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MARKER
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
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13484
Folder ID Number:
13484-001
Folder Title:
U.S.S. Iowa, 4/24/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
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26
15
6
7
Davis/Simon
4/22/89; 7 pm
Draft: 3
Title: Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989
9:00 am
We join today in mourning for the 47 who perished, and in
thanks for the 11 who survived. They all were, in the words of
J.J. Rooney, "the men behind the guns."
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as shipmates and friends; and
left the Navy as brothers in eternity. In the finest Navy
tradition, they proudly served on a great battleship -- the
"Mighty I."
This dreadnought, built long before these sailors were born,
braved the war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President
Winston
Roosevelt to meet Churchill in Casablanca, and anchored in Tokyo
Ioua
harbor on the day World War Two ended. This ship earned 11
battle stars in two wars.
October of 1944, off the coast of the Philippines. I can
still remember. For those of us serving on carriers in Halsey's
3rd Fleet, having the IOWA nearby really built our confidence. I
2
was proud to recommission the IOWA in 1984. Now fate has written
a sorrowful chapter in the history of the U.S.S. Iowa.
Let me say the IOWA crew, I understand your grief. I, too,
have stared at the empty bunks of lost shipmates, and asked,
"Why?" I promise you today, we will find out "why" -- the
circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger sense, there will
never be answers to the questions that haunt us. We will not --
we cannot, as long as we live --- know why God has called them
home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world is a more
peaceful place because of the U.S.S. IOWA. The IOWA was
recommissioned, and her crew trained, to preserve that peace. So
never forget that your friends died for the cause of peace and
freedom.
To the Navy community, remember that you have the admiration
of America for sharing the burden of grief as a family --
especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the hardships of
separation. You have always been strong for the sake of love.
You must be heroically strong now. But you will find that love
endures. It endures in the lingering memory of time together, in
the embrace of a friend, in the bright questioning eyes of a
child. And, as for the children of the lost, throughout your
lives, you must never forget: Your father was America's pride.
3
Your mothers and grandmothers, aunts and uncles, are
entrusted with the memory of this day. In the years to come,
they must pass on to you the legacy of the men behind the guns.
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
All Americans hope that our sympathy and appreciation
provide some comfort. But true comfort comes from faith and
prayer.
Your men are under a different command now, one that asks no
duty, and one that knows no rank. May God bless them all, these
men behind the guns.
And may God bless the U.S.S. IOWA, and all who walk her
deck.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Norfolk, Virginia)
For Immediate Release
April 24, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT USS IOWA MEMORIAL SERVICE
Norfolk Naval Air Station
Norfolk, Virginia
9:23 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: We join today in mourning for the 47 who
perished and in thanks for the 11 who survived. They all were, in
the words of a poet, the men behind the guns.
They came from Hidalgo, Texas; Cleveland, Ohio; Tampa,
Florida; Costa Mesa, California. They came to the Navy as strangers;
served the Navy as shipmates and friends; and left the Navy as
brothers in eternity. In the finest Navy tradition, they served
proudly on a great battleship, USS Iowa.
This dreadnought, built long before these sailors were
born, braved the war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President
Roosevelt to meet Winston Churchill at Casablanca, and anchored in
Tokyo Harbor on the day that World War II ended. The Iowa earned 11
battle stars in two wars.
October of '44, off the coast of the Philippines -- I can
still remember it -- for those of us serving in carriers and Halsey's
Third Fleet, having Iowa nearby really built our confidence. And I
was proud to be a part of the recommissioning ceremony in 1984. And
now fate has written a sorrowful chapter in this history of this
great ship.
Let me say to the crew of Iowa, I understand your great
grief. I promise you today, we will find out why -- the
circumstances of the tragedy. But in a larger sense, there will
never be answers to the questions that haunt us. We will not --
cannot, as long as we live -- know why God has called them home.
But one thing we can be sure -- this world is a more
peaceful place because of the USS Iowa. The Iowa was recommissioned
and her crew trained to preserve the peace. So never forget that
your friends died for the cause of peace and freedom.
To the Navy community, remember that you have the
admiration of America for sharing the burden of grief as a family --
especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the hardships of
separation. You've always been strong for the sake of love. You
must be heroically strong now. But you will find that love endures.
It endures in the lingering memory of time together, in the embrace
of a friend, in the bright questioning eyes of a child. And as for
the children of the lost, throughout your lives you must never
forget, your father was America's pride.
Your mothers and grandmothers, aunts and uncles are
entrusted with the memory of this day. In the years to come, they
must pass along to you the legacy of the men behind the guns. And to
all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a friend -- I
can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for your loved one
served his country with distinction and honor. I hope that the
sympathy and appreciation of all the American people provide some
comfort. The true comfort comes from prayer and faith.
MORE
- 2 -
And your men are under a different command now -- one
that knows no rank, only love -- knows no danger, only peace. May
God bless them all.
END
9:29 A.M. EDT
1988 MR. to
REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989
9:00 AM
WE JOIN TODAY IN MOURNING FOR THE 47 WHO PERISHED,
AND IN THANKS FOR THE 11 WHO SURVIVED. THEY ALL WERE,
IN THE WORDS OF J.J. ROONEY, "THE MEN BEHIND THE GUNS."
THEY CAME FROM HIDALGO, TEXAS, AND CLEVELAND, OHTo;
FROM TAMPA, FLORIDA, AND COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA.
- 2 -
THEY CAME TO THE NAVY AS STRANGERS; SERVED THE NAVY AS
SHIPMATES AND FRIENDS; AND LEFT THE NAVY AS BROTHERS IN
ETERNITY. IN THE FINEST NAVY TRADITION, THEY PROUDLY
SERVED ON A GREAT BATTLESHIP -- THE U.S.S. IOWA.
- 3 -
THIS DREADNOUGHT, BUILT LONG BEFORE THESE SAILORS
WERE BORN, BRAVED THE WAR-TIME WATERS OF THE ATLANTIC
TO TAKE PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT TO MEET WINSTON CHURCHILL
IN CASABLANCA, AND ANCHORED IN TOKYO HARBOR ON THE DAY
WORLD WAR Two ENDED. THE IOWA EARNED 11 BATTLE STARS
IN TWO WARS.
- 4 -
OCTOBER OF 1944, OFF THE COAST OF THE PHILIPPINES.
I CAN STILL REMEMBER. FOR THOSE OF US SERVING ON
CARRIERS IN HALSEY'S 3RD FLEET, HAVING THE IOWA NEARBY
REALLY BUILT OUR CONFIDENCE. I WAS PROUD TO
RECOMMISSION THE IOWA IN 1984. Now FATE HAS WRITTEN A
SORROWFUL CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE U.S.S. IOWA.
LET ME SAY TO THE IOWA CREW, I UNDERSTAND YOUR
GRIEF. I, Too, HAVE STARED AT THE EMPTY BUNKS OF LOST
SHIPMATES, AND ASKED, "WHY?"
- 5 -
I PROMISE YOU TODAY, WE WILL FIND OUT "WHY" -- THE
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE TRAGEDY. BUT, IN A LARGER SENSE,
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT HAUNT
US. WE WILL NOT -- WE CANNOT, AS LONG AS WE LIVE --
KNOW WHY GOD HAS CALLED THEM HOME.
BUT OF ONE THING WE CAN BE SURE -- THIS WORLD IS A
MORE PEACEFUL PLACE BECAUSE OF THE U.S.S. IOWA.
- 6 -
THE IOWA WAS RECOMMISSIONED, AND HER CREW TRAINED, TO
PRESERVE THAT PEACE. So NEVER FORGET THAT YOUR FRIENDS
DIED FOR THE CAUSE OF PEACE AND FREEDOM.
To THE NAVY COMMUNITY, REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE THE
ADMIRATION OF AMERICA FOR SHARING THE BURDEN OF GRIEF
AS A FAMILY -- ESPECIALLY THE NAVY WIVES, WHO SUFFER
MOST THE HARDSHIPS OF SEPARATION. You HAVE ALWAYS BEEN
STRONG FOR THE SAKE OF LOVE. You MUST BE HEROICALLY
STRONG NOW. BUT YOU WILL FIND THAT LOVE ENDURES.
- 7 -
IT ENDURES IN THE LINGERING MEMORY OF TIME TOGETHER, IN
THE EMBRACE OF A FRIEND, IN THE BRIGHT QUESTIONING EYES
OF A CHILD. AND, AS FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE LOST,
THROUGHOUT YOUR LIVES, YOU MUST NEVER FORGET: YOUR
FATHER WAS AMERICA'S PRIDE.
YOUR MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS, AUNTS AND UNCLES,
ARE ENTRUSTED WITH THE MEMORY OF THIS DAY. IN THE
YEARS TO COME, THEY MUST PASS ON TO YOU THE LEGACY OF
THE MEN BEHIND THE GUNS.
- 8 -
To ALL WHO MOURN A SON, A BROTHER, A HUSBAND, A
FATHER, A FRIEND -- I CAN ONLY OFFER YOU THE GRATITUDE
OF A NATION, FOR YOUR LOVED ONE SERVED HIS COUNTRY WITH
DISTINCTION AND HONOR.
ALL AMERICANS HOPE THAT OUR SYMPATHY AND
APPRECIATION PROVIDE SOME COMFORT. BUT TRUE COMFORT
COMES FROM FAITH AND PRAYER.
- 9 -
YOUR MEN ARE UNDER A DIFFERENT COMMAND NOW, ONE
THAT KNOWS NO RANK, ONLY LOVE; KNOWS NO DANGER, ONLY
PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL, THESE MEN BEHIND THE
GUNS.
AND MAY GOD BLESS THE U.S.S. IOWA, AND ALL WHO WALK
HER DECK.
###
MAILFAX 3501T
VALUTEC 418
'90 4-24 9:14
PAGE 11
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 22, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
CHRISS WINSTON
KGforCw
SUBJECT:
U.S.S. IOWA SPEECH
Also, according to the IOWA's history and your book, Looking
discussed. You did recommission the Iowa on April 28, 1984.
Attached is a new draft that incorporates your changes as we
Task Forward, page 40, both the SAN JANCINTO and the IOWA were of
Force 38 off the coast of the Philippines in October, part 1944.
at If you have any additional changes, I can be reached at home or
my office during the day Sunday.
Photocopy-Preservation
1988 MR to
REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989
9:00 AM
WE JOIN TODAY IN MOURNING FOR THE 47 WHO PERISHED,
AND IN THANKS FOR THE 11 WHO SURVIVED. THEY ALL WERE,
IN THE WORDS OF J.J. ROONEY, "THE MEN BEHIND THE GUNS."
THEY CAME FROM HIDALGO, TEXAS, AND CLEVELAND, OHTo;
FROM TAMPA, FLORIDA, AND COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA.
- 2 -
THEY CAME TO THE NAVY AS STRANGERS; SERVED THE NAVY AS
SHIPMATES AND FRIENDS; AND LEFT THE NAVY AS BROTHERS IN
ETERNITY. IN THE FINEST NAVY TRADITION, THEY PROUDLY
SERVED ON A GREAT BATTLESHIP -- THE U.S.S. IOWA.
- 3 -
THIS DREADNOUGHT, BUILT LONG BEFORE THESE SAILORS
WERE BORN, BRAVED THE WAR-TIME WATERS OF THE ATLANTIC
TO TAKE PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT TO MEET WINSTON CHURCHILL
IN CASABLANCA, AND ANCHORED IN TOKYO HARBOR ON THE DAY
WORLD WAR Two ENDED. THE IOWA EARNED 11 BATTLE STARS
IN TWO WARS.
- 4 -
OCTOBER OF 1944, OFF THE COAST OF THE PHILIPPINES.
I CAN STILL REMEMBER. FOR THOSE OF US SERVING ON
CARRIERS IN HALSEY'S 3RD FLEET, HAVING THE IOWA NEARBY
REALLY BUILT OUR CONFIDENCE. I WAS PROUD TO
RECOMMISSION THE IOWA IN 1984. Now FATE HAS WRITTEN A
SORROWFUL CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE U.S.S. IOWA.
LET ME SAY TO THE IOWA CREW, I UNDERSTAND YOUR
GRIEF. I, Too, HAVE STARED AT THE EMPTY BUNKS OF LOST
SHIPMATES, AND ASKED, "WHY?"
- 5 -
I PROMISE YOU TODAY, WE WILL FIND OUT "WHY" -- THE
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE TRAGEDY. BUT, IN A LARGER SENSE,
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT HAUNT
US. WE WILL NOT -- WE CANNOT, AS LONG AS WE LIVE --
KNOW WHY GOD HAS CALLED THEM HOME.
BUT OF ONE THING WE CAN BE SURE -- THIS WORLD IS A
MORE PEACEFUL PLACE BECAUSE OF THE U.S.S. IOWA.
- 6 -
THE IOWA WAS RECOMMISSIONED, AND HER CREW TRAINED, To
PRESERVE THAT PEACE. So NEVER FORGET THAT YOUR FRIENDS
DIED FOR THE CAUSE OF PEACE AND FREEDOM.
To THE NAVY COMMUNITY, REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE THE
ADMIRATION OF AMERICA FOR SHARING THE BURDEN OF GRIEF
AS A FAMILY -- ESPECIALLY THE NAVY WIVES, WHO SUFFER
MOST THE HARDSHIPS OF SEPARATION. You HAVE ALWAYS BEEN
STRONG FOR THE SAKE OF LOVE. You MUST BE HEROICALLY
STRONG NOW. BUT YOU WILL FIND THAT LOVE ENDURES.
- 7 -
IT ENDURES IN THE LINGERING MEMORY OF TIME TOGETHER, IN
THE EMBRACE OF A FRIEND, IN THE BRIGHT QUESTIONING EYES
OF A CHILD. AND, AS FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE LOST,
THROUGHOUT YOUR LIVES, YOU MUST NEVER FORGET: Your
FATHER WAS AMERICA'S PRIDE.
YOUR MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS, AUNTS AND UNCLES,
ARE ENTRUSTED WITH THE MEMORY OF THIS DAY. IN THE
YEARS TO COME, THEY MUST PASS ON To YOU THE LEGACY OF
THE MEN BEHIND THE GUNS.
- 8 -
To ALL WHO MOURN A SON, A BROTHER, A HUSBAND, A
FATHER, A FRIEND -- I CAN ONLY OFFER YOU THE GRATITUDE
OF A NATION, FOR YOUR LOVED ONE SERVED HIS COUNTRY WITH
DISTINCTION AND HONOR.
ALL AMERICANS HOPE THAT OUR SYMPATHY AND
APPRECIATION PROVIDE SOME COMFORT. BUT TRUE COMFORT
COMES FROM FAITH AND PRAYER.
- 9 -
YOUR MEN ARE UNDER A DIFFERENT COMMAND NOW, ONE
THAT KNOWS NO RANK, ONLY LOVE; KNOWS NO DANGER, ONLY
PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL, THESE MEN BEHIND THE
GUNS.
AND MAY GOD BLESS THE U.S.S. IOWA, AND ALL WHO WALK
HER DECK.
###
Document No. 029208
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
---
DATE:
4/22/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
SUBJECT:
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989/9 a.m.
(4/21 draft two)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
PINKERTON
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
LOPEZ
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Simon
April 21, 1989
Draft: Two
Title: Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:
U.S.S. IOWA
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989/9 a.m.
We join today in mourning for the 47 who perished, and in
thanks for the 11 who survived. They all were "the men behind
the guns."
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as shipmates and friends; and
left the Navy as brothers in eternity. They volunteered to serve
a great Navy tradition, and asked to serve on a great battleship.
This dreadnought, built long before these sailors were born,
braved the war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President
Roosevelt to meet Churchill in Casablanca, and anchored in Tokyo
harbor on the day World War Two ended. This ship earned 11
battle stars in two wars. Now fate has written a sorrowful
chapter in the history of the U.S.S. IOWA.
Let me say to the IOWA crew, I understand your grief. I
know the confusion of random death, the questions with no
answers. I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
2
shipmates, and asked "why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world is a more
peaceful place because of the U.S.S. IOWA. The IOWA was
recommissioned, and her crew trained, to preserve the peace. So
never forget that your friends died for the cause of peace and
freedom as surely as those lost at Okinawa or the Philippine Sea.
To the Navy community, remember that you have the admiration
of America for sharing the burden of grief as a family --
especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the hardships of
separation. You have always been strong for the sake of love.
You must be heroically strong now. But you will find that love
endures. It endures in the lingering memory of time together, in
the embrace of a friend, in the bright questioning eyes of a
child. And, as for the children of the lost, perhaps many of you
don't yet understand; with the passage of years, understanding --
and grief -- will surely come. But I want each of you to
remember something, to repeat it to yourselves, and someday to
your children: Your father was America's pride.
3
Your mothers and grandmothers, aunts and uncles, are
entrusted with the memory of this day. In the years to come,
they must pass on to you the legacy of the men behind the guns.
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
All Americans hope that our sympathy and appreciation
provide some comfort. But I know that in the still hours of the
night
whatever we say, whatever we do
will not be
enough.
The only comfort I know can be found in the words of the
Midshipman's Prayer, from Him "whose paths are in the great
waters, whose command is over all, and whose love never fails."
Your boys,
your men, are under a different command now, one that
knows no rank, only love; knows no danger, only peace. May God
bless them all, these men behind the guns
And may God bless the city of Norfolk, the U.S.S. IOWA, and
all who walk her deck.
#
#
#
000 W MAILFAX 3501T VALUTEC 418 '90 4-24 9:14
PAGE 12
Photocopy-Preservation
Davis/Simon
4/22/89; 7 pm
Draft: 3
Title: Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989
9:00 am
We join today in mourning for the 47 who perished, and in
thanks for the 11 who survived. They all were, in the words of
J.J. Rooney, "the men behind the guns."
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as shipmates and friends; and
left the Navy as brothers in sternity. In the finest Navy
tradition, they proudly sarved on as great battleship -- the
"Mighty I."
This dreadnought, built long before these sailors were born,
braved the war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President
Roosevelt to meet Winston Churchill in Casablanca, and anchored
in Tokyo harbor on the day World War Two ended. The IOWA earned
11 battle stars in two wars.
October of 1944, off the coast of the Philippines. id I
can
still remember. for those of us serving on carriers statocy having the
that
IOWA nearby,
and
the
cover
she
provided
well
airman
could
really built an contiduer.
000 W MAILFAX 3501T
VALUTEC
418
'90 4-24 9:15
PAGE 13
Photocopy-Preservation
2
have a batter friend. I was proud to recommission the IOWA in
1984. NOW, fate has written a sorrowful chapter in the history
of the U.S.S Iowa.
Let me say to the IOWA crew, I understand your grief.
the
confusion
questions
I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
shipmates, and asked, "Why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world is a more
peaceful place because of the U.S.S. IOWA. The IOWA was
recommissioned, and her crew trained, to preserve that peace. So
never forget that your friends died for the cause of peace and
freedom.
To the Navy community, remember that you have the admiration
of America for sharing the burden of grief as a family --
especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the hardships of
separation. You have always been strong for the sake of love.
YOU must be heroically strong now. But you will find that love
endures. It endures in the lingering memory of time together, in
the embrace of a friend, in the bright questioning eyes of a
000 W MAILFAX 3501T VALUTEC 418 '90 4-24 9:15
PAGE 14
3
child. As for the children of the lost, throughout your lives,
you must never forget: Your father was America's pride.
Your mothers and grandmothers, aunts and uncles, are
entrusted with the memory of this day. In the years to come,
they must pass on to you the legacy of "the men behind the guns."
TO all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
All Americans hope that our sympathy and appreciation
provide some comfort. But true comfort comes from faith and
prayer.
Your men are under a different command now, one that asks no
duty, one that knows no rank. May God bless them all, these men
behind the guns.
And may God bless the U.S.S. IOWA, and all who walk her
deck.
# # #
Photocopy-Preservation
To the President SAT. PM
after phone call w
Davis/Simon
Chriss Winstons the President Title:
4/22/89; 7 pm
Draft: 3
Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989
9:00 am
We join today in mourning for the 47 who perished, and in
thanks for the 11 who survived. They all were, in the words of
J.J. Rooney, "the men behind the guns."
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as shipmates and friends; and
left the Navy as brothers in eternity. In the finest Navy
tradition, they proudly served on a great battleship -- the
"Mighty I."
This dreadnought, built long before these sailors were born,
braved the war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President
Roosevelt to meet Winston Churchill in Casablanca, and anchored
in Tokyo harbor on the day World War Two ended. The IOWA earned
11 battle stars in two wars.
October of 1944, off the coast of the Philippines. I can
still remember: for those of us serving on carriers, having the
IOWA nearby, and the cover she provided -- well, no airman could
2
have a better friend. I was proud to recommission the IOWA in
1984. Now, fate has written a sorrowful chapter in the history
of the U.S.S. Iowa.
Let me say to the IOWA crew, I understand your grief. I
know the confusion of random death, the questions with no
answers. I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
shipmates, and asked, "Why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world is a more
peaceful place because of the U.S.S. IOWA. The IOWA was
recommissioned, and her crew trained, to preserve that peace. So
never forget that your friends died for the cause of peace and
freedom.
To the Navy community, remember that you have the admiration
of America for sharing the burden of grief as a family --
especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the hardships of
separation. You have always been strong for the sake of love.
You must be heroically strong now. But you will find that love
endures. It endures in the lingering memory of time together, in
the embrace of a friend, in the bright questioning eyes of a
3
child. As for the children of the lost, throughout your lives,
you must never forget: Your father was America's pride.
Your mothers and grandmothers, aunts and uncles, are
entrusted with the memory of this day. In the years to come,
they must pass on to you the legacy of "the men behind the guns."
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
All Americans hope that our sympathy and appreciation
provide some comfort. But true comfort comes from faith and
prayer.
Your men are under a different command now, one that asks no
duty, one that knows no rank. May God bless them all, these men
behind the guns.
And may God bless the U.S.S. IOWA, and all who walk her
deck.
###
MASTER
to GB
Davis/Simon
April 21, 1989
Draft: Two
Title: Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: U.S.S. IOWA
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989/9 a.m.
We join today in mourning for the 47 who perished, and in
"
thanks for the 11 who survived. They all were the men behind the
guns.
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
ship
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as crewmates and friends; and
left the Navy as brothers in eternity. They volunteered to serve
on
a great Navy tradition, and asked to serve a great battleship.
mostor
This dreadnought, built long before these sailors were born,
braved the war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President
Roosevelt to meet Churchill in Casablanca, and anchored in Tokyo
harbor on the day World War Two ended. This ship earned 11
battle stars in two wars. Now fate has written a sorrowful
chapter in the history of the U.S.S. Iowa.
3222
Let me say to the Iowa crew, I understand your grief. I
know the confusion of random death, the questions with no
answers. I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
2
shipmates
crewmates, and asked "why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world is a more
peaceful place because of the U.S.S. Iowa. The Iowa was
recommissioned, and her crew trained, to preserve the peace. So
never forget that your friends died for the cause of peace and
Okinawa or
Phillippine
freedom as surely as those lost at Midway and the Marshall
Sea,
Islands.
To the Navy community, remember that you have the admiration
of America for sharing the burden of grief as a family --
especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the hardships of
separation. You have always been strong for the sake of love.
You must be heroically strong now. But you will find that love
It
endures. Love endures in the lingering memory of time together,
in the embrace of a friend, in the bright questioning eyes of a
child. And, as for the children of the lost, perhaps many of you
don't yet understand; with the passage of years, understanding --
and grief -- will surely come. But I want each of you to
remember something, to repeat it to yourselves, and someday to
your children: Your father was America's pride.
3
Your mothers and grandmothers, aunts and uncles, are
entrusted with the memory of this day. In the years to come,
they must pass on to you the legacy of the men behind the guns.
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
All Americans hope that our sympathy and appreciation
provide some comfort. But I know that in the still hours of the
night
whatever we say, whatever we do
will not be
enough.
The only comfort I know can be found in the words of the
Midshipman's Prayer, from Him "whose paths are in the great
waters, whose command is over all, and whose love never fails."
Your boys, your men, are under a different command now, one that
knows no rank, only love; knows no danger, only peace. May God
bless them all, these men behind the guns.
And may God bless the city of Norfolk, the U.S.S. Iowa, and
all who walk her deck.
#
#
#
Presidents comments
via CW
4/22
6: 6:00pm
Davis/Simon
April 21, 1989
Draft: One
(note: This Title: should Iowa have
been done on draft 2,
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: U.S.S. IOWA
but d didn't have one
MONDAY, APRIL 24, (t.b.d.)
handy. ) Rd
We join today in thanks for the 11 who survived, and in
acknowledge the Pret.
grief for the 47 who perished. They were the men behind the
guns.
1
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as crewmates and friends; and
served the the
left the Navy as brothers in death. They volunteered to serve a.
great Navy tradition, and asked to serve on a great battleship. - the
proudly in
"Mighty I."
This dreadnought, built before they were born, braved the
war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President Roosevelt to
Casablanca, and anchored in Tokyo harbor on the day of the
surrender of Japan. This ship earned 11 battle stars in two
\ was proud to recommission this ship in 1984.
wars. Now fate has written a sorrowful chapter in the history of
the U.S.S. Iowa.
For these of ans who served or a carier
love was on bist friend
Let me say to the Iowa crew, I understand your grief. the $I
know the confusion of random death, the questions with no
answers. I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
2
crewmates, and asked "why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world has known
decades of peace. The Iowa was recommissioned, and her crew
trained, to preserve that peace. So never forget that your
friends died for the cause of peace and freedom as surely as
those lost at Midway and the Marshall Islands
To the Navy community, know that you have the admiration of
America for the way in which you share the burden of grief as a
family -- especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the
hardships of separation. You have been strong before for the
sake of love. You must be almost impossibly strong now. But you
will find that love endures. Love endures in the lingering
memory of time together, in the embrace of a friend, in the
bright questioning eyes of a child. And, as for the children of
the lost, perhaps many of you don't understand; understanding
and grief - will come in time. But I want each of you to
remember something, to repeat it to yourselves, and someday to
Throughout your lives you must never forget:
your children: Your father was America's pride.
3
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
I hope that our sympathy and appreciation provide some
But true comfort comes from faith + Drayer.
comfort. But I know that in the still hours of the night,
whatever we say, whatever we do, it will not be enough.
The only comfort I know can be found in the words of the
Midshipman's Prayer, from Him "whose paths are in the great
waters, whose command is over us all, and whose love never
fails. II Your boys 1 your men are under a different command now,
one that asks no duty, and one that knows no rank. May God bless
them all, these men behind the guns.
And may God bless the city of Norfolk, the U.S.S. Iowa, and
all who walk on her deck.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 21, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: U.S.S. IOWA
The draft remarks are eloquently written and reflect the
nation's feelings of grief, service to country and sacrifice.
Speeches like this are never easy to write, but we feel
you have done a wonderful job summing up a grieving country's
appreciation and sympathy.
We have one editorial note on the attached draft. On the
first page, second paragraph, we suggest inserting the word
"on" between the words "serve" and "a".
CC: James W. Cicconi
Document No. 029208
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/21/89
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
\
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
f
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
\
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Lopez
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERSTON
DEMAREST
\
WINSTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please rpovide your comments/recommendations direclty to Chriss
Winston's office wiht an info copy ot my office by 4:00
TODAY, April 21. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Simon
1998 APR 21 2:
April 21, 1989
Draft: One
Title: Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: U.S.S. IOWA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989/(t.b.d.)
We join today in thanks for the 11 who survived, and in
grief for the 47 who perished. They were the men behind the
guns.
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as crewmates and friends; and
left the Navy as brothers in death. They volunteered to serve a
ON
great Navy tradition, and asked to serveja great battleship.
This dreadnought, built before they were born, braved the
war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President Roosevelt to
Casablanca, and anchored in Tokyo harbor on the day of the
surrender of Japan. This ship earned 11 battle stars in two
wars. Now fate has written a sorrowful chapter in the history of
the U.S.S. Iowa.
Let me say to the Iowa crew, I understand your grief. I
know the confusion of random death, the questions with no
answers. I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
2
crewmates, and asked "why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world has known
decades of peace. The Iowa was recommissioned, and her crew
trained, to preserve that peace. So never forget that your
friends died for the cause of peace and freedom as surely as
those lost at Midway and the Marshall Islands.
To the Navy community, know that you have the admiration of
America for the way in which you share the burden of grief as a
family -- especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the
hardships of separation. You have been strong before for the
sake of love. You must be almost impossibly strong now. But you
will find that love endures. Love endures in the lingering
memory of time together, in the embrace of a friend, in the
bright questioning eyes of a child. And, as for the children of
the lost, perhaps many of you don't understand; understanding --
and grief -- will come in time. But I want each of you to
remember something, to repeat it to yourselves, and someday to
your children: Your father was America's pride.
3
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
I hope that our sympathy and appreciation provide some
comfort. But I know that in the still hours of the night,
whatever we say, whatever we do, it will not be enough.
The only comfort I know can be found in the words of the
Midshipman's Prayer, from Him "whose paths are in the great
waters, whose command is over us all, and whose love never
fails." Your boys, your men, are under a different command now,
one that asks no duty, and one that knows no rank. May God bless
them all, these men behind the guns.
And may God bless the city of Norfolk, the U.S.S. Iowa, and
all who walk on her deck.
Document No. 0292
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/21/89
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
\
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
R
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
\
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
R
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Lopez
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
T
PINKERSTON
DEMAREST
R
WINSTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please rpovide your comments/recommendations direclty to Chriss
Winston's office wiht an info copy ot my office by 4:00
TODAY, April 21. Thank you.
B
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Simon
1999 APR 21 PM 2:
April 21, 1989
Draft: One
Title: Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: U.S.S. IOWA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989/(t.b.d.)
We join today in thanks for the 11 who survived, and in
grief for the 47 who perished. They were the men behind the
guns.
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as crewmates and friends; and
left the Navy as brothers in death. They volunteered to serve a
great Navy tradition, and asked to serve a great battleship.
This dreadnought, built before they were born, braved the
war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President Roosevelt to
Casablanca, and anchored in Tokyo harbor on the day of the
surrender of Japan. This ship earned 11 battle stars in two
wars. Now fate has written a sorrowful chapter in the history of
the U.S.S. Iowa.
Let me say to the Iowa crew, I understand your grief. I
know the confusion of random death, the questions with no
answers. I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
2
crewmates, and asked "why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world has known
decades of peace. The Iowa was recommissioned, and her crew
trained, to preserve that peace. So never forget that your
friends died for the cause of peace and freedom as surely as
those lost at Midway and the Marshall Islands.
To the Navy community, know that you have the admiration of
America for the way in which you share the burden of grief as a
family -- especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the
hardships of separation. You have been strong before for the
sake of love. You must be almost impossibly strong now. But you
will find that love endures. Love endures in the lingering
memory of time together, in the embrace of a friend, in the
bright questioning eyes of a child. And, as for the children of
the lost, perhaps many of you don't understand; understanding --
and grief -- will come in time. But I want each of you to
remember something, to repeat it to yourselves, and someday to
your children: Your father was America's pride.
3
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
I hope that our sympathy and appreciation provide some
comfort. But I know that in the still hours of the night,
whatever we say, whatever we do, it will not be enough.
The only comfort I know can be found in the words of the
Midshipman's Prayer, from Him "whose paths are in the great
waters, whose command is over us all, and whose love never
fails." Your boys, your men, are under a different command now,
one that asks no duty, and one that knows no rank. May God bless
them all, these men behind the guns.
And may God bless the city of Norfolk, the U.S.S. Iowa, and
all who walk on her deck.
Document No. 029208
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/21/89
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE N/C
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT N/C
BATES
N/C
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Lopez
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERSTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
R
PRESS
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please rpovide your comments/recommendations direclty to Chriss
Winston's office wiht an info copy ot my office by 4:00
TODAY, April 21. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Simon
1999 APR 21 2
April 21, 1989
Draft: One
Title: Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: U.S.S. IOWA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989/(t.b.d.)
We join today in thanks for the 11 who survived, and in
grief for the 47 who perished. They were the men behind the
guns.
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as crewmates and friends; and
left the Navy as brothers in death. They volunteered to serve a
great Navy tradition, and asked to serve a great battleship.
This dreadnought, built before they were born, braved the
war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President Roosevelt to
Casablanca, and anchored in Tokyo harbor on the day of the
surrender of Japan. This ship earned 11 battle stars in two
wars. Now fate has written a sorrowful chapter in the history of
the U.S.S. Iowa.
Let me say to the Iowa crew, I understand your grief. I
know the confusion of random death, the questions with no
answers. I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
2
crewmates, and asked "why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world has known
decades of peace. The Iowa was recommissioned, and her crew
trained, to preserve that peace. So never forget that your
friends died for the cause of peace and freedom as surely as
those lost at Midway and the Marshall Islands.
To the Navy community, know that you have the admiration of
America for the way in which you share the burden of grief as a
family -- especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the
hardships of separation. You have been strong before for the
sake of love. You must be almost impossibly strong now. But you
will find that love endures. Love endures in the lingering
memory of time together, in the embrace of a friend, in the
bright questioning eyes of a child. And, as for the children of
the lost, perhaps many of you don't understand; understanding --
and grief -- will come in time. But I want each of you to
remember something, to repeat it to yourselves, and someday to
your children: Your father was America's pride.
3
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
I hope that our sympathy and appreciation provide some
comfort. But I know that in the still hours of the night,
whatever we say, whatever we do, it will not be enough.
The only comfort I know can be found in the words of the
Midshipman's Prayer, from Him "whose paths are in the great
waters, whose command is over us all, and whose love never
fails." Your boys, your men, are under a different command now,
one that asks no duty, and one that knows no rank. May God bless
them all, these men behind the guns.
And may God bless the city of Norfolk, the U.S.S. Iowa, and
all who walk on her deck.
Document No. 029208
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/21/89
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Lopez
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERSTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please rpovide your comments/recommendations direclty to Chriss
Winston's office wiht an info copy ot my office by 4:00
TODAY, April 21. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
No comment
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 21, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
NELSON LUND nf
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Address: U.S.S. Iowa
At the request of James W. Cicconi, Counsel's office has reviewed
the captioned draft address. We have no legal objections.
We note, however, the statement in the first full paragraph on
page 2 that "this world has known decades of peace. " This
appears to be an allusion to the fact that several decades have
passed without a war on the scale of World War II. In order to
avoid offending those involved in the Vietnam War, or those
affected by other recent wars in which the United States did not
so directly participate, it may be advisable to phrase the
thought a little differently.
We appreciate having had the opportunity to review this draft
address.
CC: James W. Cicconi
Ed Rogers
comments
Davis/Simon
April 21, 1989
Draft: One
Title: Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: U.S.S. IOWA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, (t.b.d.)
We join today in thanks for the 11 who survived, and in
grief for the 47 who perished. They were the men behind the
goodnews? bad news?
guns.
delete
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as crewmates and friends; and
left the Navy as brothers in death. They volunteered to serve a
great Navy tradition, and asked to serve a great battleship.
This dreadnought, built before they were born, braved the
war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President Roosevelt to
Casablanca, and anchored in Tokyo harbor on the day of the
surrender of Japan. This ship earned 11 battle stars in two
wars. Now fate has written a sorrowful chapter in the history of
the U.S.S. Iowa.
Let me say to the Iowa crew, I understand your grief. I
know the confusion of random death, the questions with no
answers. I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
2
crewmates, and asked "why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world has known
decades of peace. The Iowa was recommissioned, and her crew
trained, to preserve that peace. So never forget that your
friends died for the cause of peace and freedom as surely as
those lost at Midway and the Marshall Islands.
To the Navy community, know that you have the admiration of
America for the way in which you share the burden of grief as a
family -- especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the
hardships of separation. You have been strong before for the
sake of love. You must be almost impossibly strong now. But you
will find that love endures. Love endures in the lingering
(Rogers)
memory of time together, in the embrace of a friend, in the
bright questioning eyes of a child. And, as for the children of
the lost, perhaps many of you don't understand; understanding --
and grief -- will come in time. But I want each of you to
peace A
remember something, to repeat it to yourselves, and someday to
your children: Your father was America's pride.
good!
3
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
I hope that our sympathy and appreciation provide some
comfort. But I know that in the still hours of the night,
whatever we say, whatever we do, it will not be enough.
The only comfort I know can be found in the words of the
Midshipman's Prayer, from Him "whose paths are in the great
waters, whose command is over us all, and whose love never
fails." Your boys, your men, are under a different command now,
one that asks no duty, and one that knows no rank. May God bless
them all, these men behind the guns.
And may God bless the city of Norfolk, the U.S.S. Iowa, and
all who walk on her deck.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 21, 1989
Memorandum to Chriss Winston
From:
Jim Pinkerton
Re:
U.S.S. Iowa Speech Draft
We think that this is an extremely important speech that is
certain to get lots of coverage. Therefore, we went through word
by word with an eye to the poetry of the prose.
1,1,1
"Men behind the guns" is an excellent analogy.
1,2,2
"brothers in death" is too harsh. We would soften it
to "brothers in eternity."
1,3,1
"take President Roosevelt to Casablanca" may summon up
images of the movie, instead: "a summit in Casablanca."
Also, we'd change "day of the surrender of Japan" to
"day that ended World War II".
2,2,1
"But of one thing we can be sure -- this world has
known decades of peace." This is not factually accurate, so we'd
change to "this world is a more peaceful place because of the
U.S.S. Iowa."
2,2,2
In light of the previous comment we'd change "to
preserve that peace," to "preserve the peace."
2,2,3
We don't know whether the Iowa was in service during
Korea or Vietnam, but if it was we'd suggest mentioning battles
from those wars rather than WWII battles alone.
2,3,1
The word "know" in this sentence has a negative sound
and is a homonym for "no". Therefore we'd suggest changing it to
"To the Navy community, remember
2,3,2
"You have been strong before for..." The "before for"
is awkward. We'd suggest: "You have been always been strong for
the sake of love."
(more)
2-2-2
2,3,3
"You must be almost impossibly strong now" is difficult
to follow. We'd suggest: "You must be heroically strong now."
2,3,5
"And, as for the children of the lost, perhaps many of
you don't understand
"
To say "perhaps many of you" is
potentially insulting. We would soften it to read "perhaps don't
yet understand; with the passage of years, understanding and --
grief -- will surely come. " We would then make an insertion here
with the following idea in mind.
Having established that some in the audience are too young
to have fully comprehended the enormity of the tragedy, the
President should charge the adults in the audience with one last
mission on behalf of their fathers: "You the mothers and
grandmothers, aunts, and uncles, are entrusted with the memory of
this day. In the years to come, you must pass on the legacy of
the men behind the guns."
2,3,6
"Your father was America's pride." As it reads, this
is confusing. We've been talking to a group and, too abruptly,
we shift to a singular. We would rewrite as follows: "Your
fathers were the pride of America."
3,2,2
We would edit the punctuation to flow better for the
President's benefit: "But I know that in the still hours of the
night
whatever we say
whatever we do
it will not be
enough.
3,3
This is an extremely moving paragraph. However, we
think that "asks no duty" on line five fails to capture the
spirit of service and sacrifice that characterized the men. We
would change it to read: "Your boys, your men, are under a
different command now, one that knows no rank, only love;
imposes no more danger, only peace. "
#
Document No. 029208
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/21/89
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: U.S.S. IOWA
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
f
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
\
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Lopez
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERSTON
DEMAREST
R
WINSTON
FITZWATER
1
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please rpovide your comments/recommendations direclty to Chriss
Winston's office wiht an info copy ot my office by 4:00
TODAY, April 21. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Simon
1888 APR 21 57 2:
April 21, 1989
Draft: One
Title: Iowa
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: U.S.S. IOWA
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989/(t.b.d.)
Asive
tra
We join today in thanks for the 11 who survived, and in
grief for the 47 who perished. They were the men behind the
<< good
motif
guns.
They came from Hidalgo, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio; from
Tampa, Florida, and Costa Mesa, California. They came to the
Navy as strangers; served the Navy as crewmates and friends; and
sacieties
left the Navy as brothers in eternity They volunteered to serve a
great Navy tradition, and asked to serve a great battleship.
This dreadnought, built before they were born, braved the
war-time waters of the Atlantic to take President Roosevelt to 2"
sumit in Casablanca, and anchored in Tokyo harbor on the day of that the ended ww2
X
surrender of Japan. This ship earned 11 battle stars in two
wars. Now fate has written a sorrowful chapter in the history of
the U.S.S. Iowa.
Let me say to the Iowa crew, I understand your grief. I
know the confusion of random death, the questions with no
answers. I, too, have stared at the empty bunks of lost
)<<
2
crewmates, and asked "why?" I promise you today, we will find
out "why" -- the circumstances of the tragedy. But, in a larger
sense, there will never be answers to the questions that haunt
you
us. We will not -- we cannot, as long as we live -- know why God
has called them home.
But of one thing we can be sure -- this world has known
is + more peaceful place
cared
decades of peace. The Iowa was recommissioned, and her crew
the
at
trained, to preserve that peace. So never forget that your
the la
friends died for the cause of peace and freedom as surely as
those lost at Midway and the Marshall Islands or off the S.C.Ser
?
remember
if recommissioned
To the Navy community, know that you have the admiration of
America for the way in which you share the burden of grief as a
family -- especially the Navy wives, who suffer most the
always
hardships of separation. You have been strong before for the
sake of love. You must be almost impossibly strong now. But you
heroing
will find that love endures. Love endures in the lingering
memory of time together, in the embrace of a friend, in the
bright questioning eyes of a child. And, as for the children of
with He passage at years
the lost, perhaps many of you don't understand; understanding --
and grief -- will come in time. But I want each of you to
remember something, to repeat it to yourselves, and someday to
were/ the
your children: Your father was America's pride. Ameir
So I word 20 tee nother + grandmotes
+ants + incles to
what is sear
remembeprhis: "said this many
+ poss it on
in the coningatage years
to care
3
To all who mourn a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a
friend -- I can only offer you the gratitude of a nation, for
your loved one served his country with distinction and honor.
I hope that our sympathy and appreciation provide some
comfort. But I know that in the still hours of the night
whatever we say, whatever we do it will not be enough.
Pink /Austin
The only comfort I know can be found in the words of the
Midshipman's Prayer, from Him "whose paths are in the great
waters, whose command is over us all, and whose love never
fails." Your boys, your men, are under a different command now,
poses no more danger
one that asks no duty and one that knows no rank.
May God bless
good
them all, these men behind the guns.
double negatives
And may God bless the city of Norfolk, the U.S.S. Iowa, and
all who walk on her deck.