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Jesse Owens Congressional Medal of Honor 3/28/90 [OA 6854]
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Jesse Owens Congressional Medal of Honor 3/28/90 [OA 6854]
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administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Backup Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
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Folder Title:
Jesse Owens Congressional Medal of Honor 3/28/90 [OA 6854]
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26
20
4
5
JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION / ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990 / 11:30 AM
MRS. OWENS. CONGRESSMAN STOKES. SENATOR
METZENBAUM. FRIENDS AND TEAMMATES OF THE LEGENDARY
JESSE OWENS. WELCOME, ALL OF YOU. //
It's MY PLEASURE To WELCOME YOU HERE TO THE WHITE
HOUSE, TO HONOR A MAN WHO HONORED THIS NATION -- AS AN
OLYMPIC HERO, AND AN AMERICAN HERO, EVERY DAY OF HIS
LIFE. //
- 2 -
JESSE OWENS WAS BORN WITH THE GIFT OF BURNING
SPEED. HE TOOK THAT GOD-GIVEN TALENT, AND DEVELOPED IT
-- THROUGH YEARS OF TRAINING. // HE WAS ALWAYS THE
FASTEST. ON ONE AFTERNOON IN 1935 IN ANN ARBOR,
MICHIGAN, JESSE OWENS SET 3 WORLD RECORDS AND TIED A
FOURTH // ALL IN 45 MINUTES. // [[TALK ABOUT A YOUNG
MAN IN A HURRY.... ]]
JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION / ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990 / 11:30 AM
MRS. OWENS. CONGRESSMAN STOKES. FRIENDS AND
TEAMMATES OF THE LEGENDARY JESSE OWENS. WELCOME, ALL
OF YOU. //
IT'S MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU HERE TO THE WHITE
HOUSE, TO HONOR A MAN WHO HONORED THIS NATION -- AS AN
OLYMPIC HERO, AND AN AMERICAN HERO, EVERY DAY OF HIS
LIFE. //
- 2 -
JESSE OWENS WAS BORN WITH THE GIFT OF BURNING
SPEED. HE TOOK THAT GOD-GIVEN TALENT, AND DEVELOPED IT
-- THROUGH YEARS OF TRAINING. // HE WAS ALWAYS THE
FASTEST. ON ONE AFTERNOON IN 1935 IN ANN ARBOR,
MICHIGAN, JESSE OWENS SET 3 WORLD RECORDS AND TIED A
FOURTH // ALL IN 45 MINUTES. // [[TALK ABOUT A YOUNG
MAN IN A HURRY ]]
- 3 -
AND AS AN 18-YEAR-OLD IN 1933, HE WON THE CITY OF
CLEVELAND CHAMPIONSHIP 100 YARD DASH -- IN 9.4
SECONDS -- // TYING THE WORLD RECORD WHILE STILL IN
HIGH SCHOOL. //
JESSE OWENS BURST ONTO THE WORLD SCENE IN 1936.
THE BERLIN OLYMPICS -- HITLER'S OLYMPIC GAMES, THE LAST
OLYMPICS BEFORE THE OUTBREAK OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
- 4 -
THE BERLIN GAMES WERE TO BE THE SHOWCASE OF HITLER'S
THEORIES ON THE SUPERIORITY OF THE MASTER RACE -- UNTIL
A 23-YEAR-OLD NAMED JESSE OWENS DASHED TO VICTORY IN
THE 100, THE 200 AND THE 400 METER RELAY. // IT WAS
AN UNRIVALED ATHLETIC TRIUMPH -- BUT MORE THAN THAT:
IT WAS A TRIUMPH FOR ALL HUMANITY. //
JESSE OWENS RETURNED TO THIS NATION A HERO. A
HOUSEHOLD NAME -- THE FASTEST MAN ON EARTH. //
- 5 -
BUT IT'S WHAT HE DID AFTER THE SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE
AT THE BERLIN GAMES THAT EARNED HIM THE ENDURING
GRATITUDE OF ALL AMERICANS. JESSE OWENS DEDICATED
HIMSELF TO UPHOLDING THE OLYMPIC IDEAL OF SPORTSMANSHIP
-- AND THE AMERICAN IDEALS OF FAIR PLAY, HARD WORK AND
OPEN COMPETITION. //
[[ I KNOW JESSE'S FRIEND AND FELLOW CLEVELANDER
HARRISON DILLARD IS HERE TODAY. IN 1941, AT THE OHTo
STATE HIGH SCHOOL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP, HARRISON'S IDOL,
JESSE OWENS, GAVE HIM A NEW PAIR OF TRACK SHOES.
- 6 -
THAT DAY, HARRISON DILLARD WON TWO STATE TITLES IN
THOSE NEW SHOES. 7 YEARS LATER, HE BROUGHT HOME THE
GOLD MEDAL AT THE 1948 OLYMPICS -- IN JESSE'S EVENT,
THE 100 METER DASH -- IN THE FIRST GAMES SINCE BERLIN.
]]
JESSE'S EXAMPLE AND INFLUENCE EXTENDED TO OLYMPIANS
LIKE HARRISON DILLARD -- AND TO ALL OTHER ATHLETES
ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. //
- 7 -
HE BECAME A SPECIAL AMBASSADOR FOR SPORTS -- A MAN WHO
TAUGHT THAT THE IDEALS I JUST MENTIONED WERE THE KEY TO
SUCCESS NOT JUST ON THE ATHLETIC FIELD -- BUT IN THE
GAME OF LIFE. //
AND THAT LEGACY LIVES TODAY. THROUGH THE JESSE
OWENS GAMES -- A "PLAYGROUND OLYMPICS" OPEN TO KIDS
FROM 8 TO 15 YEARS OLD ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THROUGH
THE JESSE OWENS INTERNATIONAL TROPHY AWARD, PRESENTED
EACH YEAR TO THE BEST AMATEUR ATHLETE IN AMERICA. //
- 8 -
AND OF COURSE, THROUGH THE JESSE OWENS FOUNDATION,
WHICH ENABLES TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE WHO CAN'T AFFORD
COLLEGE TO FULFILL THAT DREAM AND GET THAT DEGREE. AND
I KNOW IT IS A POINT OF PRIDE TO RUTH OWENS THAT THE
JESSE OWENS SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED WITHOUT REGARD TO
RACE, CREED, OR COLOR. //
IT'S THAT LEGACY WE CELEBRATE TODAY. WE REMEMBER
JESSE OWENS NOT ONLY AS THE FIRST ATHLETE IN OLYMPIC
HISTORY TO WIN FOUR GOLD MEDALS. //
- 9 -
TODAY -- 10 YEARS SINCE THE PASSING OF THIS GREAT
HERO -- IT'S MY HONOR TO ADD TO JESSE OWENS' COLLECTION
A 5TH GOLD MEDAL. THIS ONE -- AS RUTH OWENS SAID ON
CAPITOL HILL -- "FOR HIS HUMANITARIAN CONTRIBUTIONS IN
THE RACE OF LIFE." //
MRS. OWENS, IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE THAT -- IN HONOR
OF YOUR LATE HUSBAND AND HIS LASTING ACHIEVEMENTS -- I
PRESENT TO YOU THE JESSE OWENS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD
MEDAL.
# # #
The XIth Olympiad
179
Symphony by a chorus of fifteen hundred voices singing Schiller's "Ode to
Joy," as had been requested by Baron de Coubertin. The picture presented by
thousands of dancers swirling on the greensward in the interwined circles of
the Olympic insigne was one of breathtaking delight.
But when the actual competition began the next day it did not take long
for trouble to develop-not on the field but in the political realm. Another
capacity crowd filled the stadium for the undramatic preliminary rounds in
some events in the morning and remained to see the first track and field titles
decided in the afternoon. On this day came the disputed "snubbing" of the
great American black athlete Jesse Owens, the outstanding single performer
of the games. It is a story worth telling in some detail because of the furor
created at the time and the continuing misunderstanding resulting therefrom.
It is an outstanding example of the type of myth fostered by excess
emotionalism.
Never before had so violent an international controversy preceded the
games. Never had the national spirit of the host nation been so aroused. Never
had there been so great a crowd at the opening day of competition.
In all the history of the Olympic games, no German athlete had ever won
a championship track and field. Picture, then, the scene as on this opening
day, every seat taken and thousands standing, the leader of a blazing German
nationalism occupying the loge of honor as patron of the games. A German
athlete, Hans Woellke by name, smashed the Olympic record on his second
toss in the shot-put and won not only the first title of the 1936 Olympic
games but the first championship in track and field ever won by a German.
To add to the excitement, a countryman, Gerhard Stoeck, finished third.
When the first victory flags were raised to the tops of the victory poles, two
of the three bore the Nazi swastika. The excitement of the massed Germans
knew no bounds, and Adolf Hitler was no exception to the feeling of elation.
An agitated official escorted the two German athletes to the loge of honor
and the crowd roared as Hitler gave a personal greeting to the new German
heroes.
The next final was that of the 10,000 meters, with a clean sweep for three
long-winded Finns, and they, too, were escorted to the loge of honor. Still
later German national spirits soared to new heights when two German girls,
Tilly Fleischer and Luise Kruger, surpassed the accomplishments of their
masculine compatriots by finishing first and second in the javelin throw.
They, too, were greeted by the Führer, who by this time had long overstayed
his intended time.
There were other events in progress, but only one more final on this, the
first day-the high jump. It was going on and on, as the high jump does.
The last German had been eliminated and it was getting dark and Hitler had
not intended to stay so long anyway, so he departed.
As it turned out, long after Hitler had departed the championship in the
high jump was won by an American, Cornelius Johnson, a black. In fact,
the first three places went to the United States, and the runner-up, Albritton,
was also a black. It was the first triple victory in the 1936 Olympic games.
Scarcely had the last notes of "The Star-Spangled Banner" faded into the
sunset than the controversy started.
Hitler had shaken hands with the first three champions of the 1936
180
History of the Olympic Games
Johnson
Olympic games-two of them Germans-but he had not congratulated the
day's only other winner, who was an American, and a black at that!
Count Henri de Baillet Latour, president of the International Olympic
Committee, may or may not have been conscious of the probability that
Hitler's racial attitude might be involved, but he was very much aware that, in
the excitement of the first day's victories, something in the way of a
precedent might have been set. He sent word to Hitler, reminded him that as
patron of the games he was a guest of honor, nothing more, and informed
him that unless he was prepared to be on hand every day and congratulate
every winner, he should refrain from publicly congratulating any of them.
Hitler explained that it was all in the excitement of Germany's first victory
and agreed that he would engage in no more public greetings to champions
in the loge of honor. He kept his word. There were stories that he congrat-
ulated other victors, particularly Germans, but if so, he did it out of sight.
But if anyone was slighted it was not Owens, who didn't win the first of
his four gold medals until two days later, but rather Johnson. Still, the fable
persists that Hitler refused to shake hands with Owens, though the fact is that
he never had the opportunity.
Important? Not very. The name of Jesse Owens is hammered deep in
bronze, embedded in the stone Marathon Gate of the Berlin stadium, and it
appears there more often, even than that of Hitler. The feats of Owens were
almost without parallel in Olympic history. Certainly no individual ever so
completely dominated the scene as did the great sprinter. He won three
individual events and ran a decisive lap on a winning relay team, thus taking
home four first-place medals-and four of the tiny potted German oak trees
that the Organizing Committee had provided the winners as living memorials
of their victories. He broke the Olympic and world record in the 100 meters,
though it was disallowed because of a following wind; he set a new Olympic
and world record for 200 meters around a turn; he broad-jumped over 26 feet
for the first time in Olympic history-another record; and the 400 meter relay
team of which he was a member set a new Olympic and world record for the
distance.
There were numerous outstanding performances in track and field. Glenn
Morris of the United States, winning the decathlon, displayed the ultimate in
all-around ability. Most spectacular, both in its actual running and in the
quality of the performance, was the 1,500 meter victory of Dr. Jack Lovelock
of New Zealand, who smashed the Olympic and world records with a breath-
taking sprint of almost a full lap of the 400 meter track as a climax. The
Finns again displayed mastery in the distance events, and the historic
marathon was won by a representative of Japan, who was in fact a Korean,
as was his teammate, who finished in third place. Helen Stephens, a most
phenomenal sprinter, spread-eagled the field in the women's 100 meters and
anchored the winning 400 meter relay team.
Victories in the games were more widely distributed than ever. Argentina
won the polo title, India won field hockey, Italy took yachting, fencing, and
arts honors, Great Britain won the walking championship and other
honors-altogether, representatives of more than thirty of the fifty-odd
nations participating won medals. There can be no doubt that to the
Egyptians two weight-lifting titles were quite as satisfactory as the great heap
Bill Henry
AN APPROVED
HISTORY
OF THE
OLYMPIC
GAMES
D1900 LA Diymox Committee
000
1981 EDITION EDITED BY PATRICIA HENRY YEOMANS
SPECIAL EDITION LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE.
ha i935 Big 10 IndooR Championships - Chicago
set World Record:
60 yRd. dAsh
25,1935 Big 10 Outdoor Champ's - AnnARboR
set World Records:
220 yRd. dAsh
20.2 sec.
RecoRd
220 low hurdles
22.6 sec.
w/in
45 Min.
lasted 25 yeARS !
Broad jump
2 26yd.8" 6yd.8
Tied:
100 yRd. dash
9.4 sec.
East Tech. Highrochool - Clevaland/gaduated 1933
20.7 sec.
220 yRd. dash
it. 113/4'
BRoad jump.
senior
9.4 sec.
100 yrd dAsh. (tied)
1936 olympics 1940 $1944
1948 Olympics
ion 100 m. dASh
WWI (No olympics)
Dillard won 100m. dAsh.
oF 74'
I. owens & Dillard. charter Members Hall of Fame.
11
1976: BlACK Athletes Hall of Fame.
1941
- Dillard came to Ohio State U. (where J.O. was
woRKing) to Run in the 'state High school 'championship'
- g.o. presented Dillard w/ a New paiR of Running Shoes
- Dillard won both the High & low hurdles that day
in the New shoes.
DillaRd Met his idol, Jesse Owens, while iN junior high after
Owens returned from Berlin. Owens gave tips to the
(10 YRS younger) Dillard
olympics:
Despite HitleR's rascism /white supremecy theories,
despeter Jesse Owens developed a life-long friendship
w/ Lutz Long (German athlete who won the silver in
.)
Even after being refused by FDR to a white House visit,
J. Owens proclaimed: "America has its problems w/
racism ; but it's still the greatest
country in the world."
(216)
574-8371
Harrison DillArd
(614)
292-6861
Dan Furry (TR. & Field - Ohio st.)
(216)
431 - 2626 432-4580 East Tech High
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P07
STATEMENT OF RUTH S. (MRS. JESSE) OWENS
BEFORE THE
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND COINAGE
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON BANKING, FINANCE AND URBAN AFFAIRS
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
MR. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE.
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO TESTIFY IN SUPPORT
OF THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL PROPOSED TO HONOR MY LATE
HUSBAND, JESSE OWENS.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK REPRESENTATIVE STOKES AND THE
MANY CO-SPONSORS OF THIS BILL.
SIMPLY BY INTRODUCING THIS BILL IN THE NATIONAL CONGRESS,
YOU HAVE HONORED JESSE GREATLY.
WHEN MOST PEOPLE REMEMBER JESSE OWENS, THEY REMEMBER THE
FOUR GOLD MEDALS HE EARNED AT THE 1936 OLYMPICS. BOOKS, FILMS AND
ARTICLES RECALL HIS TRIUMPHS IN BERLIN IN THE 100 METER DASH, IN THE
LONG JUMP, IN THE 200 METER SPRINT, AND IN THE 400 METER RELAY.
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P08
HOWEVER, JERSE'S 1936 VICTORIES WERE MORE THAN SUPERB ATHLETIC
TRIUMPHS. ONE OF AMERICA'S BLACK SONS USED THE FIELD OF FAIR
COMPETITION TO MAKE A LIE OF HITLER AND THE NAZI beliefs OF RACIAL
SUPERIORITY.
AS WE ALL KNOW, JESSE'S LEGACY IS PAR MORE THAN HIS FEATS AT
THE BERLIN OLYMPICS. AFTER 1936, IN EVERYTHING HE DID, JESSE LIVED
THE OLYMPIC IDEALS OF SPORTSMANSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP.
HERE IN THE UNITED STATES AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, JESSE
WAS A TIRELESS AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL JESSE OWENS' LIFE WORK AS
A HUMANITARIAN MATCHED HIS EARLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A GOLD MEDAL
ATHLETE.
JESSE'S SPECIAL CONCERN WAS YOUNG PEOPLE. THROUGHOUT HIS
LIFE, JESSE WORKED WITH YOUNG PEOPLE. HE INSPIRED YOUNG PEOPLE
AND SERVED AS A ROLE MODEL. HE WANTED EACH YOUNGSTER TO DEVELOP
TO HIS OR HER FULLEST POTENTIAL. HE ENCOURAGED YOUNGSTERS TO STRIVE
FOR THEIR BEST. HE STRESSED THE VALUES OF FAIR PLAY, SPORTSMANSHIP
AND FRIENDSHIP, WHICH HE LEARNED FROM ATHLETICS.
-2-
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
PO9
JESSE DID THIS IN MANY WAYS. FOR EXAMPLE, HE WAS AVAILABLE
ANYWHERE AND ANYTIME TO SMALL GROUPS OF ORDINARY KIDS. HE SERVED
AS A SPECIAL AMBASSADOR FOR SPORTS. HE SERVED WITH THE ILLINOIS
YOUTH COMMISION. HE WORKED WITH OUR U.S. OLYMPIC TEAMS FOR THE
GAMES HELD IN LONDON, HELSINKI, MELBOURNE, ROME, TOYKO, MEXICO
CITY, MUNICH AND MONTREAL.
JESSE NEVER BECAME MATERIALLY RICH DURING HIS LIFE. TO DO
THAT, HE WOULD HAVE HAD TO THINK OF HIMSELF.
INSTEAD, JESSE THOUGHT ONLY OF WHAT HE COULD DO FOR OTHERS.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE NEVER MISSED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO GROUPS
OF PEOPLE, LARGE OR SMALL
HIS MESSAGE WAS SIMPLE AND DIRECT. PEOPLE SHOULD HELP EACH
OTHER TO REACH THEIR GOALS, REGARDLESS OF RACE, CREED, OR COLOR.
THIS IS THE TRUE SPIRIT OF BOTH THE OLYMPICS AND THE AMERICAN WAY.
IT WAS JESSES GUIDING LIGHT.
WHEN JESSE DIED IN 1980, HE LEFT A PERMANENT LEGACY OF THE
NEED TO CARE FOR OTHER PEOPLE. HIS HUMANITARIAN LEGACY IS NOW
CARRIED ON IN COUNTLESS WAYS. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE TWO WITH YOU.
-3-
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P10
THE FIRST XS THE JESSE OWENS FOUNDATION. THIS NOT-FOR-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION WAS FORMED AFTER JESSE'S DEATH TO CARRY ON JESSE'S
LEGACY OF HELPING OTHERS. ONE WAY IN WHICH THE FOUNDATION DOES
THIS IS BY AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO ASSIST COLLEGE-BOUND YOUTH.
ALSO, THE FOUNDATION, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, SPONSORS THE JESSE OWENS INTERNATIONAL TROPHY
AWARD EACH YEAR. THIS AWARD RECOGNIZES THE BEST AMATEUR ATHLETE
IN THE WORLD.
THE SECOND WAY IS THE JESSE OWENS GAMES. EACH YEAR, THE
ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY SPONSORS A SERIES OF LOCAL, REGIONAL
AND NATIONAL TRACK AND FIELD GAMES FOR YOUNGSTERS BETWEEN THE
AGES OF EIGHT AND FIFTEEN. THE GAMES REACH OUT TO ORDINARY
PLAYGROUND YOUNGSTERS THROUGHOUT THE NATION. THE NATIONAL
FINALS HELD IN LOS ANGELES ARE SIMILAR TO THE OLYMPICS. THROUGHOUT
THE GAMES, JESSE'S IDEALS OF REACHING FOR ONE'S BEST AND
SPORTSMANSHIP ARE STRESSED.
+
02. 05, 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P11
JESSE WAS A GIVING PERSON. BY AWARDING JESSE A CONGRESSIONAL
GOLD MEDAL, YOU WILL RECOGNIZE JESSE FOR MORE THAN HIS OLYMPIC
TRIUMPHS. YOU WILL FOREVER ACKNOWLEDGE HIS LIFETIME OF COMMITMENT
TO HELPING OTHERS.
JESSE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN THE AMERICAN DREAM. HE ALWAYS TOLD
YOUNG PEOPLE THAT, IN AMERICA, ONE CAN DO WHATEVER HE OR SHE WANTS
IF YOU ARE WILLING TO WORK HARD FOR IT. 1 CAN THINK OF NO HIGHER
HONOR FOR JESSE THAN THIS PROPOSED CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
OVER FIFTY YEARS AGO, JESSE EARNED FOUR OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS
WHILE REPRESENTING OUR COUNTRY AT THE BERLIN OLYMPICS.
WITH YOUR SUPPORT FOR THIS RESOLUTION, JESSE WILL EARN HIS
FIFTH GOLD MEDAL FOR HIS HUMANITARIAN CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE RACE
OF LIFE.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF JESSE'S MANY
FRIENDS, HIS THREE DAUGHTERS, GLORIA, BEVERLY AND MARLENE, HIS FIVE
GRANDCHILDREN, AND ONE GREAT GRANDCHILD.
I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P19
Louis Stokes
CONGRESSMAN
Cleveland, Ohio
21st District
Telephone (216) 522-4900
Ohio
Cleveland Hts., Ohio
Telephone (216) 522-4907
Washington, D.C. 20515
Telephone (202) 225-7032
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: JOYCE LARKIN
AUGUST 8, 1988
202/225-7032
CONGRESS ADOPTS LEGISLATION TO AWARD CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
IN HONOR OF OLYMPIC HERO JESSE OWENS
Washington, D.C. The House of Representatives today adopted
legislation introduced by Congressman Louis Stokes (D-Shaker
Heights), H.R. 1270, to award a Congressional Gold Medal
posthumously to Olympic hero, Jesse Owens.
Jesse Owens rose to international prominence during the 1936
Berlin Olympics, becoming the first athlete in the history of the
games to capture four gold medals. He did so in an atmosphere of
political unrest marked by wars abroad and Hitler's "White
Supremacy" theory. In the face of racism, Owens, a Black
American, captured the hearts of the German spectators, who rose
to their feet chanting his name.
Throughout his life, Jesse Owens maintained his commitment
to sportsmanship. He travelled widely, speaking on the virtues
of fair play and advocating the power of sports to bridge
differences between races, classes and cultures.
Congressman Stokes expressed his happiness at today's House
action. "Jesse Owens was more than a sports legend, more than a
national figure, greater than a hero. He was the embodiment of
fair play, perseverance under pressure, and dignity in the face
of discrimination and prejudice. He is an individual who is more
than deserving of our highest honor -- the Congressional Gold
Medal. I am proud to be a part of making this special
recognition a reality".
The measure has been referred to the Senate where Senator
Howard Metzenbaum is the author of companion legislation.
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P02
Individuals Supporting H.R. 1270
To Award Congressional Gold Medal to Jesse Owens
1.
Mrs. Ruth Owens - widow of Jesse Owens and
President of the Jesse Owens Foundation
2.
Mr. Chester B. Thomas -- Former teammate of
Jesse Owens
3.
Mr. Robert Helmick -- President, United States
olympic Committee
4.
Mr. David D. Albritton - Former teammate of
Jesse Owens
5.
Mr. W. Harrison Dillard -- Former teammate of
Jesse Owens
6.
Mr. Carl Lewis -- 1984 and 1988 Olympic Gold
Medalist
7.
Mr. Dorian Harewood - Actor; portrayed Jesse Owens
in The Jesse Owens Story
8.
Mr. Samuel Devine -- Former teammate of Jesse
Owens
9.
Mr. Mal Whitfield -- Former teammate of Jesse Owens
0.5. 9.0 05 29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P03
LOUIS TOKES
WASHINGTON DC 20516
21ST DISTRICT OHIO
(203) 225.7032
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
DISTRICT OFFICE
SUBCOMMITTEES
Congress of the United States
ROOM 2947
NEW FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING
LABOR/MMS EDUCATION
1240 EAST 9TH STREET
HUD/INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
House of Representations
CLEVELAND OH 44188
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
218)522-4800
CHAIRMAN
PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE
Mashington, DC 20515
CLEVELAND MEIGHTS OFFICE
2140 LEE ROAD
ON INTELLIGENCE
SUITE 211
CLEVELAND NEIGHTS OH 44118
CHAIRMAN
(218) 522-4907
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND
PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION
CO-SPONSORS NEEDED ON H.R. 1270
CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL IN HONOR OF JESSE OWENS
Dear Colleague:
With the onset of the 1988 Olympic Games, it is an opportune time to
pay tribute, where tribute is long overdue.
Fifty-one years ago, Jesse Owens became the central figure at the 1936
Olympic Games in Berlin. It was a time of political unrest marked by
wars abroad and Adolf Hitler's "White Supremacy" theory. The 11th
Olympiad was charged with political, social and world-altering
significance when Jesse Owens, a Black American, entered the
oppressive atmosphere of the Olympic Games and stunned the world with
his phenomenal performance in track and field events. The German
crowd rose to its feet, chanting Owens' name in approval, as he
demonstrated his extraordinary athletic ability.
Jesse Owens became the first athlete in Olympic history to win four
gold medals. He also set two new Olympic records in track and field
and returned to America a hero, welcomed with a ticker-tape parade.
Although widely proclaimed as a national hero, Jesse Owens received no
phone call from the President, nor was he invited to the White House
for official congratulatory remarks.
It wasn't until forty years after Berlin that Owens received any
formal recognition from his country. President Gerald Ford presented
Owens with the Medal of Freedom in 1976. Three years later, President
Jimmy Carter presented him the Living Legends award. The City of West
Berlin has honored Jesse Owens, by naming the avenue outside the
Olympic stadium after him. It is time for Congress to honor Jesse
Owens too.
Owens died on March 31, 1980, but his spirit lives on. He was more
than a sports legend, more than a national hero: He was the
embodiment of fair play, perseverance under pressure, dignity and
grace in the face of discrimination and prejudice. President Carter
said of Owens, "Perhaps no athlete better symbolized the human
struggle against tyranny, poverty and racial bigotry."
In recognition of Owens' contributions, I introduced H.R. 1270 to
posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Mrs. Ruth Owens in
recognition of the late Jesse Owens' humanitarian contributions to
athletics, public service, civil rights, and international goodwill.
Additional co-sponsors are needed to move H.R. 1270 through committee.
At present, Senator Howard Metzenbaum has introduced a companion bill
in the Senate. Please join our effort in paying overdue recognition
to this legendary Olympian whose life was dedicated to spreading peace
and goodwill throughout the world.
Extended Page
3.1
Please contact Joyce Larkin in my office at 5-7032 to add your name as
a co-sponsor.
Sincerely
LOUIS STOKES
Member of Congress
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P 0 4
CURRENT CO-SPONSORS OF N.R. 1270
ACKERMAN
HENRY
SISISKY
ANDERSON
HORTON
SLATTERY
ANNUNZIO
HOWARD
SMITH (FL)
APPLEGATE
HOYER
SOLARZ
ATKINS
HUGHES
SOLOMON
BADHAM
HUTTO
SPENCE
BARNARD
HYDE
STANGELAND
BEILENSON
INHOFE
SUNIA
BENNETT
JENKINS
TALLON
BENTLEY
KAPTUR
TAUKE
BEVILL
KASICH
TOWNS
BIAGGI
KENNELLY
TRAFICANT
BOLAND
KILDEE
TRAXLER
BONER (TN)
KLECZKA
UDALL
BONKER
KOLTER
UPTON
BONIOR
LAFALCE
VALENTINE
BORSKI
LAGOMARSINO
VANDER JAGT
BOXER
LANCASTER
VENTO
BROOMFIELD
LANTOS
VISCLOSKY
BRYANT
LEHMAN (FL)
WALGREN
BUECHNER
LELAND
WATKINS
BUSTAMANTE
LEVIN
WEISS
CAMPBELL
LEWIS (GA)
WHEAT
CHAPMAN
LIPINSKI
WHITTEN
CHAPPELL
LLOYD
WILLIAMS
CLAY
LOWRY
WILSON
CLINGER
LUKEN
YATES
COELHO
LUNGREN
COLLINS
McDADE
CONYERS
MCEWEN
CROCKETT
McGRATH
DANIEL
McHUGH
DeFAZIO
MCKINNEY
DELLUMS
MCMILLAN (NC)
DE LUGO
MADIGAN
DIO GUARDI
MANTON
DIXON
MARTINEZ
DORGAN (ND)
MATSUI
DORNAN (CA)
MFUME
DWYER (NJ)
MILLER (WA)
DYMALLY
MILLER (OH)
DYSON
MILLER (CA)
EDWARDS (OK)
MINETA
ESPY
MOORHEAD
ERDREICH
MRAZEK
EVANS
MURPHY
FAUNTROY
NATCHER
FAZIO
OAKAR
FISH
OLIN
FLAKE
OWENS (NY)
FLIPPO
OWENS (UT)
FORD (TN)
OXLEY
FORD (MI)
PANETTA
FROST
PATTERSON
FUSTER
PELOSI
Extended Page
4.1
GARCIA
PEPPER
GAYDOS
PERKINS
GORDON
PRICE
GRANT
RANGEL
GRAY (PA)
REGULA
GRAY (IL)
RINALDO
GUARINI
RODINO
HALL (OH)
ROE
HANSEN
SABO
HARRIS
SAVAGE
HATCHER
SAWYER
HAWKINS
SCHEUER
HAYES (II)
SCHUETTI
HAYES (LA)
SIKORSKI
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P05
OPENING STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE FRANK ANNUNZIO
HEARING ON H.R. 1270,
LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL IN HONOR OF JESSE OWENS
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
The Subcommittee will now hear testimony on H.R. 1270, legislation
authorizing the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal
to Mrs. Jesse Owens in recognition of the late Jesse Owens' athletic
achievements and humanitarian contributions to public service, civil rights and
international goodwill.
I want to congratulate our distinguished colleague from Ohio, Mr. Stokes,
for introducing this legislation and obtaining 229 cosponsors. This is more
than the majority of House Members required under the rules of the Banking
Committee for consideration of gold medal legislation. I am proud to be one of
the cosponsors of this bill.
Jesse Owens 1s best known for his performance at the 1936 Olympics at which
he became the first athlete ever to win four gold medals in a single Olympics.
Not only did he win the gold medals, but he did it in front of Adolph Hitler,
making a mockery of his Aryan "master race" philosophy.
Owens was a great athlete. His Olympic times would have won medals through
1964, and his broad jump performance through 1968. In 1935, he turned in what
anhar
may have been the greatest single performance in the history of track and
us am throuts
field. On May 25, 1935, in a 45 minute period, he broke three world records
and tied & fourth.
date?
But it is not just for his athletic achievements that we honor Jesse Owens.
information
He was a man about whom President Carter said, "Perhaps no athlete better
symbolized the human struggle against tryanny, poverty and racial biogtry."
the Olympic
02.05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P06
- 2 .
The grandson of slaves, he worked as a night elevator operator to pay his
way through Ohio State University. Scorned by the Nazis as a member of
"America's black auxiliaries" at the Olympics, he lifted American spirits
through his achievements, but was forced to ride in the back of the bus upon
his return to his native land.
Jesse Owens never lost his dignity. Throughout his life he never gave in
to setbacks. He became an inspiration both through the speeches he gave and
the example he set. His speeches reflected his creed. "We all have dreams,"
he said, "but in order to make dreams into reality it takes an awful lot of
determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort. These things apply to
everyday life."
Jesse Owens lived by what he said. We honor him today with Congress'
highest honor. It is woefully inadequate and at least eight years too late.
Jesse Owens died in 1980, but his example and his triumph are timeless. The
Congressional gold medal is a belated recognition of his great contributions to
the world of sports and the American spirit.
March 15, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR DAN MCGROARTY
PEGGY DOOLEY
FROM:
STEPHANIE BLESSEY
SUBJECT:
VOINOVICH FUNDRAISER
The following is information I gathered on the pre-advance
trip to Cincinnati:
BACKGROUND:
Time: originally 6:30, trying to move it to 5:30
(directly after the game).
Format: Toast lectern (not podium)
most world's improve
Guests standing
Cocktails and hot dogs (in the baseball spirit)
Attendance: 700-800 people at $1000 a person
just dog!
60-80 people at a mix and mingle before
larger reception at $5000 person
OF INTEREST:
Sunday before the election VP Bush held a huge rally at
square next to hotel. They had confetti bombs and
balloon drops. It rivaled the Opening Day parade in
festivity and in traffic hassles.
??
Attached is an article from the Cincinnati Post that
asks the President to visit a hospitalized boy. The
advance team is looking into the idea.
The Taft Campaign wanted the fundraiser in the Taft
Theater up the street, but they're having it at the
Westin Hotel at Fountain Square. Too bad.
CELEBRITIES:
Johnny Bench MIGHT be the MC. He was in a parade with
the President during the campaign.
CONTACTS:
Nick Vehr
Hamilton County Republicans
(513) 381-5454
Chris Gardner
Taft for Secretary of State
(513) 723-0900
Paul Mifsud
Voinovich for Governor
Campaign Manager
8A
"Give light and the people will find their own way'
The
Editor
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Editorial Page Editor
Paul F. Knue
Byron P. White
Cincinnati
Managing Editor
Associate Editor
Post
C. Wayne Perry
James L. Adams
125 East Court Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 513)352-2000
Wednesday, March 7, 1990
A presidential visit
Whoever is handling Presi-
talking about kids like Derrick.
dent Bush's visit to Cincinnati
next month should add a stop at
Today, Derrick is in critical
University Hospital to his itiner-
condition and paralyzed from
ary.
the neck down after being shot
in the jaw two weeks ago while
A patient there - 17-year-old
watching a fight after school.
Derrick Turnbow - would be
Police say the bullet was intend-
happy to see him.
ed for a teen-aged drug-dealer
Bush is coming to town April
who grabbed Derrick and used
2 to lend support to Ohio's Re-
him as a shield.
publican candidates for gover-
nor and secretary of state,
Derrick has exhibited the
George Voinovich and Robert
kind of success Bush said he
Taft II. But it would be quite
envisions for all of this nation's
appropriate if the president
youths. The young man's tragic
threw some support Derrick's
injury, however, at the hands of
way, too.
another 17-year-old who
dropped out of school, is an un-
Derrick is a junior honors
fortunate reminder that we still
student at Taft High School,
have a long way to go to reach
where Bush delivered a speech
that goal.
when he was last in Cincinnati
Jan. 12. When Bush referred to
A visit by the president to
the auditorium filled with more
Derrick's hospital room would
than 1,000 students as a "room
inspire Derrick - and all of us
of success stories," he was
- to keep pressing on.
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P12
STATEMENT OF
THE HONORABLE LOUIS STOKES
OF OHIO
IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 1270
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND COINAGE
HOUSE BANKING COMMITTEE
JULY 12, 1988
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P13
MR. CHAIRMAN. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK IN
SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION WHICH I INTRODUCED, H.R. 1270, TO AWARD A
CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO MRS. RUTH OWENS IN HONOR OF JESSE
OWENS. I AM PROUD TO SERVE AS THE AUTHOR OF THIS IMPORTANT
LEGISLATION TO RECOGNIZE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF A GREAT AMERICAN AND
THE GREATEST OLYMPIC HERO IN OUR HISTORY, JESSE OWENS.
THIS HEARING COMES AT A VERY APPROPRIATE TIME; JUST TWO
MONTHS BEFORE THE 1988 OLYMPIC GAMES. AS WE SEND OUR CURRENT
ATHLETES TO SEOUL, KOREA, IT IS ONLY FITTING THAT WE REMEMBER THE
ATHLETES WHO BROUGHT THE GOLD HOME TO AMERICA IN PAST OLYMPIADS.
JESSE OWENS WAS ONE OF THOSE ATHLETES.
JESSE OWENS WAS BORN IN ALABAMA, THE SON OF A SHARECROPPER
AND GRANDSON OF SLAVES. HIS FAMILY MOVED TO CLEVELAND, OHIO,
WHEN HE WAS NINE YEARS OLD AND JESSE RAN HIS FIRST RACE AT
THIRTEEN. HE CONTINUED TO EXCEL IN TRACK AT EAST TECHNICAL HIGH
SCHOOL IN CLEVELAND AND ON TO WORLD RECORDS SET AT OHIO STATE
UNIVERSITY.
I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE OF JESSE
2
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P 1 4
OWENS' EARTH-SHATTERING PERFORMANCE AT THE 1936 BERLIN OLYMPICS.
THE FACT THAT OWENS CAPTURED FOUR GOLD MEDALS IN THOSE OLYMPIC
GAMES, BECOMING THE FIRST ATHLETE TO ACCOMPLISH SUCH A FEAT, IS
WORTHY OF REMEMBRANCE. THAT HE DID so IN HITLER'S BERLIN, IMBUES
HIS ACCOMPLISHMENT WITH A SIGNIFICANCE BEYOND "MERELY" ATHLETIC.
ALMOST FIFTY-TWO YEARS AGO JESSE OWENS TRAVELLED TO A
GERMANY OVERWHELMED BY HITLER'S THEORIES OF WHITE SUPREMACY. IN
THIS ATMOSPHERE, BLACK MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES OLYMPIC TEAM
WERE REFERRED TO AS AMERICA'S "BLACK AUXILIARIES" BY THEIR NAZI
HOSTS. IT WAS IN THIS FACE OF RACISM THAT JESSE OWENS, A BLACK
AMERICAN, CAPTURED FOUR GOLD MEDALS AND THE IMAGINATION OF THE
GERMAN CROWDS, WHO ROSE TO THEIR FEET CHANTING HIS NAME. HITLER
STORMED OUT OF THE STADIUM REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIS PRESENCE
OR HIS FEATS. JESSE OWENS' OLYMPIC PERFORMANCE WAS AN ATHLETIC
TRIUMPH. IT WAS ALSO A TRIUMPH OF HUMANITY AND OF THE OLYMPIC
SPIRIT OVER EVIL.
I WAS ELEVEN YEARS OLD WHEN JESSE OWENS RETURNED TO THE
3
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P15
UNITED STATES FROM THE OLYMPICS. I VIVIDLY RECALL SITTING ON A
HORSE WATERING TROUGH AT 69TH STREET AND CENTRAL AVENUE IN
CLEVELAND AND WATCHING JESSE OWENS RIDE BY AND WAVE TO THE CROWD
FROM AN OPEN AUTOMOBILE.
IN 1936 BLACK GHETTO YOUTH SUCH AS MYSELF HAD FEW HEROES
TO LOOK UP TO OR ASPIRE TO BE LIKE. IN 1936 THERE WAS ONLY ONE
BLACK MEMBER OF CONGRESS, ARTHUR MITCHELL, A DEMOCRAT FROM
ILLINOIS.
I CAN RECALL DURING MY YOUTH THAT ALMOST EVERY BLACK FAMILY
HAD THREE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEIR HEROES ON THE WALL OF THEIR HOMES.
THOSE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE OF PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT,
JOE LOUIS AND JESSE OWENS.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS WHEN MY FRIENDS AND I WOULD RACE WITH
ONE OTHER IN THE STREETS IN AN ATTEMPT TO EMULATE JESSE OWENS AND
HOPING TO ONE DAY BECOME, LIKE HIM, AN OLYMPIC STAR. JESSE OWENS
WAS A COMMUNITY ACTIVIST. HE SET VERY HIGH STANDARDS FOR US AS
WE ATTEMPTED TO JOURNEY DOWN THE ROAD OF LIFE. HE WAS AT ALL
TIMES A GENTLEMAN AND CARRIED HIMSELF WITH DIGNITY. HE WAS THE
4
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P16
CONSUMMATE SPORTS HERO -- HE WAS GRACIOUS IN VICTORY.
THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE, JESSE OWENS MAINTAINED HIS COMMITMENT TO
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SPORTSMANSHIP. HE DEVELOPED AND LENT HIS
EXPERTISE TO YOUTH ATHLETIC PROGRAMS. HE TRAVELLED WIDELY,
SPEAKING ON THE VIRTUES OF FAIR PLAY AND ADVOCATING THE POWER OF
SPORTS TO BRIDGE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RACES, CLASSES AND CULTURES.
JESSE OWENS DIED IN 1980, BUT HIS SPIRIT LIVES ON. HE WAS
MORE THAN A SPORTS LEGEND, MORE THAN A NATIONAL FIGURE, GREATER
THAN A HERO. HE WAS THE EMBODIMENT OF FAIR PLAY, PERSEVERANCE
UNDER PRESSURE, DIGNITY AND GRACE IN THE FACE OF DISCRIMINATION
AND PREJUDICE. AND, I HAVE TO SAY QUITE CANDIDLY, THAT NO MATTER
HOW LONG OR DIFFICULT THE RACE WAS, HE ROSE TO THE OCCASION.
MR. CHAIRMAN, JESSE OWENS' CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN SPORTS,
AMERICAN SOCIETY AND AMERICAN HISTORY ARE INVALUABLE. I AM
PLEASED THAT SUCH A PANEL OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS HAVE ASSEMBLED
TODAY TO REFLECT ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF JESSE OWENS AND THE
IMPORTANCE OF THIS LEGISLATION.
5
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P17
MR. CHAIRMAN, I ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE SPECIAL EFFORTS
OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS UNABLE TO BE PRESENT TODAY. MR. DAVE
ALBRITTON, A FORMER UNITED STATES HIGH JUMP CHAMPION, AND A
TEAMMATE OF JESSE OWENS AT EAST TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL AND OHIO
STATE UNIVERSITY, CONTACTED ME IN 1986 REGARDING THE NEED FOR
CONGRESS TO RECOGNIZE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF JESSE OWENS. DUE TO
RECENT SURGERY, DAVE CANNOT BE PRESENT TODAY TO WITNESS THE
SUPPORT FOR HIS GOOD FRIEND AND TEAMMATE. BUT HE WAS KIND ENOUGH
TO SUBMIT A STATEMENT WHICH WILL BE RECORDED IN TODAY'S
HISTORICAL PROCEEDINGS.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE 230 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO
HAVE SIGNED ON AS CO-SPONSORS OF H.R. 1270 AND SENATOR HOWARD
METZENBAUM WHO HAS INTRODUCED COMPANION LEGISLATION IN THE
SENATE. TOGETHER WE ARE RECOGNIZING A GREAT ATHLETE, A GREAT
AMERICAN, AND A GREAT HUMAN BEING. I AM PROUD TO BE PART OF
MAKING THIS RECOGNITION A REALITY.
AND NOW, MR. CHAIRMAN, I HAVE THE HONOR AND PLEASURE OF
INTRODUCING THE NEXT WITNESS FOR THIS MORNING'S HEARING, MRS. RUTH
6
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P18
OWENS. JESSE AND RUTH OWENS WERE MARRIED FOR ALMOST FIFTY YEARS.
SINCE JESSE WAS OFTEN AWAY FROM HOME, FIRST ON ATHLETIC ENDEAVORS,
SUCH AS THE 1936 BERLIN GAMES, RUTH STAYED AT HOME TO RAISE THEIR
THREE DAUGHTERS - GLORIA, BEVERLY AND MARLENE. AFTER THEIR
CHILDREN WERE RAISED, RUTH ACCOMPANIED JESSE ON MANY OF HIS TRIPS.
SHE SERVES AS CHAIRMAN OF THE JESSE OWENS FOUNDATION, A NON-
PROFIT, TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION WHICH SEEKS TO PRESERVE JESSE
OWENS' UNIQUE LEGACY OF SERVICE TO HUMANITY AT LARGE, AND YOUTH IN
PARTICULAR, BY AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO COLLEGE-BOUND YOUNG
PEOPLE. THE FOUNDATION ALSO SPONSORS THE JESSE OWENS
INTERNATIONAL TROPHY AWARD, WHICH EACH YEAR RECOGNIZES THE
OUTSTANDING AMATEUR ATHLETE IN THE WORLD. MR. CHAIRMAN, RUTH
OWENS CONTINUES THE HIGH TRADITION SET BY HER HUSBAND, JESSE
OWENS. I AM PLEASED THAT SHE COULD BE WITH US TODAY AND IT GIVES
ME A GREAT PLEASURE, MR. CHAIRMAN, TO PRESENT THIS DISTINGUISHED
LADY TO YOU AND YOUR SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS.
7
McGroarty/Dooley
March 20, 1990
5:30 pm
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth // all in 45 minutes. // [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry
]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- // tying the
X
world record while still in high school. //
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
[[ I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
1948
Gold Medal at the X Olympics, the first Games since Berlin. ]]
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard -- and to ordinary athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. //
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
(?) Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete
3
in America. // And of course, through the Jesse Owens
Foundation, which enables talented young people who can't afford
college to fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it
is a point of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens
Scholarships are awarded without regard to race, creed, or color.
//
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." //
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
start ner all
It's grough to mostuff
McNally/Simon
March 17, 1990
John Dr
Draft One (B:AIDS)
Every
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL COALITION ON AIDS
CRYSTAL GATEWAY MARRIOTT
THURS., MARCH 29, 1990, : 0 .M.
1 1
Thank you,
.
[ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS]
There is no more important place for me to be right now than
with you -- the men and women who guide business and industry as
willing
they focus on the best way to help our people with HIV and AIDS.
Rendy Pett Shultz Red
There are many team players in this struggle. The American
Cross and the United Way. Religious leaders of all
persuasions. AIDS service organizations created by volunteers
and supporters by hard-working staff, many of them also infected
with HIV. And corporations and private foundations that together
have given over $100 million to support literally thousands of
AIDS projects.
You make my heart glad. And you make our country proud.
Other generations have faced life-threatening medical
crises, from the plague to polio. HIV and Aids are our
challenge. It is our duty to meet this disease -- not only with
medication and education -- but with open-hearted concern and
compassion for those affected.
But it is also our duty to make certain that every American
understands that HIV and AIDS are preventable diseases. Every
American must have the essential information needed to prevent
the spread of HIV and AIDS. I say HIV and AIDS because it is HIV
that causes AIDS. People become infected with the HIV virus long
before they develop the symptoms and become sick with AIDS.
McGroarty/Dooley
March 20, 1990
5:30 pm
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. 11
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth 11 all in 45 minutes. // [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry
]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- // tying the
world record while still in high school. //
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to helping everyone he met -- and especially the children
of America
:
[[ Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander
Harrison Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High
School Track Championship. ]]
Upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and the
American ideals of fair play, hard work and open competition.
//
Jesse Owens became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. //
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
(?) Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete
in America. // And of course, through the Jesse Owens
Foundation, which enables talented young people who can't afford
college to fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it
is a point of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens
3
Scholarships are awarded without regard to race, creed, or color.
//
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." 11
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
Tammy F41, here is
H
my "working chaft."
McGroarty/Dooley
D.McG
March 18 20 1990
5:30 pm
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
March
FEBRUARY 20, 1990
11:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements. ] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
LBig 10 Championships
1935 in Ann Arbor Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth // all in 45 minutes. // [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry
]]
woRld
As a 17 year old high school senior, he set the City of
National High School
9.4
Cleveland record in the 100 yard dash --- X.X seconds -- // and
verify
that mark still stands today. [[ And just so he doesn't feel
overlooked -- there's another gentleman here, a fellow
close' fRiend
Clevelander and former Olympic teammate of Jesse Owens, whose
high school record in the hurdles still stands: Harrison
Dillard. // ]]
2
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24 year old named Jesse Owens dashed to
victory in the long 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay --- and sent
jump
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the specatacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to helping everyone he met -- and especially the children
complete comp of America
Upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship
-- and the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
Jesse Owens became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. //
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Award
exact
InterNatioNal TRophy AWARd
for Outstanding Athletic Achievement presented each year to the
names.
best amateur athlete in America. // Through the Jesse Owens
FoundAtioN
Scholarship Fund, which enables talented young people who can't
afford college to fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I
know it is a point of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens
3
Scholarships are awarded without regard to race, creed, or color.
//
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." 11
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
02. 05. 90 05:29PM *CONG STOKES DC
P 0 1
2365 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
LOUIS STOKES
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 226-7032
21ST DISTRICT. OHIO
DISTRICT OFFICE:
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
SUBCOMMITTEES:
Congress of the United States
ROOM 2947
NEW FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING
1240 EAST 9TH STREET
LABOR/HHS/EDUCATION
house of Representatives
CLEVELAND. OH 44199
HUD/INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
(210) 522-4900
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington, DC 20515
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS OFFICE
2140 LEE ROAD
SUITE 211
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH 44118
(216) 522-4907
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mr. Michael Jackson, Associate Director
for Cabinet Affairs, The White House
FROM:
Joyce Larkin, Office of Honorable Louis Stokes
DATE:
February 5, 1990
SUBJ:
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal
Pursuant to our conversation this afternoon, I am forwarding
to you background information on the legislation sponsored by
Congressman Stokes to award a Congressional Gold Medal
posthumously to olympic hero, Jesse Owens.
Included in this material is the list of individuals who
testified during congressional hearings on the legislation,
or submitted supporting statements for the record; a copy of
the "Dear Colleague" letter circulated to Members of Congress
which includes background information on Jesse Owens; a list
of Members of Congress who were co-sponsors of the
legislation; and the congressional hearing testimony of
Congressman Stokes, Mrs. Ruth Owens, and Representative Frank
Annunzio, who served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on
Consumer Affairs and Coinage of the House Banking Committee
during consideration of the bill.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have additional
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 21, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND MRS. MARY LASKER
AT CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARD CEREMONY
The Rose Garden
2:59 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome, Mrs. Lasker. Mr. Speaker, it's
nice to have you back. Distinguished members of Congress -- please
to greet Congressmen Early and Conte -- and our other friends who are
here. And a very special welcome, Tip, to you, sir.
You've heard me talk about a thousand points of light, a
metaphor that I've used to celebrate the extraordinary selflessness
of Americans who give so much to the service of others. And we're
here today to honor a veritable beacon of light -- a woman who has
focused an enormous amount of energy on finding solutions to
life-threatening diseases, Mary Lasker.
She's president of the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation,
which she started with her husband in 1942 to encourage medical
research and to raise public awareness of major diseases which
cripple and kill. Today the Lasker Foundation's Medical Research
Award is one of the most prestigious honors in American medicine.
Mary's contribution to medicine -- they've not stopped
with the important work of the Lasker Foundation. Dr. Jonas Salk
said, "When I think of Mary Lasker, I think of a matchmaker between
science and society.' Business Week Magazine called her "the fairy
godmother of medical research." And she's worked extensively in many
diverse causes, from supporting cancer research to preventing heart
disease to working with those with cerebral palsy. And believe me, I
am only naming a few here. And the list is so long because her good
works and tireless efforts are legion.
And I cannot resist a special word of thanks and praise
for Mary's leadership here in Washington. Senator Claude Pepper
calls Mary the driving force behind the creation of the National
Cancer Institute, the first of the National Institutes of Health and
of subsequent institutes. Her generosity and association with NIH
continues today. Her work in urging legislation to expand federal
cancer research culminated in a 1971 bill that made the conquest of
cancer a national goal. In 1984, Congress honored Mary Lasker by
naming a center for her out at NIH -- the Mary Woodard Lasker Center
for Health, Research and Education. Not only is she well-known for
advancing medical research, but for her contributions to the arts and
flowers. for her many public plantings that allow others to share her love of
Through the Society for a More Beautiful Capital, she's
donated extensive plantings in Washington, including over a million
daffodil bulbs for Rock Creek Park and Lady Bird Johnson Park.
Mary, your gifts of health and beauty have left the
country very much in your debt. In 1987, it was with gratitude and
great pride that the United States Congress voted to honor your
humanitarian contributions to the areas of medical research and
education, urban beautification and the fine arts.
Now it is my pleasure to thank you on behalf of the
nation and to present you with this token of our gratitude, the Mary
MORE
- 2 -
Woodard Lasker Congressional Gold Medal. Congratulations.
(Applause.)
MRS. LASKER: Mr. President, thank you is much too small
a word to describe this honor. Without your help and that of
Congress, no success would be possible. This medal belongs to so
many people for the triumph and hope that medical research brought to
this country. Mr. President, you know how and why medical research
is so important. We look to you now, Mr. President, for leadership
in helping to support research at the National Institutes of Health.
Cancer still kills 500,000 people a year in this country
-- more people than have been killed in all our wars combined. The
strength of our nation depends on the health of our people. This
medal recognizes the priority which we must once again place on
research. It's good for trade, good for jobs and vital for all
Americans.
Medical research is our hope for our children and for the
building of a healthy America. Thank you. (Applause.)
END
3:06 P.M. EDT
JESSE OWENS
1₩5917
6.
5.
5. At the Berlin Olympics in 1936,
German long-jumper Luz Long
defied the Nazi ideology of racism
and befriended his rival, Jesse
Owens.
6. Owens, the son of
sharecroppers, won four gold
medals and returned home to a
hero's welcome and a tickertape
parade down Broadway.
7. Jesse Owens' 7. celebrity failed to earn him a living, and he was forced to make ends meet
against horses, dogs, and motorcycles. He eventually found his place as a "professional good
DAVID WALLECHINSKY
THE
COMPLETE
Fred C. Tilliney
1941
- Dillard came to Ohio State U. (where J.O. was
woRKing) to Run in the 'state High school Championship.'
- J.O. presented Dillard w/ a New pair of running Shoes.
- Dillard won both the High & low hurdles that day
in the New shoes.
DillaRd Met his idol, Jesse Owens while iN junior high after
Owens returned from Berlin. Owens gave tips to the
(10 YRS. younger) Dillard.
lympics.
Despite HitleR's rascism /white supremecy theories,
despets Jesse Owens developed a life-long friendship
w/ Lutz Long (German athlete who won the silver in
.)
Even after being refused by FDR to a white House visit,
J Owens proclaimed: "America has its problems w/
racism ; but it's still the greatest
potaco country in the world."
(216)
574-8371
Harrison DillArd
(614)
292-6861
Dan Furry (TR. & Field - Ohio st.)
(216)
431 - 2626
432-4580
East Tech. High
arch 9 1935
Big 10 IndooR Championships - Chicago
set World Record:
60 yRd. dAsh
Y25,1935
Big 10 Outdoor Champ's - AnnARboR
set World Records:
220 yRd dAsh
20.2 sec.
RecoRd
220 low hurdles
22.6 sec.
w/in
45 Min.
lasted
25 YeARS!
Broad jump
2 26yd.8" 1/4"
Tied:
100 yRd. dash
9.4 sec.
East Tech. Highrschool - Clevaland/gaduated 1933
20.7 sec.
220 yRd. dash
lft. 113/4
species
BRoad jump.
senioR
9.4 sec.
100 yrd dASh (tied)
1936 olympics 1940 $1944
1948 Olympics
won 100. m dASh
WWI (No olympics)
Dillard won 100m dASh.
J. owens & Dillard charter members oF 74' Hall of Fame.
11
1976: BLACK Athletes Hall of Fame.
1941
- Dillard came to Ohio State U. (where J.O. was
working) to Run in the 'state High school Championship.'
- g.o. presented Dillard w/ a New paiR of Running Shoes
- Dillard won both the High & low hurdles that day
in the New shoes.
DillaRd Met his idol, Jesse Owens while iN junior high after
Owens returned from Berlin. Owens gave tips to the
(10 YRS. younger) Dillard.
36' 01ympics:
Despite HitleR's rascism /white supremecy theories,
despets Jesse Owens developed a life-long friendship
w/ Lutz Long (German athlete who won the silver in
Even after being refused by FDR to a White House visit,
J.owens proclaimed: "america has its problems w/
racism ; but it's still the greatest
potacood
country in the world."
(216)
574-8371
Harrism DillArd
(614)
292-6861
Dan Furry (TR. & Field - Ohio St.)
(216)
431 - 2626
432-4580
East Tech. High
March 9 1935
Big 10 IndooR Championships - Chicago
set World Record:
60 yRd. dAsh
May 25,1935
Big 10 Outdoor Champ's - Ann ARboR
set World Records:
220 yRd. dAsh
20.2 sec.
RecoRd
220 low hurdles
22.6 sec.
w/in
lasted
45 Min.
25 YeARS!
Broad jump
26yd.8'4"
Tied:
100 yRd. dash
9.4 sec.
East Tech. Highschool - clevaland/gaduated 1933
20.7 sec.
220 yRd. dash
24 ft. 113/4
BRoad jump.
senior
9.4 sec.
100 yRd dAsh. (tied)
1936 olympics 1940 $1944
1948 Olympics
g.o. won 100 m. dAsh
WWII (No olympics)
Dillard won 100m. dAsh.
oF 74'
J. owens & Dillard: Charter Members Hall of Fame.
11
1976: BlACK Athletes Hall of Fame.
Olympic Comm:
Empratulation
allorN
has Dillard Not Received
The 100 M. dAsh.
won iN 1936 -
event Jesse Owens
the very SAME
ironically, in
invitation
in the 1948 Olympics,
home the gold redal
1948 Dillard brought
WASHINGTON
THE WHITE HOUSE