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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
foia Number:
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2011-2184-F
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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
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13484
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13484-009
Folder Title:
Alzheimer's Center, 4/27/89
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26
15
6
7
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Palm Harbor, Florida)
For
Immediate Release
April 27, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT THE DEDICATION OF
THE MICHAEL BILIRAKIS ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
St. Mark Village
Palm Harbor, Florida
2:11 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very, very much. Thank
you, Mike. Thank you very much for this warm welcome and I am
pleased to be here. Please. Governor Martinez and Senator Mack,
Congressman Bill Young, our neighboring Congressman from here, I'm
just delighted to be here. And I want to congratulate Ed and
Reverend Fresh and everybody else that has been instrumental and so
creative in this marvelous project that we're here to honor.
But first, I want to say how much Barbara and I treasure
the friendship with your Congressman Mike Bilirakis, and his lovely
Evelyn. (Applause.) And in case you didn't know it, you're pretty
lucky. And since we're in a wonderful health facility, I'll give you
a report on the Silver Fox. She's doing very well. And so are the
puppies, though I will be glad when they go on to their new owners.
(Applause.) But, Evelyn and Mike, thank you for the warm welcome
back.
I'm here today to really thank Mike for what he has done
in this thousand points of light fashion and his private devotion in
seeking support and solutions for Alzheimer's patients. And for his
work -- his dedicated work -- we are all very, very grateful.
It's a special honor to be here, on behalf of a cause
that matters so deeply to so many. Alzheimer's extracts a
devastating toll on its victims -- and on those who love them. And
by the time this century ends, more than one out of four Americans
will be over 50 and will face some risk of being stricken with this
disease.
The Michael Bilirakis Alzheimer's Center is designed to
care for Alzheimer's patients all the way from that original
diagnosis, to caring for them in their most difficult days. And this
center will serve as a place of hope and a source of comfort, until a
cure is found.
And while the disease may ravage its victims, it makes
heroes and heroines, in my view, out of all who care for them. And
while it challenges the very fabric of the family, it also demands
new strength -- a strength in each other, that we might not have
known we had.
But above all, this disease is a reminder of what ought
to be the American birthright: that we should be able to live our
lives as engaged, productive, and full participants in this community
of citizens.
In a nation that looks after its own, that birthright
entails its own responsibility: that any definition of a successful
life must include serving others. And that success is not, cannot,
be measured by the sum of our possessions, but by the good we do for
others -- and that whatever life and health and love we have within
us, we must share with others.
MORE
- 2 -
Older Americans represent a phenomenal reserve of talent
and experience -- qualities that this country sorely needs. And so
even as I join you in dedicating a place of refuge and comfort for
those stricken with this deadly disease, I would ask all of you who
have health and determination to consider how much we gain when we
give of ourselves.
In New York City -- I'll never forget it -- hearing about
it from her -- Barbara met with a group helping young Cambodians to
learn English. And while she was there, an older lady told Barbara
how desperately lonely she had been before she volunteered. And her
eyes filled with tears at remembering it. And then her face lit up
as she told my wife, 'I've never been lonely a day since.
Well, one person's need matches another's -- and a
wonderful thing happens. I always like to remember that there is no
exercise better for the human heart than reaching down, and lifting
someone else up. The rest of your life really should be the best of
your life.
At the Inaugural, which seems like months ago, but it
wasn't that long ago -- I keep getting reminded it was about 100 days
ago -- (laughter) - I spoke of a new engagement in the lives of
others. And today, I challenge those of you who can to get involved
-- and to stay involved. Find a place, or an organization, or
someone else S life where you can make a difference.
And so many of you here -- I feel like I'm preaching to
the choir -- so many of you already have. Some of you do volunteer
work at local hospitals -- or in one of the constellation of
community groups in and around Palm Harbor. I understand a number of
the people here today have been helping boys in trouble, at the
Sheriff Youth Ranch. And many of you at St. Mark are donating
your time to helping out on the Alzheimer's unit.
And to those of you who are making the lives of the less
fortunate a little easier, I offer my admiration -- and my thanks.
"The young know the rules, Oliver Wendell Holmes once
said; "but the old know the exceptions." Many of you today already
are exceptions and exceptional. And I cheer you on, and I
encourage you, and I thank you for what you do to help others.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United
States of America. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
END
2:18 P.M. EDT
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1989
1:50 P.M.
THANK YOU MIKE, IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK. You KNOW
HOW MUCH I LOVE TO GO FISHING IN THE WARM WATERS OF THE
FLORIDA COAST. BUT I AM NO LESS DELIGHTED TO BE BACK
AMONG so MANY FRIENDS.
- 2 -
I AM HERE TODAY TO THANK MIKE BILIRAKIS FOR HIS
EFFORTS IN SEEKING SUPPORT AND SOLUTIONS FOR
ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS. FOR HIS WORK, WE ARE ALL
GRATEFUL.
It's A SPECIAL HONOR TO BE HERE, ON BEHALF OF A
CAUSE THAT MATTERS so DEEPLY, TO SO MANY. ALZHEIMER'S
DISEASE EXTRACTS A DEVASTATING TOLL ON ITS VICTIMS --
AND ON THOSE WHO LOVE THEM.
- 3 -
BY THE TIME THIS CENTURY ENDS, MORE THAN ONE OUT OF
FOUR AMERICANS WILL BE OVER 50 -- AND WILL FACE SOME
RISK OF BEING STRICKEN WITH THIS DISEASE.
THE MICHAEL BILIRAKIS ALZHEIMER'S CENTER IS
DESIGNED TO CARE FOR ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS ALL THE WAY
FROM DIAGNOSIS, TO CARING FOR THEM IN THEIR MOST
DIFFICULT DAYS. THIS CENTER WILL SERVE AS A PLACE OF
HOPE, AND A SOURCE OF COMFORT, UNTIL A CURE IS FOUND.
- 4 -
WHILE THE DISEASE MAY RAVAGE ITS VICTIMS, IT MAKES
HEROES AND HEROINES OF ALL WHO CARE FOR THEM. AND
WHILE IT CHALLENGES THE VERY FABRIC OF THE FAMILY, IT
ALSO DEMANDS NEW STRENGTH -- A STRENGTH IN EACH OTHER,
THAT WE MIGHT NOT HAVE KNOWN WE HAD.
BUT ABOVE ALL, THIS DISEASE IS A REMINDER OF WHAT
OUGHT TO BE AN AMERICAN BIRTHRIGHT: THAT WE SHOULD BE
ABLE TO LIVE OUT OUR LIVES AS ENGAGED, PRODUCTIVE, AND
FULL PARTICIPANTS IN THIS COMMUNITY OF CITIZENS.
- 5 -
IN A NATION THAT LOOKS AFTER ITS OWN, THAT
BIRTHRIGHT ENTAILS ITS OWN RESPONSIBILITY: THAT ANY
DEFINITION OF A SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST INCLUDE SERVING
OTHERS. THAT SUCCESS IS NOT, CANNOT, BE MEASURED BY
THE SUM OF OUR POSSESSIONS, BUT BY THE GOOD WE DO FOR
OTHERS. THAT WHATEVER LIFE, AND HEALTH, AND LOVE WE
HAVE WITHIN US, WE MUST SHARE WITH OTHERS.
OLDER AMERICANS REPRESENT A PHENOMENAL RESERVE OF
TALENT AND EXPERIENCE - -- QUALITIES THIS COUNTRY NEEDS.
- 6 -
So EVEN AS I JOIN YOU IN DEDICATING A PLACE OF REFUGE
AND COMFORT FOR THOSE STRICKEN WITH A DEADLY DISEASE, I
WOULD ASK ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE HEALTH AND DETERMINATION,
TO CONSIDER HOW MUCH WE GAIN, WHEN WE GIVE OF
OURSELVES.
IN NEW YORK CITY, MY WIFE BARBARA MET WITH A GROUP
HELPING YOUNG CAMBODIANS LEARN ENGLISH. WHILE SHE WAS
THERE, ONE OLDER LADY TOLD BARBARA HOW DESPERATELY
LONELY SHE HAD BEEN, BEFORE SHE VOLUNTEERED.
- 7 -
HER EYES FILLED WITH TEARS AT REMEMBERING IT. AND THEN
HER FACE LIT UP, AS SHE TOLD BARBARA, "I'VE NEVER BEEN
LONELY A DAY SINCE."
ONE PERSON'S NEED MATCHES ANOTHER'S -- AND A
WONDERFUL THING HAPPENS. I ALWAYS LIKE TO REMEMBER
THAT THERE IS NO EXERCISE BETTER FOR THE HUMAN HEART
THAN REACHING DOWN, AND LIFTING SOMEONE ELSE UP. THE
REST OF YOUR LIFE REALLY SHOULD BE THE BEST OF YOUR
LIFE.
- 8 -
AT THE INAUGURAL, I SPOKE OF A NEW ENGAGEMENT IN
THE LIVES OF OTHERS. TODAY, I CHALLENGE THOSE OF YOU
WHO CAN, TO GET INVOLVED -- AND STAY INVOLVED. FIND A
PLACE, OR AN ORGANIZATION, OR SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE,
WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
So MANY OF YOU ALREADY HAVE. SOME OF YOU DO
VOLUNTEER WORK AT LOCAL HOSPITALS -- OR IN ONE OF THE
CONSTELLATION OF COMMUNITY GROUPS IN AND AROUND PALM
HARBOR.
- 9 -
I UNDERSTAND A NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE HERE HAVE BEEN
HELPING BOYS IN TROUBLE, AT THE SHERIFF'S YOUTH RANCH.
AND MANY OF YOU AT ST. MARK'S ARE DONATING YOUR TIME TO
HELP OUT ON THE ALZHEIMER'S UNIT.
To THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE MAKING THE LIVES OF THE
LESS FORTUNATE A LITTLE EASIER, I OFFER MY ADMIRATION -
- AND MY THANKS.
"THE YOUNG KNOW THE RULES," OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES
ONCE SAID; "BUT THE OLD KNOW THE EXCEPTIONS."
- 10 -
MANY OF YOU ALREADY ARE EXCEPTIONS -- AND EXCEPTIONAL.
AND I CHEER YOU ON.
THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU. AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
###
(Lange/Wallace)
April 25, 1989
3:00 p.m.
[CLEARWTR.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1989
1:50 P.M.
(( Thank you, Mike [Congressman Bilirakis]
...
You know, in a
little town near here, a guy got the attention of the local fish
and game warden. Seems he brought in a huge catch, every time he
went out on the lake. So the warden asks if he can go along with
him, the next time. The guy says, "Sure."
So they get out there in the boat early one morning, and the
guy reaches into his tackle box, pulls out a stick of dynamite,
lights it, and throws it over the side. There's a big explosion
under water -- and a dozen fish float to the surface.
The warden yells at him, "Don't you know that's illegal?"
Well, the guy reaches down, pulls out another stick of dynamite,
lights it, hands it to the warden, and says, "You want to argue?
Or you want to fish?" ))
Well, you didn't send anyone to Washington to argue. Or to
fish -- although I do love fishing in the warm waters of the
Florida coast. No, you sent us to Washington to find solutions.
And Congressman Bilirakis has been finding solutions and support
for Alzheimer's patients. For his work, we are all grateful.
2
It's a special honor to be here, on behalf of a cause that
matters so deeply, to so many. Alzheimer's Disease extracts a
devastating toll on its victims -- and on those who love them.
By the time this century ends, more than one out of four
Americans will be over 50 -- and will face some risk of being
striken with this disease.
The Michael Bilirakis Alzheimer's Center is the first
facility in the nation designed to care for Alzheimer's patients
-- all the way from diagnosis, to caring for them in their final
days. This center will serve as a place of hope, and a source of
comfort, until a cure is found.
While the disease may ravage its victims, it makes heroes
and heroines of all who care for them. And while it challenges
the very fabric of the family, it also demands new strength -- a
strength in each other, that we might not have known we had.
But above all, this disease is a reminder of what ought to
be an American birthright: that we should be able to live out
our lives as engaged, productive, and full participants in this
community of citizens.
In a nation that looks after its own, that birthright
entails its own responsibility: That any definition of a
successful life must include serving others. That success is
not, cannot, be measured by the sum of our possessions, but by
the good we do for others. That whatever life, and health, and
love we have within us, we must share with others.
3
Older Americans represent a phenomenal reserve of talent and
experience -- qualities this country can use right now. So even
as I join you in dedicating a place of refuge and comfort for
those stricken with a deadly disease, I would ask all of you who
have the health and inclination, to consider how much we gain,
when we give of ourselves.
In New York City, my wife Barbara met with a group helping
young Cambodians learn English. While she was there, one older
lady told Barbara how desperately lonely she had been, before she
volunteered. Her eyes filled with tears at remembering it. And
then her face lit up, as she told Barbara, "I've never been
lonely a day since."
One person's need matches another's -- and a wonderful thing
happens. I always like to remember that there is no exercise
better for the human heart than reaching down, and lifting
someone else up. The rest of your life really should be the best
of your life.
At the Inaugural, I spoke of a new engagement in the lives
of others. Today, I challenge those of you who can, to get
involved -- and stay involved. Find a place, or an organization,
or even a single life, where you can make a difference for
someone else.
So many of you already have. Some of you do volunteer work
at local hospitals -- or in one of the constellation of community
groups in and around Palm Harbor. I understand a number of the
men here have been helping boys in trouble, at the Sheriff's
4
Youth Ranch. And many of you at St. Mark's are donating your
time to help out on the Alzheimer's unit.
To those of you who are making the lives of the less
fortunate a little easier, I offer my admiration -- and my
thanks.
"The young know the rules," Oliver Wendell Holmes once said;
"but the old know the exceptions." Many of you already are
exceptions -- and exceptional. And I cheer you on.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
dearwater
File
4/25/89
4/26/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FY
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than NOON, Wednesday, April 26, 1989,
with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
2
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No.
030233SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/25/89
4/26/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
N/C STUDDERT
BATES
N/C UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than NOON, Wednesday, April 26, 1989,
with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Wallace)
1000 APR
April 25, 1989
3:00 p.m.
[CLEARWTR.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1989
1:50 P.M.
(( Thank you, Mike [Congressman Bilirakis] ... You know, in a
little town near here, a guy got the attention of the local fish
and game warden. Seems he brought in a huge catch, every time he
went out on the lake. So the warden asks if he can go along with
him, the next time. The guy says, "Sure."
So they get out there in the boat early one morning, and the
guy reaches into his tackle box, pulls out a stick of dynamite,
lights it, and throws it over the side. There's a big explosion
under water -- and a dozen fish float to the surface.
The warden yells at him, "Don't you know that's illegal?"
Well, the guy reaches down, pulls out another stick of dynamite,
lights it, hands it to the warden, and says, "You want to argue?
Or you want to fish?" ))
Well, you didn't send anyone to Washington to argue. Or to
fish -- although I do love fishing in the warm waters of the
Florida coast. No, you sent us to Washington to find solutions.
mike
And Congressman Bilirakis has been finding solutions and support
for Alzheimer's patients. For his work, we are all grateful.
2
It's a special honor to be here, on behalf of a cause that
matters so deeply, to so many. Alzheimer's Disease extracts a
devastating toll on its victims -- and on those who love them.
By the time this century ends, more than one out of four
Americans will be over 50 -- and will face some risk of being
striken with this disease.
The Michael Bilirakis Alzheimer's Center is the first
facility in the nation designed to care for Alzheimer's patients
-- all the way from diagnosis, to caring for them in their final
days. This center will serve as a place of hope, and a source of
comfort, until a cure is found.
While the disease may ravage its victims, it makes heroes
and heroines of all who care for them. And while it challenges
the very fabric of the family, it also demands new strength -- a
strength in each other, that we might not have known we had.
But above all, this disease is a reminder of what ought to
be an American birthright: that we should be able to live out
our lives as engaged, productive, and full participants in this
community of citizens.
In a nation that looks after its own, that birthright
entails its own responsibility: That any definition of a
successful life must include serving others. That success is
not, cannot, be measured by the sum of our possessions, but by
the good we do for others. That whatever life, and health, and
love we have within us, we must share with others.
3
Older Americans represent a phenomenal reserve of talent and
experience -- qualities this country can use right now. So even
as I join you in dedicating a place of refuge and comfort for
those stricken with a deadly disease, I would ask all of you who
have the health and inclination, to consider how much we gain,
when we give of ourselves.
In New York City, my wife Barbara met with a group helping
young Cambodians learn English. While she was there, one older
lady told Barbara how desperately lonely she had been, before she
volunteered. Her eyes filled with tears at remembering it. And
then her face lit up, as she told Barbara, "I've never been
lonely a day since."
One person's need matches another's -- and a wonderful thing
happens. I always like to remember that there is no exercise
better for the human heart than reaching down, and lifting
someone else up. The rest of your life really should be the best
of your life.
At the Inaugural, I spoke of a new engagement in the lives
of others. Today, I challenge those of you who can, to get
involved -- and stay involved. Find a place, or an organization,
or even a single life, where you can make a difference for
someone else.
So many of you already have. Some of you do volunteer work
at local hospitals -- or in one of the constellation of community
groups in and around Palm Harbor. I understand a number of the
men here have been helping boys in trouble, at the Sheriff's
4
Youth Ranch. And many of you at St. Mark's are donating your
time to help out on the Alzheimer's unit.
To those of you who are making the lives of the less
fortunate a little easier, I offer my admiration -- and my
thanks.
"The young know the rules," Oliver Wendell Holmes once said;
"but the old know the exceptions." Many of you already are
exceptions -- and exceptional. And I cheer you on.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America.
Document No.
03023333
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/25/89
4/26/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than NOON, Wednesday, April 26, 1989,
with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Changes
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Wallace)
April 25, 1989
3:00 p.m.
[CLEARWTR.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1989
1:50 P.M.
(( Thank you, Mike [Congressman Bilirakis]
...
You know, in a
little town near here, a guy got the attention of the local fish
and game warden. Seems he brought in a huge catch, every time he
went out OR the lake. So the warden asks if he can go along with
him, the next time. The guy says "Sure."
So they get out there in the boat early one morning, and the
guy reaches into his tackle box, pulls out a stick of dynamite,
lights it, and throws it over the side. There's a big explosion
under water -- and a dozen fish float to the surface.
The warden yells at him, "Don't you know that's illegal?"
Well, the guy reaches down, pulls out another stick of dynamite,
lights it, hands it to the warden, and says, "You want to argue?
Or you want to fish?" ))
Well, you didn't send anyone to Washington to argue Or to
fish although I do love fishing in the warm waters of the
Florida coast. No, you sent us to Washington to find solutions.
Chine
And Congressman Bilirakis has been finding solutions and support
for Alzheimer's patients. For his work, we are all grateful.
2
It's a special honor to be here, on behalf of a cause that
matters so deeply, to so many
Alzheimer's Disease extracts a
devastating toll on its victims -- and on those who love them.
By the time this century ends, more than one out of four
Americans will be over 50 -- and will face some risk of being
striken with this disease.
The Michael Bilirakis Alzheimer's Center is the first
facility in the nation designed to care for Alzheimer's patients
-- all the way from diagnosis, to caring for them in their final
days. This center will serve as a place of hope, and a source of
comfort, until a cure is found.
While the disease may ravage its victims, it makes heroes
and heroines of all who care for them. And while it challenges
the very fabric of the family, it also demands new strength -- a
strength in each other, that we might not have known we had.
But above all, this disease is a reminder of what ought to
be an American birthright: that we should be able to live out
our lives as engaged, productive, and full participants in this
community of citizens.
In a nation that looks after its own, that birthright
entails its own responsibility: That any definition of a
successful life must include serving others. That success is
not, cannot, be measured by the sum of our possessions, but by
the good we do for others. That whatever life, and health, and
love we have within us, we must share with others.
And it I'm preased in corning here to be able to
acknowledging the imprecedented work of Congrenmen
Bilirakis. see page / insertion.
3
Older Americans represent a phenomenal reserve of talent and
experience -- qualities this country can use right now. So even
as I join you in dedicating a place of refuge and comfort for
those stricken with a deadly disease, I would ask all of you who
have the health and inclination, to consider how much we gain,
when we give of ourselves.
In New York City, my wife Barbara met with a group helping
young Cambodians learn English. While she was there, one older
lady told Barbara how desperately lonely she had been, before she
volunteered. Her eyes filled with tears at remembering it. And
then her face lit up, as she told Barbara, "I've never been
lonely a day since."
One person's need matches another's -- and a wonderful thing
happens. I always like to remember that there is no exercise
better for the human heart than reaching down, and lifting
someone else up. The rest of your life really should be the best
of your life.
At the Inaugural, I spoke of a new engagement in the lives
of others. Today, I challenge those of you who can, to get
involved -- and stay involved. Find a place, or an organization,
or even a single life, where you can make a difference for
someone else.
So many of you already have. Some of you do volunteer work
at local hospitals -- or in one of the constellation of community
groups in and around Palm Harbor. I understand a number of the
men here have been helping boys in trouble, at the Sheriff's
4
Youth Ranch. And many of you at St. Mark's are donating your
time to help out on the Alzheimer's unit.
To those of you who are making the lives of the less
fortunate a little easier, I offer my admiration -- and my
thanks.
"The young know the rules," Oliver Wendell Holmes once said;
"but the old know the exceptions." Many of you already are
exceptions -- and exceptional. And I cheer you on.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America.
(Lange/Wallace)
April 25, 1989
3:00 p.m.
[CLEARWTR.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1989
1:50 P.M.
(( Thank you, Mike [Congressman Bilirakis]
...
You know, in a
little town near here, a guy got the attention of the local fish
and game warden. Seems he brought in a huge catch, every time he
went out on the lake. So the warden asks if he can go along with
him, the next time. The guy says, "Sure."
So they get out there in the boat early one morning, and the
guy reaches into his tackle box, pulls out a stick of dynamite,
lights it, and throws it over the side. There's a big explosion
under water -- and a dozen fish float to the surface.
The warden yells at him, "Don't you know that's illegal?"
Well, the guy reaches down, pulls out another stick of dynamite,
lights it, hands it to the warden, and says, "You want to argue?
Or you want to fish?" ))
Well, you didn't send anyone to Washington to argue. Or to
fish -- although I do love fishing in the warm waters of the
Florida coast. No, you sent us to Washington to find solutions.
And Congressman Bilirakis has been finding solutions and support
for Alzheimer's patients. For his work, we are all grateful.
2
It's a special honor to be here, on behalf of a cause that
matters so deeply, to so many. Alzheimer's Disease extracts a
devastating toll on its victims -- and on those who love them.
By the time this century ends, more than one out of four
Americans will be over 50 -- and will face some risk of being
striken with this disease.
The Michael Bilirakis Alzheimer's Center is the first
facility in the nation designed to care for Alzheimer's patients
-- all the way from diagnosis, to caring for them in their final
days. This center will serve as a place of hope, and a source of
comfort, until a cure is found.
While the disease may ravage its victims, it makes heroes
and heroines of all who care for them. And while it challenges
the very fabric of the family, it also demands new strength -- a
strength in each other, that we might not have known we had.
But above all, this disease is a reminder of what ought to
be an American birthright: that we should be able to live out
our lives as engaged, productive, and full participants in this
community of citizens.
In a nation that looks after its own, that birthright
entails its own responsibility: That any definition of a
successful life must include serving others. That success is
not, cannot, be measured by the sum of our possessions, but by
the good we do for others. That whatever life, and health, and
love we have within us, we must share with others.
3
Older Americans represent a phenomenal reserve of talent and
experience -- qualities this country can use right now. So even
as I join you in dedicating a place of refuge and comfort for
those stricken with a deadly disease, I would ask all of you who
have the health and inclination, to consider how much we gain,
when we give of ourselves.
In New York City, my wife Barbara met with a group helping
young Cambodians learn English. While she was there, one older
lady told Barbara how desperately lonely she had been, before she
volunteered. Her eyes filled with tears at remembering it. And
then her face lit up, as she told Barbara, "I've never been
lonely a day since. "
One person's need matches another's -- and a wonderful thing
happens. I always like to remember that there is no exercise
better for the human heart than reaching down, and lifting
someone else up. The rest of your life really should be the best
of your life.
At the Inaugural, I spoke of a new engagement in the lives
of others. Today, I challenge those of you who can, to get
involved -- and stay involved. Find a place, or an organization,
or even a single life, where you can make a difference for
someone else.
So many of you already have. Some of you do volunteer work
at local hospitals -- or in one of the constellation of community
groups in and around Palm Harbor. I understand a number of the
men here have been helping boys in trouble, at the Sheriff's
4
Youth Ranch. And many of you at St. Mark's are donating your
time to help out on the Alzheimer's unit.
To those of you who are making the lives of the less
fortunate a little easier, I offer my admiration -- and my
thanks.
"The young know the rules," Oliver Wendell Holmes once said;
"but the old know the exceptions." Many of you already are
exceptions -- and exceptional. And I cheer you on.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 26, 1989
MEMORANDUM TO CHRISS WINSTON
RBP by by se I
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
WLR
WILLIAM L. ROPER
JIM PINKERTON
SUBJECT:
Alzheimer's Center Draft Speech
This fine speech hits all the right notes. It uses the
President's leitmotifs of "From now on the definition of a
successful life must include serving others," "success is not
measured by the sum of our possessions," and "new engagement in
the lives of others." We especially like the joke!
#
Document No.
030233SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/25/89
4/26/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FY
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than NOON, Wednesday, April 26, 1989,
with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
no Comments
called 4/26
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Wallace)
1000
April 25, 1989
APR
3:00 p.m.
[CLEARWTR.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
DEDICATION, ALZHEIMER'S CENTER
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1989
1:50 P.M.
(( Thank you, Mike [Congressman Bilirakis]
...
You know, in a
little town near here, a guy got the attention of the local fish
and game warden. Seems he brought in a huge catch, every time he
went out on the lake. So the warden asks if he can go along with
him, the next time. The guy says, "Sure."
So they get out there in the boat early one morning, and the
guy reaches into his tackle box, pulls out a stick of dynamite,
lights it, and throws it over the side. There's a big explosion
under water -- and a dozen fish float to the surface.
The warden yells at him, "Don't you know that's illegal?"
Well, the guy reaches down, pulls out another stick of dynamite,
lights it, hands it to the warden, and says, "You want to argue?
Or you want to fish?"
))
Well, you didn't send anyone to Washington to argue. Or to
fish -- although I do love fishing in the warm waters of the
Florida coast. No, you sent us to Washington to find solutions.
And Congressman Bilirakis has been finding solutions and support
for Alzheimer's patients. For his work, we are all grateful.
2
It's a special honor to be here, on behalf of a cause that
matters so deeply, to so many. Alzheimer's Disease extracts a
devastating toll on its victims -- and on those who love them.
By the time this century ends, more than one out of four
Americans will be over 50 -- and will face some risk of being
striken with this disease.
The Michael Bilirakis Alzheimer's Center is the first
facility in the nation designed to care for Alzheimer's patients
-- all the way from diagnosis, to caring for them in their final
days. This center will serve as a place of hope, and a source of
comfort, until a cure is found.
While the disease may ravage its victims, it makes heroes
and heroines of all who care for them. And while it challenges
the very fabric of the family, it also demands new strength -- a
strength in each other, that we might not have known we had.
But above all, this disease is a reminder of what ought to
be an American birthright: that we should be able to live out
our lives as engaged, productive, and full participants in this
community of citizens.
In a nation that looks after its own, that birthright
entails its own responsibility: That any definition of a
successful life must include serving others. That success is
not, cannot, be measured by the sum of our possessions, but by
the good we do for others. That whatever life, and health, and
love we have within us, we must share with others.
3
Older Americans represent a phenomenal reserve of talent and
experience -- qualities this country can use right now. So even
as I join you in dedicating a place of refuge and comfort for
those stricken with a deadly disease, I would ask all of you who
have the health and inclination, to consider how much we gain,
when we give of ourselves.
In New York City, my wife Barbara met with a group helping
young Cambodians learn English. While she was there, one older
lady told Barbara how desperately lonely she had been, before she
volunteered. Her eyes filled with tears at remembering it. And
then her face lit up, as she told Barbara, "I've never been
lonely a day since."
One person's need matches another's -- and a wonderful thing
happens. I always like to remember that there is no exercise
better for the human heart than reaching down, and lifting
someone else up. The rest of your life really should be the best
of your life.
At the Inaugural, I spoke of a new engagement in the lives
of others. Today, I challenge those of you who can, to get
involved -- and stay involved. Find a place, or an organization,
or even a single life, where you can make a difference for
someone else.
So many of you already have. Some of you do volunteer work
at local hospitals -- or in one of the constellation of community
groups in and around Palm Harbor. I understand a number of the
men here have been helping boys in trouble, at the Sheriff's
4
Youth Ranch. And many of you at St. Mark's are donating your
time to help out on the Alzheimer's unit.
To those of you who are making the lives of the less
fortunate a little easier, I offer my admiration -- and my
thanks.
"The young know the rules," Oliver Wendell Holmes once said;
"but the old know the exceptions." Many of you already are
exceptions -- and exceptional. And I cheer you on.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America.
THE WHITE house
WASHINGTON
April 26, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
PATRICIA MACK BRYAN PUMB
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Dedication, Alzheimer's Center
Palm Harbor, Florida 4-27-89, 1:50 p.m.
Pursuant to James W. Cicconi's staffing memorandum of April 25,
1989, Counsel's Office has reviewed the above referenced
dedication remarks. We have no legal objection to these remarks.
CC: James W. Cicconi