special state -- special for
its people. You realize that who we are matters more than what we
have. And you value home and family and tradition and service to
country. I thought of that today as Air Force One brought me to
Mississippi, and of how, for me, this afternoon also marks another
journey back to some of my own pivotal years -- the years I spent
as an undergraduate.
It was 41 years ago next month that I, too, received my
degree 1948.
In 1948, there were only 172,000 television sets owned in
the entire United States of America. Milton Berle was Mr.
Television, taking pies in the face. Harry Truman was Mr. President,
giving 'em hell. And in many ways, it was a different America. Less
congestion. Less pollution. Less high tech. Pac Man was a camper,
not a video game. (Laughter.)
And we had problems, sure. At home, gas shortages and
housing problems, and veterans adjusting to domestic life after World
War II. Abroad, the Cold War had turned frigid. The Communist Bloc
was solidifying. China and the Middle East were rent assunder by
war. And in a Europe torn by conflicting ideologies, the Soviets
were blockading West Berlin.
And yet, with the end of World War II, America was
unified as few could have imagined. I'm sure many of you have seen
that famous Life Magazine photo that captured the spirit of those
times -- the sailor in Times Square embracing a woman in the mass
exultation of V-J Day. A victory for freedom that came after so much
sacrifice.
Like the woman swept off her feet, the spirit of
rejoicing -- and more importantly -- the limitless possibliites of
America swept us all. And I, too, felt that sense of idealism and
opportunity and headed on out with Barbara -- headed out to Texas to
make the most of the American Dream.
But today, I look back upon those times and I am struck
-- struck by the wonder of how much this country has achieved. What
newly-married vet in his early twenties could have envisioned just
how wide the golden door of opportunity would swing in four short
decades?
And I ask myself, what made this achievement possible?
What caused America's technological and scientific advance -- a
prosperity and power unprecedented in world history? One thing, I
believe, is what Mississippi's own William Faulkner called "the old
verities and truths of the heart."
My friends, it is these verities that in 1948 allowed us
to meet our problems together. We took pride in our identity as a
nation and solace in our faith in God. And above all, we believed in
the simple, the basic truths like kindness and civility,
self-sacrifice and courage, compassion and concern for others.
Timeless values which span the generations. Values which show that
America is great because America is good.
An old saying notes how "the world has turned over many
times." It has since I graduated. The post-war period has given way
to a new world -- a world still perilous, but alive with prospects
for peace and with the certainty of change. Yesterday at Texas A&M
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in Bryant, Texas, I talked of that change, of a new policy that moves
beyond containment of the Soviet Union. And the new policy seeks to
bring the Soviet Union into the family of nations -- a policy, if you
will, of reintegration. And, as the Soviet Union moves toward
greater openness and democratization, and as they meet the challenge
of responsible international behavior, we will match their steps with
steps of our own. And if we succeed, the future of every graduate
today is going to be safer. The world we know will be more free. We
can dedicate ourselves then to helping others even more.
Yet there are some things that haven't changed since
1948. Our values haven't. We see these values everywhere -- a
church-based child care center, choir practice or the PTA, and they
uplift American society -- for they reflect the tenets of "Do Unto
Others" -- tenets I respect, and which I will try hard to serve as
President of the United States. And they are the values of America's
good, quiet, decent people -- Americans who know that we are not the
sum of our possessions, but of how we conduct ourselves.
And these people form the heart of our society. And they
enrich its central unit --- the family. Here, these values play a
special role, for they teach that life is not a celebration of self
and our fate is not divisible.
As I mentioned to the graduating class at Alcorn, I will
do nothing as President -- nothing at all -- to weaken our society by
weakening the fundamental role of family in our society. Instead, I
will do all I can to emphasize its importance and to reinforce its
role.
I've been very lucky -- a wonderful wife and five great
kids. They're through college. And I remember receiving letters
from them, and there would always be that "P.S." at the bottom --
those three little words, "Please Send Money" -- that special bond
between parents at home and kids away at school. I expect these
parents have never, ever received a letter like that.
Five kids and 11 lively grandkids -- and by themselves,
they could field the Bulldogs' entire pitching staff. And I
understand you people with the earphones staying plugged in to the
baseball game. (Laughter.) If I were sitting up there, I'd be doing
exactly the same thing. (Laughter and applause.) Never say that
Mississippians do not have their priorities sorted out right.
(Laughter.)
But like all kids, ours provide a Rubik Cube of
questions. And like most families, they supply that love and
allegiance which make us more fulfilled. And, believe me, sometimes
we need that loyalty. I'm reminded of the alumnus who sent his coach
a telegram before the big game. It read: "Remember, coach. We're
all behind you -- win or tie." (Laughter.)
The individual is important. But the family unit can be
our secret weapon, and our shield. And as President, I want to
strengthen it.
To help the family, we must keep America prosperous,
strong, and free. We must stop the scourge of drug abuse, and we
will. We must build an educational system which invests in our
children. And for those who, for whatever reason --- sickness,
poverty, the death of a loved one -- feel alone and isolated, lot us
become their family: Not in a legal sense, but in a human sense --
helping, supporting, caring for our neighbor.
Today, millions of Americans are doing just that --
giving of themselves, and helping others. And we term their work
volunteerism, or community service. For they show how the definition
of a successful life must include serving others.
The French writer Jean Cocteau was once asked what he
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would take if his house were on fire and he could remove only one
thing. "I would take the fire," he replied. (Laughter.) He liked
what worked. Well, so do I. Community service works. Because it's
real, not abstract -- it makes achievements feasible. Compassion
helps one child escape heroin addiction. Generosity allows another
to eat a decent meal. And through faith in God, still another
overcomes the curse of bigotry and hatred.
And that's why I have created the Office of National
Service, which will enlist new volunteers to help meet unmet social
needs. Project Victory, or Mission Impossible? Look to the heroes
of today for an answer.
Look to David Pettry, an MSU agronomist who has traveled
around the world to nurture soil management. Or Steve Cooper, who
works in Starkville's "Help Find the Children" campaign. Or Donnie
Prisock Dr. Donnie -- a quadriplegic who earned his Ph.D., and who
counsels handicapped students right here at this school.
Heroes? Every one. For they know that the private
sector -- and individuals -- have the resources -- and the
responsibility to confront issues like hunger and health care,
drug abuse and teen pregnancy. A famous adage says that "Luck is the
residue of design." Well, America's luck can be the residue of
volunteerism's design.
My friends, you've worked hard and studied and struggled
for four years, and now you've endured the hardest part: Listening
to the commencement address. (Laughter.) And I haven't even begun.
Let's see, Y,M,I,S. (Laughter.)
But let me leave you with the thought that Mississippi
has given America some indelible leaders --in politics, John Stennis;
in publishing, Eugene Butler; in entertainment, country's Jerry
Clower. And, always, you've treasured Faulkner's "verities and
truths of the heart."
Community service -- national service -- reflects those
verities: "Love and honor and pride and compassion and sacrifice."
Values which can ennoble the family, and American society at large.
So let Faulkner's "verities of the heart" be our values
-- not merely for this generation, but for future generations. And
inspired by America's good, quiet, decent people, let us help enrich
America so that America can continue to enrich the world. Good
luck to each one of you. My heart-felt congratulations. May your
future be worthy of your dreams. And may you always say, as I do
now, God bless the United States of America. Thank you for inviting
me. (Applause.) Thanks a lot.
END
3:40 P.M. CDT