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Science and Technology, Washington D.C., 10/18/89
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Science and Technology, Washington D.C., 10/18/89
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Records pertain to the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
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13888-038
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Curt Smith Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
foia Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection: George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Smith, Curt, Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1992
OA/ID Number:
13888
Folder ID Number:
13888-038
Folder Title:
Science and Technology, Washington D.C., 10/18/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
18
29
1
4
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft One
October 11, 1989
TECH
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
THE ROSE GARDEN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1989
Let me welcome you to the White House. And on behalf of the
stations sounds soft
American people, thank you for what you have done for Nation and
for
neighbor: Caring, daring, helping adventure lead the way.
( (First, a confession. I know that I'm filling in for the
person you really wanted to hear from from -- the person who had
such an influence on your early lives. // Unfortunately, "Mr.
Wizard" couldn't make it.)) //
So I'm delighted to pinch-hit. For as one who still recalls
that day when his first chemistry set blew up, I'm honored to
present America's highest honor in the areas of science and
technology: The National Medal of Science and the National Medal
of Technology.
You know, the National Medal of Science awards were created
in 1959. Each year, the National Committee of Scientists chooses
up to 20 nominees -- then submits them to the President. And the
Technology awards were founded in 1980. Each year, a special
committee selects up to 10 candidates -- then submits them to the
Commerce Secretary.
Over the years, 245 Science medals have been awarded to
individuals for their "outstanding contributions to knowledge in
the physical, biological, mathematics, or engineering sciences."
2
And
Technology awards have been given to men and women who
"improve the well-being of the United States through the
development or application of technology." Before today, the
most awards presented in any year was
.
You know this year's
total? Count 'em. Nineteen.
You can see why I say: The 1989 recipients show how
Americans have been, and remain, a pioneering people. From Eli
Whitney to Lee De Forest to the Salk vaccine for polio. And at
their heart has always been the belief that the trailblazers of
today are the trustees of tomorrow.
Think of Luther Burbank, who developed plant breeding into
ab
modern science. Or Irving Langmuir, who opened new fields in
colloid research and biochemistry. Or Harlow Shapley, who
studied long, and brilliantly, the wondrous magic of the stars.
They knew that dreams realized make possible even bigger dreams.
Today, we celebrate those dreams. And those of you who've
made them reality. For this year's award-winners not only embody
America's best and brightest. You've used science and technology
you wor place
to challenge America -- and to uplift the quality of human life
-- through your freedom and your toil.
This toil, of course, can take many forms. As you 1989
award-recipients show. After all, cookies come from a cookie-
cutter. Creativity comes from the human heart and mind.
The story goes, for instance, that once Albert Einsten and
his wife visited the Mount Wilson Observatory in California.
Mrs. Einsten pointed to a complex piece of equipment and asked
3
its purpose. Their guide said that it was used to determine the
shape of the universe. "Oh," she said, not at all impressed.
"My husband uses the back of an envelope to work that out."
What Mrs. Einstein meant was that greatness comes in many
trappings. You know that -- for you show that. Some of you have
explored new worlds by investigating the far reaches of outer
space. Some have researched the very heart of the fundamental
building blocks of nature. Others have delved the basic of the
human genetic makeup. But whatever your field, you've invested
in the future. Unlocking boundaries of knowledge. And overcome
doubters along the way. Like the man who once said of Edison's
light bulb, "How can he call it a wonderful success when everyone
acquainted with the subject will recognize it as a conspicuous
failure?"
Conspicuous, you have been. But failures? Never. For
you've spurred economic opportunity. And increased our standard
of living. Enriching this generation. And inspiring generations
to come. Why, even one of my own grandkids is hooked on
technological experimentation. // Recently, he hooked a VCR up
to a microwave oven and watched the "Star Wars" movie in just 6
and 1/2 minutes. // Yes, the science and technology tide is
running in. And you're atop its wave.
So, in closing, let me congratulate you. For giving of your
time, and of your lives. Ranging in age from 69 to 89, you have
proven, as the saying goes, that age is a state of mind, not
time.
4
Next, let me promise you. Promise that our Administration
will do its part. We support research and development in all
areas of science and technology. Including projects from the
Superconducting Super Collider to the manned space station. And
we want to double the National Science Foundation budget over the
next five years. And through a new initiative of National
Science Scholars, to give America's youth a special incentive to
excel in science, mathematics, and engineering.
Finally, let me challenge you. Let's keep America No. 1 in
the global marketplace. Let's help science and technology help
America triumph internationally. Let's help the doers and the
dreamers say of the New Millennium: "America's greatest days are
not behind her. America's greatest days are yet to come."
I believe that. Always have. You believe that. Your lives
confirm it. And now it is my great pleasure to present Secretary
of Commerce Bob Mosbacher, who will read the citations honoring
you with America's highest technological and scientific
achievement. But, you know, I still like my end of the bargain.
I get to shake your hands.
Thank you very much, God bless you, and God bless America.
#
#
#
#
739.4400
(Smith/Blessey)
Draft One
October 11, 1989
TECH
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
THE ROSE GARDEN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1989
Let me welcome you to the White House. And on behalf of the
American people, thank you for what you have done for Nation and
neighbor: Daine, Learning, caring, helping education lead the way.
( (First, a confession. I know that I'm filling in for the
person you really wanted to hear from from -- the person who had
such an influence on your early lives. // Unfortunately, "Mr.
Wizard" couldn't make it.)) //
So I'm pinch-hitting -- and delighted to do so. For as one
who still recalls that day when his first chemistry set blew up,
I'm honored and privileged to present this year's National Medals
theerase
of Science and Technology.
You know, as I was preparing these remarks, I got to
thinking how Americans have been, and remain, a pioneering
Mine, M in
people. From Lewis and Clark to Lee DeForest to the Salk vaccine
for polio. At their heart has always been the belief that the
trailblazers of today are the trustees of tomorrow.
Think of Luther Burbank, who developed plant breeding into a
modern science. Or Irving Langmuir, who opened new fields in
colloid research and biochemistry. Or Harlow Shapley, who
studied so long, and brilliantly, the wondrous magic of the
2
stars. They knew that dreams realized make possible even bigger
dreams.
Today, we celebrate those dreams. And those of you who've
made them reality. For this year's award-winners not only embody
America's best and brightest. You've used science and technology
84h the
to challenge America -- and to uplift America -- through your
freedom and your toil.
Now, this toil can take many forms. After all, cookies come
from a cookie-cutter. Creativity comes from the human heart and
mind.
The story goes, for instance, that once Albert Einsten and
his wife visited the Mount Wilson Observatory in California.
Mrs. Einsten pointed to a complex piece of equipment and asked
its purpose. Their guide said that it was used to determine the
shape of the universe. "Oh," she said, and she was not at all
impressed. "My husband uses the back of an envelope to work that
out."
See what I mean? Some of you have studied aerospace and
defense sciences -- not on envelopes, but through an ultra high-
speed electronic stroboscope. Some have focused on the nerve
growth factor of the nervous system. Others are working on
molecular beans. Or DNA. Or the revolutionary super conducting
super collider.
Whatever your field, you've persevered and exceled.
Overcoming doubters along the way. Like the man who once said of
Edison's light bulb, "How can he call it a wonderful success when
3
everyone acquainted with the subject will recognize it as a
conspicuous failure?"
Conspicuous? That you've been. Failures? Never. And as
you've exceled, you've shown how science and technology can be
the great uplifter -- individually, and for America. Enriching
this generation. Inspiring future generations. Even one of my
own grandkids is dabbling in technological experimentation. //
He hooked a VCR up to a microwave oven and watched the "Star
Wars" movie in just 6 and 1/2 minutes. //
Yes, the science and technology tide is running in. And
you're atop its wave. So, in closing, let me congratulate you.
These National Medal of Science awards were created in 1959. All
Each year, the National Committee of Scientists chooses up to 20
nominees -- and submits them to the President. The Technology
awards were founded in 1980. Each year, the a special committee
selects up to 10 candidates -- and submits them to the Commerce
Secretary
Over the years 245 Science medals have been awarded ml
with
Cui
cannot
for discovery -- and Technology medals for application. Some
years no awards have been presented. You know this year's
number? Count 'em. Nineteen.
You are all American citizens. You have given magnificently
of your lives, and of yourselves. You range in age from 69 to 89
-- proving, as the saying goes, that age is a state of mind, not
time. Moreover, you have helped America compete internationally.
Remain No. 1 in the global marketplace. And allow us to say of
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the New Millennium: "America's greatest days are not behind her.
America's greatest days are yet to come."
It is now my great pleasure to present Secretary of Commerce
Bob Mosbacher, who will read the citations honoring you with
America's highest technological and scientific achievement. But
Suis "mel)
I think I get the best of the bargain. I get to shake your
hands.
Thank you very much, God bless you, and God bless America.
# # # #