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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:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13498
Folder ID Number:
13498-012
Folder Title:
Department of War, Fort Meyers 8/7/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
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G
25
6
4
4
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
8/5/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
AUGUST 7, 1989
SUBJECT:
(8/4 draft: three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WHMO
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
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST
FROM:
MARK DAVIS
MD
SUBJECT:
200th ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT
I.
SUMMARY
On Monday, August 7, at 9:35 a.m., you will commemorate the
200th anniversary of the Department of War (now incorporated
within the Department of Defense) at Fort Myer. With you will be
Defense Secretary Richard Cheney, Army Secretary Jack Marsh and
Undersecretary Michael Stone. (Mr. Stone's nomination to replace
Secretary Marsh is on track, and could receive Senate approval
before the speech. We will keep you apprised.)
To your left and right will be DOD employees. Before you
will be a review of troops and the press. Since the remarks are
between five and seven minutes, no telepromter is planned.
II. DISCUSSION
This draft uses this opportunity to discuss current defense
systems before Congress. In addition, please note the reference
to Lt. Col. William R. Higgins. Care has been taken not to try
to guess his fate. If you deem it appropriate as Commander-in-
Chief, you might consider giving Lt. Col. Higgins an actual
salute after giving him a rhetorical one.
#
#
#
Davis/Wallace
Aug. 4, 1989
Title: DOD
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
Aug. 7, 1989/9:35
Secretary Cheney -- Dick -- I want to thank you for the
splendid job you are doing at DOD. ((And by the way, Dick, I
hope you are learning how to find your way from the E-ring to
your car without getting lost
Perhaps now you know why they
made a movie about the Pentagon and called it "No Way Out.")
And Secretary Marsh -- Jack -- I want to thank you for your
splendid performance in your service to the U.S. Army, and to
your country. And finally, I want to congratulate Michael Stone,
whom I have chosen to lead the Army into the 1990s.
I am pleased to join with you all in celebrating the 200th
anniversary of an historic department, now part of the Department
of Defense. In honoring the bicentennial of this Department, we
are also honoring the heroes of America's past and present.
The Department of War
The very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. Certainly, today the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate, since the purpose of our armed forces is to
deter war, not to seek it.
And yet, the title was undeniably forthright, for the War
Department fought and won six wars in its 158-year history. It
was the War Department that waged the most tragic conflict in
American history, a Civil War in which one secretary, Edwin
2
Stanton, was pitted against one of his predecessors, Jefferson
Davis. It was also the War Department that trained and
dispatched vast armies of Doughboys to France. And it was the
War Department that served as America's nerve center in the
struggle against the Axis powers, leading to the greatest
military and moral victory in our history.
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to Army
Chief of Staff George Marshall, calling him the "true organizer
of victory." We all remember George Marshall as a great
Secretary of State. He deserves no less credit for his service
to the Army, and later as Secretary of Defense.
None of us who served in the Second World War will ever
forget the great leaders of the War Department. Nor we will
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can
keep the peace.
It is no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles, hauling massive, but useless radios,
and planning to wage land warfare with horse cavalry.
Today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
threatens to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways. This
means we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of horse calvary.
The United States today requires a closely integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
3
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we
modernize our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile in
rail-garrison now. ((PAUSE)) And it means completing the
development of the new small ICBM, and its deployment when ready.
These mobile systems will bring improved survivability and
stability to the land-based leg of our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the Stealth Bomber. ((PAUSE))
And it means one thing more -- support for the Strategic
Defense Initiative. ((PAUSE)) SDI offers the promise of a
stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
provides an incentive for the Soviets to return to the
negotiating table, and it will make any START treaty more
effective. It represents a firm step toward stability -- the
same goal we seek through modernization of our nuclear arsenal,
and arms control. This is the program the country needs, and I
will work to see that this is the program that the country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of the Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous, job. And you perform your duty with
distinction.
The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department
of War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each of you.
4
So, today, in commemorating the Department of War, we also
salute you and every brave American who ever served in the
original War Department, in the U.S. Army, and your Air Force and
Navy compatriots, now with you in the Department of Defense. We
also salute those who served in the two great conflicts of this
century, and those who served in Korea and Vietnam. And we
cannot leave here today without pausing to salute one who stands
as a symbol of the courage that burns in the breast of every
American in uniform -- one Marine who has been very much in our
thoughts and prayers -- Lieutenant Colonel William Richard
Higgins. ((PAUSE))
It is an inspiration to be among America's finest. And to
honor a great department and it's great traditions. God bless
you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
FILE
Davis/Wallace
Aug. 4, 1989
Title: DOD
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
Aug. 7, 1989/ (Time to come))
Secretary Cheney -- Dick -- I want to thank you for the
splendid job you are doing at DOD. ((And by the way, Dick, I
hope you are learning how to use the color-coded halls to find
your way from the E-ring to your car without getting lost
Perhaps now you know why they made a movie about the Pentagon and
called it "No Way Out."))
And Secretary Marsh -- Jack -- I want to thank you for your
splendid performance in your service to the U.S. Army, and to
your country.
I am pleased to join with you all in celebrating the 200th
anniversary of an historic department, now part of the Department
of Defense. In honoring the bicentennial of this Department, we
are also honoring the heroes of America's past and present.
The Department of War
The very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. Certainly, today the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate, since the purpose of our armed forces is to
deter war, not to seek it.
And yet, the title was undeniably forthright, for the War
Department fought and won five wars in its 158-year history. It
was the War Department that waged the most tragic conflict in
American history, a Civil War in which one secretary, Edwin
2
Stanton, was pitted against his predecessor, Jefferson Davis. It
was also the War Department that trained and dispatched vast
armies of Doughboys to France. And it was the War Department
that served as America's nerve center in the struggle against the
Axis powers, leading to the greatest military and moral victory
in the history of Man.
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to Army
Chief of Staff George Marshall, calling him the "true organizer
of victory." We all remember George Marshall as a great
Secretary of State. He deserves no less credit for his service
to the Army, and later as Secretary of Defense.
None of us who served in the Second World War will ever
forget the great leaders of the War Department. Nor we will
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can
keep the peace.
It is to no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles, hauling massive, but useless radios,
and planning to wage land warfare with horse cavalry.
Today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
threatens to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways. This
means we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of horse calvary.
The United States today requires a closely integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
3
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we
modernize our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile in
rail-garrison now. ( (PAUSE) ) And it means completing the
development to deploy the new small ICBM. These mobile systems
will bring improved survivability and stability to the land-based
leg of our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the Stealth Bomber. ( (PAUSE) )
And it means one thing more -- support for the Strategic
Defense Initiative. ( (PAUSE) ) SDI offers the promise of a
stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
will make any START treaty more effective. And it represents our
best step toward stability -- the same goal we seek through
offensive modernization and arms control. This is the program
the country needs, and I will work to see that this is the
program that the country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of the Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous, job. And you perform your duty with
distinction.
The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department
of War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each of you.
So, today, in commemorating the Department of War, we also
salute you and every brave American who served in the two great
4
conflicts of this century, and those who served in Korea and
Vietnam. And, whatever his fate may be, we salute a certain
courageous U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel by the name of William
R. Higgins. ((PAUSE))
It is an inspiration to be among America's finest. And to
honor a great department and it's great traditions. God bless
you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Department of War, Fort
Myer
The draft is well written and appropriate for the
occasion. We have no suggested changes from a policy
standpoint and approve of the draft in its present form.
CC: James W. Cicconi
89 AUG 7 P2: 31
8pm To POTUS
Davis/Wallace
Aug. 4, 1989
Title: DOD
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
Aug. 7, 1989/9:35
Secretary Cheney -- Dick -- I want to thank you for the
splendid job you are doing at DOD. ((And by the way, Dick, I
hope you are learning how to find your way from the E-ring to
your car without getting lost
Perhaps now you know why they
made a movie about the Pentagon and called it "No Way Out. ) )
And Secretary Marsh -- Jack -- I want to thank you for your
splendid performance in your service to the U.S. Army, and to
your country. And finally, I want to congratulate Michael Stone,
whom I have chosen to lead the Army into the 1990s.
I am pleased to join with you all in celebrating the 200th
anniversary of an historic department, now part of the Department
of Defense. In honoring the bicentennial of this Department, we
are also honoring the heroes of America's past and present.
The Department of War
The very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. Certainly, today the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate, since the purpose of our armed forces is to
deter war, not to seek it.
And yet, the title was undeniably forthright, for the War
Department fought and won six wars in its 158-year history. It
was the War Department that waged the most tragic conflict in
American history, a Civil War in which one secretary, Edwin
2
Stanton, was pitted against one of his predecessors, Jefferson
Davis. It was also the War Department that trained and
dispatched vast armies of Doughboys to France. And it was the
War Department that served as America's nerve center in the
struggle against the Axis powers, leading to the greatest
military and moral victory in our history.
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to Army
Chief of Staff George Marshall, calling him the "true organizer
of victory." We all remember George Marshall as a great
Secretary of State. He deserves no less credit for his service
to the Army, and later as Secretary of Defense.
None of us who served in the Second World War will ever
forget the great leaders of the War Department. Nor we will
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can
keep the peace.
It is no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles, hauling massive, but useless radios,
and planning to wage land warfare with horse cavalry.
Today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
threatens to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways. This
means we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of horse calvary.
The United States today requires a closely integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
3
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we
modernize our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile in
rail-garrison now. ((PAUSE)) And it means completing the
development of the new small ICBM, and its deployment when ready.
These mobile systems will bring improved survivability and
stability to the land-based leg of our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the Stealth Bomber. ((PAUSE))
And it means one thing more -- support for the Strategic
Defense Initiative. ( (PAUSE)) SDI offers the promise of a
stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
provides an incentive for the Soviets to return to the
negotiating table, and it will make any START treaty more
effective. It represents a firm step toward stability -- the
same goal we seek through modernization of our nuclear arsenal,
and arms control. This is the program the country needs, and I
will work to see that this is the program that the country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of the Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous, job. And you perform your duty with
distinction.
The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department
of War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each of you.
4
So, today, in commemorating the Department of War, we also
salute you and every brave American who ever served in the
original War Department, in the U.S. Army, and your Air Force and
Navy compatriots, now with you in the Department of Defense. We
also salute those who served in the two great conflicts of this
century, and those who served in Korea and Vietnam. And we
cannot leave here today without pausing to salute one who stands
as a symbol of the courage that burns in the breast of every
American in uniform -- one Marine who has been very much in our
thoughts and prayers -- Lieutenant Colonel William Richard
Higgins.((PAUSE))
It is an inspiration to be among America's finest. And to
honor a great department and it's great traditions. God bless
you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/4/89
8/4/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR, FORT MYERS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WIN STON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WHMO
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Friday, August 4,
with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Wallace
Aug. 4, 1989
Title: DOD
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
Aug. 7, 1989/ (Time to come))
Secretary Cheney -- Dick -- I want to thank you for the
splendid job you are doing at DOD. ((And by the way, Dick, I
visual signals
hope you are learning how to use the Golor coded halls] to find
your way from the E-ring to your car without getting lost
Perhaps now you know why they made a movie about the Pentagon and
called it "No Way Out. ") )
And Secretary Marsh -- Jack -- I want to thank you for your
splendid performance in your service to the U.S. Army, and to
your country.
I am pleased to join with you all in celebrating the 200th
anniversary of an historic department, now part of the Department
of Defense. In honoring the bicentennial of this Department, we
are also honoring the heroes of America's past and present.
The Department of War
The very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. Certainly, today the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate, since the purpose of our armed forces is to
deter war, not to seek it.
And yet, the title was undeniably forthright, for the War
Department fought and won five wars in its 158-year history. It
was the War Department that waged the most tragic conflict in
American history, a Civil War in which one secretary, Edwin
2
Stanton, was pitted against his predecessor, Jefferson Davis. It
was also the War Department that trained and dispatched vast
armies of Doughboys to France. And it was the War Department
that served as America's nerve center in the struggle against the
Axis powers, leading to the greatest military and moral victory
in [the] history [of Man]
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to Army
Chief of Staff George Marshall, calling him the "true organizer
of victory." We all remember George Marshall as a great
Secretary of State. He deserves no less credit for his service
to the Army, and later as Secretary of Defense.
None of us who served in the Second World War will ever
forget the great leaders of the War Department. Nor we will
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can
keep the peace.
It is no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles, hauling massive, but useless radios,
and planning to wage land warfare with horse cavalry.
Today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
threatens to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways. This
means we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of horse calvary.
The United States today requires a closely integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
provider for the Saniets To
retern To the
3
negotisting table and't
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we
modernize our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile in
rail-garrison now. ((PAUSE)) And it means completing the
of
and its deployment when ready.
development to deploy] the new small ICBM, These mobile systems
will bring improved survivability and stability to the land-based
leg of our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the Stealth Bomber. ((PAUSE))
And it means one thing more -- support for the Strategic
Defense Initiative. ((PAUSE)) SDI offers the promise of a
stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
Endad, it provides incentives to conclude
will make any START treaty more effectivel And it represents /our agreement
a firm
best step toward stability -- the same goal we seek through
of our nuclar arsenal
offensive modernization and arms control. This is the program
the country needs, and I will work to see that this is the
program that the country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of the Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous, job. And you perform your duty with
distinction.
The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department
of War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each of you.
So, today, in commemorating the Department of War, we also
salute you and every brave American who served in the two great
1
those of the us Army who were part of the
Original War Department, and your Air Force
and Nary computrists who unified with you in
the Department of Defense, all
? May sound
Callous ?
4
conflicts of this century, and those who served in Korea and
Vietnam. And, [whatever his fate may be we salute a certain
courageous U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel by the name of William
R. Higgins. ((PAUSE))
It is an inspiration to be among America's finest. And to
honor a great department and it's great traditions. God bless
you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/4/89
8/4/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR, FORT MYERS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE N/C 455pm phone
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN N/C
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WIN STON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WHMO
NIC 510pm
FITZWATER
Phone
GRAY 5026 N/C
HAGIN
REMARKS:
8
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Friday, August
with a copy to my office. Thank you.
JUL 4 P2
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Wallace
1999
Aug. 4, 1989
Title: DOD
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
Aug. 7, 1989/ (Time to come) )
Secretary Cheney -- Dick -- I want to thank you for the
splendid job you are doing at DOD. ((And by the way, Dick, I
hope you are learning how to use the color coded halls to find
your way from the E-ring to your car without getting lost
Perhaps now you know why they made a movie about the Pentagon and
called it "No Way Out. ) )
And Secretary Marsh -- Jack -- I want to thank you for your
splendid performance in your service to the U.S. Army, and to
your country. ]MICHAEL STONE[
I am pleased to join with you all in celebrating the 200th
anniversary of an historic department, now part of the Department
of Defense. In honoring the bicentennial of this Department, we
are also honoring the heroes of America's past and present.
The Department of War
The very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. Certainly, today the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate, since the purpose of our armed forces is to
deter war, not to seek it.
And yet, the title was undeniably forthright, for the War
Department fought and won five wars in its 158-year history. It
was the War Department that waged the most tragic conflict in
American history, a Civil War in which one secretary, Edwin
someob
b
Stanton, was pitted against his predecessor, Jefferson Davis. It
was also the War Department that trained and dispatched vast
armies of Doughboys to France. And it was the War Department
that served as America's nerve center in the struggle against the
Axis powers, leading to the greatest military and moral victory
in the history of Man Kinp
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to Army
Chief of Staff George Marshall, calling him the "true organizer
of victory." We all remember George Marshall as a great
Secretary of State. He deserves no less credit for his service
to the Army, and later as Secretary of Defense.
None of us who served in the Second World War will ever
forget the great leaders of the War Department. Nor we will
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can
keep the peace.
It is to no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles, hauling massive, but useless radios,
and planning to wage land warfare with horse cavalry.
Today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
threatens to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways. This
means we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of horse calvary.
The United States today requires a closely integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
3
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we
modernize our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile in
rail-garrison now. ( (PAUSE) ) And it means completing the
development to deploy the new small ICBM. These mobile systems
will bring improved survivability and stability to the land-based
leg of our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the Stealth Bomber. ( (PAUSE))
And it means one thing more -- support for the Strategic
Defense Initiative. ( (PAUSE) ) SDI offers the promise of a
stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
will make any START treaty more effective. And it represents our
best step toward stability -- the same goal we seek through
(OF OUR NUCLEAR ARSenAly
offensive modernization and arms control. This is the program
the country needs, and I will work to see that this is the
program that the country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of the Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous, job. And you perform your duty with
distinction.
The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department
of War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each of you.
So, today, in commemorating the Department of War, we also
salute you and every brave American
who
served
in
the
two
great
WHO EVER SEROOD in THE
U.S. ARMY, WHO
EVER SERVED in the THE ORIGINAL Urs.
WHO WAR DEP ARTMENT in AND
ARMY, NAVY AND COMPATRIOTS your AIRFORCE now TOGETHER in THE
DEDARTMENT OR DEAMON
4
conflicts of this century, and those who served in Korea and
Vietnam. And, whatever his fate may be, we salute a certain
courageous U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel by the name of William
R. Higgins. ((PAUSE))
It is an inspiration to be among America's finest. And to
honor a great department and it's great traditions. God bless
you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
Ano WE CANNOT LEAVE HERE TODAY
WITHOUT PAUSING To SALUTE one WHO STANDS
ASA SYMBOL of THE COURAGE THAT Buens
in THE BREAST OF EVERY AMERICAN in UNIFORM- -
one MARiNE WHO HAS BEEN VERY MUCH on
OUR Thoughts AND in ove BRAYERS -
LIETLEMIT Colonel William Richard Assins.
REMARKS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
AUGUST 7, 1989/9:35 A.M.
SECRETARY CHENEY -- DICK -- I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR
THE SPLENDID JOB YOU ARE DOING AT DOD. ((AND BY THE
WAY, DICK, I HOPE YOU ARE LEARNING HOW To FIND YOUR WAY
FROM THE E-RING TO YOUR CAR WITHOUT GETTING LOST
PERHAPS NOW YOU KNOW WHY THEY MADE A MOVIE ABOUT THE
PENTAGON AND CALLED IT "No WAY Оит."))
- 2 -
AND SECRETARY MARSH -- JACK -- I WANT TO THANK YOU
FOR YOUR SPLENDID PERFORMANCE IN YOUR SERVICE TO THE
U.S. ARMY, AND TO YOUR COUNTRY. AND FINALLY, I WANT TO
CONGRATULATE MICHAEL STONE, WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN To LEAD
THE ARMY INTO THE 1990s.
I AM PLEASED TO JOIN WITH YOU ALL IN CELEBRATING
THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF AN HISTORIC DEPARTMENT, NOW
PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
- 3 -
IN HONORING THE BICENTENNIAL OF THIS DEPARTMENT, WE ARE
ALSO HONORING THE HEROES OF AMERICA'S PAST AND PRESENT.
THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR
THE VERY NAME SOUNDS
...
ANTIQUATED, EVEN BELLICOSE. CERTAINLY, TODAY THE TITLE
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IS MORE APPROPRIATE, SINCE THE
PURPOSE OF OUR ARMED FORCES IS To DETER WAR, NOT TO
SEEK IT.
- 4 -
AND YET, THE TITLE WAS UNDENIABLY FORTHRIGHT, FOR
THE WAR DEPARTMENT FOUGHT AND WON SIX WARS IN ITS 158-
YEAR HISTORY. IT WAS THE WAR DEPARTMENT THAT WAGED THE
MOST TRAGIC CONFLICT IN AMERICAN HISTORY, A CIVIL WAR
IN WHICH ONE SECRETARY, EDWIN STANTON, WAS PITTED
AGAINST ONE OF HIS PREDECESSORS, JEFFERSON DAVIS. IT
WAS ALSO THE WAR DEPARTMENT THAT TRAINED AND DISPATCHED
VAST ARMIES OF DOUGHBOYS To FRANCE.
- 5 -
AND IT WAS THE WAR DEPARTMENT THAT SERVED AS AMERICA'S
NERVE CENTER IN THE STRUGGLE AGAINST THE AXIS POWERS,
LEADING TO THE GREATEST MILITARY AND MORAL VICTORY IN
OUR HISTORY.
- 6 -
WINSTON CHURCHILL GAVE MUCH OF THE CREDIT FOR THIS
TO ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF GEORGE MARSHALL, CALLING HIM THE
"TRUE ORGANIZER OF VICTORY." WE ALL REMEMBER GEORGE
MARSHALL AS A GREAT SECRETARY OF STATE. HE DESERVES NO
LESS CREDIT FOR HIS SERVICE To THE ARMY, AND LATER AS
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.
- 7 -
NONE OF US WHO SERVED IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR WILL
EVER FORGET THE GREAT LEADERS OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
NOR WILL WE FORGET THE GREAT LESSON OF THOSE YEARS --
ONLY THE STRONG CAN KEEP THE PEACE.
IT IS NO DISCREDIT To THE WAR DEPARTMENT THAT AT
THE OUTBREAK OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR OUR ARMED FORCES
WERE STILL DRILLING WITH WOODEN RIFLES, HAULING
MASSIVE, BUT USELESS RADIOS, AND PLANNING TO WAGE LAND
WARFARE WITH HORSE CAVALRY.
- 8 -
TODAY, OF COURSE, IT IS NOT A SHORTAGE OF RIFLES
THAT THREATENS TO UNDERMINE AMERICA'S ABILITY TO KEEP
THE PEACE. To PRESERVE THE PEACE TODAY, WE MUST BE
STRONG IN OTHER WAYS. THIS MEANS WE MUST RELY ON
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, NOT THE STRATEGIC EQUIVALENT OF
HORSE CALVARY.
- 9 -
THE UNITED STATES TODAY REQUIRES A CLOSELY
INTEGRATED STRATEGIC PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ENHANCE OUR
STRENGTH, BOLSTER DETERRENCE AND FACILITATE ARMS
CONTROL. IT DEMANDS THAT WE MODERNIZE OUR ICBM FORCE,
REDEPLOYING THE PEACEKEEPER MISSILE IN RAIL-GARRISON
NOW. ((PAUSE))
- 10 -
AND IT MEANS COMPLETING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW
SMALL ICBM, AND ITS DEPLOYMENT WHEN READY. THESE
MOBILE SYSTEMS WILL BRING IMPROVED SURVIVABILITY AND
STABILITY TO THE LAND-BASED LEG OF OUR STRATEGIC TRIAD.
A STRONG DEFENSE ALSO MEANS SOMETHING ELSE --
SUFFICIENT FUNDING FOR THE B-2 BOMBER. ((PAUSE))
AND IT MEANS ONE THING MORE -- SUPPORT FOR THE
STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE. ((PAUSE))
- 11 -
SDI OFFERS THE PROMISE OF A STABLE NUCLEAR BALANCE THAT
RELIES INCREASINGLY ON DEFENSE. IT PROVIDES AN
INCENTIVE FOR THE SOVIETS TO RETURN TO THE NEGOTIATING
TABLE, AND IT WILL MAKE ANY START TREATY MORE
EFFECTIVE. IT REPRESENTS A FIRM STEP TOWARD
STABILITY -- THE SAME GOAL WE SEEK THROUGH
MODERNIZATION OF OUR NUCLEAR ARSENAL, AND ARMS CONTROL.
THIS IS THE PROGRAM THE COUNTRY NEEDS, AND I WILL WORK
TO SEE THAT THIS IS THE PROGRAM THAT THE COUNTRY GETS.
- 12 -
JUST AS CRITICAL TO OUR NATION'S DEFENSE ARE THE
MEN AND WOMEN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. You ARE
CALLED UPON TO DO A DIFFICULT, OFTEN DANGEROUS, JOB.
AND YOU PERFORM YOUR DUTY WITH DISTINCTION.
THE HISTORY OF THIS DEPARTMENT IS NOTHING LESS THAN
THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN BRAVERY. WHETHER WE CALL IT
THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR OR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE,
THIS TRADITION OF SERVICE TO COUNTRY LIVES ON IN EACH
OF YOU.
- 13 -
So, TODAY, IN COMMEMORATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
WE ALSO SALUTE YOU AND EVERY BRAVE AMERICAN WHO EVER
SERVED IN THE ORIGINAL WAR DEPARTMENT, IN THE U.S.
ARMY, AND YOUR AIR FORCE AND NAVY COMPATRIOTS, NOW WITH
YOU IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. WE ALSO SALUTE THOSE
WHO SERVED IN THE TWO GREAT CONFLICTS OF THIS CENTURY,
AND THOSE WHO SERVED IN KOREA AND VIETNAM.
- 14 -
AND WE CANNOT LEAVE HERE TODAY WITHOUT PAUSING TO
SALUTE ONE WHO STANDS AS A SYMBOL OF THE COURAGE THAT
BURNS IN THE BREAST OF EVERY AMERICAN IN UNIFORM -- ONE
MARINE WHO HAS BEEN VERY MUCH IN OUR THOUGHTS AND
PRAYERS -- LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM RICHARD HIGGINS.
((PAUSE))
- 15 -
IT IS AN INSPIRATION TO BE AMONG AMERICA'S FINEST.
AND TO HONOR A GREAT DEPARTMENT AND IT'S GREAT
TRADITIONS. GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA.
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/4/89
8/4/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR, FORT MYERS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WIN STON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WHMO
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Friday, August 4,
with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Wallace
1999 AUG
Aug. 4, 1989
Title: DOD
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
Aug. 7, 1989/ (Time to come))
Secretary Cheney -- Dick -- I want to thank you for the
splendid job you are doing at DOD. ((And by the way, Dick, I
hope you are learning how to use the color-coded halls to find
your way from the E-ring to your car without getting lost
Perhaps now you know why they made a movie about the Pentagon and
called it "No Way Out. ) )
And Secretary Marsh -- Jack -- I want to thank you for your
splendid performance in your service to the U.S. Army, and to
your country.
I am pleased to join with you all in celebrating the 200th
anniversary of an historic department, now part of the Department
of Defense. In honoring the bicentennial of this Department, we
are also honoring the heroes of America's past and present.
The Department of War
The very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. Certainly, today the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate, since the purpose of our armed forces is to
deter war, not to seek it.
And yet, the title was undeniably forthright, for the War
Department fought and won five wars in its 158-year history. It
was the War Department that waged the most tragic conflict in
American history, a Civil War in which one secretary, Edwin
2
Stanton, was pitted against his predecessor, Jefferson Davis. It
was also the War Department that trained and dispatched vast
armies of Doughboys to France. And it was the War Department
that served as America's nerve center in the struggle against the
Axis powers, leading to the greatest military and moral victory
in the history of Man.
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to Army
Chief of Staff George Marshall, calling him the "true organizer
of victory." We all remember George Marshall as a great
Secretary of State. He deserves no less credit for his service
to the Army, and later as Secretary of Defense.
None of us who served in the Second World War will ever
forget the great leaders of the War Department. Nor we will
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can
keep the peace.
It is to no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles, hauling massive, but useless radios,
and planning to wage land warfare with horse cavalry.
Today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
threatens to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways. This
means we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of horse calvary.
The United States today requires a closely integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
3
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we
modernize our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile in
rail-garrison now. ((PAUSE)) And it means completing the
development to deploy the new small ICBM. These mobile systems
will bring improved survivability and stability to the land-based
leg of our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the Stealth Bomber. ((PAUSE))
And it means one thing more -- support for the Strategic
Defense Initiative. ((PAUSE)) SDI offers the promise of a
stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
will make any START treaty more effective. And it represents our
best step toward stability -- the same goal we seek through
offensive modernization and arms control. This is the program
the country needs, and I will work to see that this is the
program that the country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of the Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous, job. And you perform your duty with
distinction.
The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department
of War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each of you.
So, today, in commemorating the Department of War, we also
salute you and every brave American who served in the two great
4
conflicts of this century, and those who served in Korea and
Vietnam. And, whatever his fate may be, we salute a certain
courageous U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel by the name of William
R. Higgins. ( (PAUSE) )
It is an inspiration to be among America's finest. And to
honor a great department and it's great traditions. God bless
you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
Sinon edits
Davis/Wallace
Aug. 4, 1989
Title: DOD
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
Aug. 7, 1989/ (Time to come)) 9:35
Secretary Cheney -- Dick -- I want to thank you for the
splendid job you are doing at DOD. ((And by the way, Dick, I
hope you are learning how to use the color-coded halls to find
your way from the E-ring to your car without getting lost
Lt.col.
Arnolo
Perhaps now you know why they made a movie about the Pentagon and
called it "No Way Out. "))
Sincerely
And Secretary Marsh -- Jack -- I want to thank you for your
splendid performance in your service to the U.S. Army, and to
your country. AnD WE ARE DEliGhtED that your Coll M.Stone
I am pleased to join with you all in celebrating the 200th
anniversary of an historic department, now part of the Department
of Defense. In honoring the bicentennial of this Department, we
are also honoring the heroes of America's past and present.
The Department of War
The very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. Certainly, today the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate, since the purpose of our armed forces is to
deter war, not to seek it.
And yet, the title was undeniably forthright, for the War
SIX
Department fought and won five wars in its 158-year history. It
was the War Department that waged the most tragic conflict in
American history, a Civil War in which one secretary, Edwin
1812
Merico 1846
civil war
Spain 1898
WWI
WWII
one of 2
Stanton, was pitted against his predecessor, Jefferson Davis. It
was also the War Department that trained and dispatched vast
armies of Doughboys to France. And it was the War Department
that served as America's nerve center in the struggle against the
Axis powers, leading to the greatest military and moral victory
in the history of Man Kind
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to Army
Chief of Staff George Marshall, calling him the "true organizer
of victory." We all remember George Marshall as a great
Secretary of State. He deserves no less credit for his service
to the Army, and later as Secretary of Defense.
None of us who served in the Second World War will ever
forget the great leaders of the War Department. Nor we will
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can
keep the peace.
It is to no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles, hauling massive, but useless radios,
and planning to wage land warfare with horse cavalry.
Today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
threatens to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways. This
means we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of horse calvary.
The United States today requires a closely integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
3
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we
modernize our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile in
rail-garrison now. ((PAUSE)) And it means completing the
development to deploy the new small ICBM. These mobile systems
will bring improved survivability and stability to the land-based
leg of our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the Stealth Bomber. ( (PAUSE) )
And it means one thing more -- support for the Strategic
Defense Initiative. ( (PAUSE) ) SDI offers the promise of a
stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
will make any START treaty more effective. And it represents our
best step toward stability -- the same goal we seek through
offensive modernization and arms control. This is the program
the country needs, and I will work to see that this is the
program that the country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of the Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous, job. And you perform your duty with
distinction.
The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department
of War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each of you.
So, today, in commemorating the Department of War, we also
salute you and every brave American who served in the two great
4
conflicts of this century, and those who served in Korea and
Vietnam. And, whatever his fate may be, we salute a certain
courageous U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel by the name of William
Richard R.
Higgins. ( (PAUSE))
It is an inspiration to be among America's finest. And to
honor a great department and it's great traditions. God bless
you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
his plus it's more dramatic to say all 3 names.
friends call him Rich
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1989
Memorandum to Chriss Winston
From:
Jim Pinkerton
Subject:
Dept. of War, Ft. Myers Draft Speech
pg. 1, para. 4, line 1 This graf and the succeeding one needs a
more positive approach. Specifically we suggest using something
other than calling the name of the War Dept. "antiquated and
N
bellicose" -- perhaps by referring more to the fact that the
present-day Dept. of the Army is descended from this
organization, and any other facts which serve to suggest that the
War Department and the Army's history is an honorable one.
4, 1, 2 "And, whatever his fate may be, we salute a certain
courageous U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel by the name of William
R. Higgins." Rather than raise questions with this pregnant
phrase, we suggest either simply omitting "whatever his fate may
be," or using rounder language such as:
"And we cannot leave here today without pausing to salute
one who stands as a symbol of the courage that burns in the
Y
breast of every American in uniform ---- one soldier who has been
very much in our thoughts lately: Lieutenant Colonel William R.
Higgins.
"
#
89 JUL 4 P6: 16
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/4/89
8/4/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR, FORT MYERS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WIN STON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WHMO
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Friday, August 4,
with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/4/89
8/4/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR, FORT MYERS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WIN STON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WHMO
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Friday, August
with a copy to my office. Thank you.
B9 4, 90 P6: Rm.
RESPONSE: no comments.
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Wallace
1909
Aug. 4, 1989
Title: DOD
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:
DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
Aug. 7, 1989/ (Time to come))
Secretary Cheney -- Dick -- I want to thank you for the
splendid job you are doing at DOD. ((And by the way, Dick, I
hope you are learning how to use the color-coded halls to find
your way from the E-ring to your car without getting lost
Perhaps now you know why they made a movie about the Pentagon and
called it "No Way Out. ") )
And Secretary Marsh -- Jack -- I want to thank you for your
splendid performance in your service to the U.S. Army, and to
your country.
I am pleased to join with you all in celebrating the 200th
anniversary of an historic department, now part of the Department
of Defense. In honoring the bicentennial of this Department, we
are also honoring the heroes of America's past and present.
The Department of War
The very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. Certainly, today the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate, since the purpose of our armed forces is to
deter war, not to seek it.
And yet, the title was undeniably forthright, for the War
Department fought and won five wars in its 158-year history. It
was the War Department that waged the most tragic conflict in
American history, a Civil War in which one secretary, Edwin
2
Stanton, was pitted against his predecessor, Jefferson Davis. It
was also the War Department that trained and dispatched vast
armies of Doughboys to France. And it was the War Department
that served as America's nerve center in the struggle against the
Axis powers, leading to the greatest military and moral victory
in the history of Man.
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to Army
Chief of Staff George Marshall, calling him the "true organizer
of victory." We all remember George Marshall as a great
Secretary of State. He deserves no less credit for his service
to the Army, and later as Secretary of Defense.
None of us who served in the Second World War will ever
forget the great leaders of the War Department. Nor we will
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can
keep the peace.
It is to no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles, hauling massive, but useless radios,
and planning to wage land warfare with horse cavalry.
Today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
threatens to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways. This
means we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of horse calvary.
The United States today requires a closely integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
3
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we
modernize our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile in
rail-garrison now. ( (PAUSE) ) And it means completing the
development to deploy the new small ICBM. These mobile systems
will bring improved survivability and stability to the land-based
leg of our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the Stealth Bomber. ( (PAUSE) )
And it means one thing more -- support for the Strategic
Defense Initiative. ( (PAUSE) ) SDI offers the promise of a
stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
will make any START treaty more effective. And it represents our
best step toward stability -- the same goal we seek through
offensive modernization and arms control. This is the program
the country needs, and I will work to see that this is the
program that the country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of the Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous, job. And you perform your duty with
distinction.
The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department
of War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each of you.
So, today, in commemorating the Department of War, we also
salute you and every brave American who served in the two great
4
conflicts of this century, and those who served in Korea and
Vietnam. And, whatever his fate may be, we salute a certain
courageous U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel by the name of William
R. Higgins. ((PAUSE))
It is an inspiration to be among America's finest. And to
honor a great department and it's great traditions. God bless
you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
STEPHEN G. RADEMAKER SR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Department of War,
Fort Myers
Pursuant to James Cicconi's request, Counsel's Office has
reviewed the above-referenced matter and has no objection to the
Presidential Remarks as drafted.
Thank you for bring this matter to our attention.
CC: James W. Cicconi
62:5d to 7nr 68
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/4/89
8/4/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR, FORT MYERS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WIN STON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WHMO
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Friday, August 4,
with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE: SR
89 JUL 4 P5: 39
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No.
U
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/4/89
8/4/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEPARTMENT OF WAR, FORT MYERS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WIN STON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WHMO
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than 5:00 PM TODAY, Friday, August 4,
with a copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
85:38 to 7AC
No 68 Conment 8/4/87
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Wallace
Aug. 4, 1989
Title: DOD
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:
DEPARTMENT OF WAR/FORT MYERS
Aug. 7, 1989/ ((Time to come) )
Secretary Cheney -- Dick -- I want to thank you for the
splendid job you are doing at DOD. ((And by the way, Dick, I
hope you are learning how to use the color-coded halls to find
your way from the E-ring to your car without getting lost
Perhaps now you know why they made a movie about the Pentagon and
called it "No Way Out.") )
And Secretary Marsh -- Jack -- I want to thank you for your
splendid performance in your service to the U.S. Army, and to
your country.
I am pleased to join with you all in celebrating the 200th
anniversary of an historic department, now part of the Department
of Defense. In honoring the bicentennial of this Department, we
are also honoring the heroes of America's past and present.
The Department of War
The very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. Certainly, today the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate, since the purpose of our armed forces is to
deter war, not to seek it.
And yet, the title was undeniably forthright, for the War
Department fought and won five wars in its 158-year history. It
was the War Department that waged the most tragic conflict in
American history, a Civil War in which one secretary, Edwin
2
Stanton, was pitted against his predecessor, Jefferson Davis. It
was also the War Department that trained and dispatched vast
armies of Doughboys to France. And it was the War Department
that served as America's nerve center in the struggle against the
Axis powers, leading to the greatest military and moral victory
in the history of Man.
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to Army
Chief of Staff George Marshall, calling him the "true organizer
of victory." We all remember George Marshall as a great
Secretary of State. He deserves no less credit for his service
to the Army, and later as Secretary of Defense.
None of us who served in the Second World War will ever
forget the great leaders of the War Department. Nor we will
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can
keep the peace.
It is to no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles, hauling massive, but useless radios,
and planning to wage land warfare with horse cavalry.
Today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
threatens to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways. This
means we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of horse calvary.
The United States today requires a closely integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
3
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we
modernize our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile in
rail-garrison now. (PAUSE) ) And it means completing the
development to deploy the new small ICBM. These mobile systems
will bring improved survivability and stability to the land-based
leg of our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the Stealth Bomber. ( (PAUSE))
And it means one thing more -- support for the Strategic
Defense Initiative. ((PAUSE) ) SDI offers the promise of a
stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
will make any START treaty more effective. And it represents our
best step toward stability -- the same goal we seek through
offensive modernization and arms control. This is the program
the country needs, and I will work to see that this is the
program that the country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of the Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous, job. And you perform your duty with
distinction.
The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department
of War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each of you.
So today in commemorating the Department of War, we also
salute
honor you and every brave American who served in the two great
whosen.
4
conflicts of this century, and those who served in the Korean War
hour salute
and Vietnam. And, whatever his fate may be, we will never forget
a certain courageous U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel by the name
of William R. Higgins. ( (PAUSE) )
It is an inspiration to be among America's finest. And to
state
honor the great traditions. of a great department God bless you,
and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
August 7, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
DURING DEPARTMENT OF WAR
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Ft. Myer
Arlington, Virginia
9:32 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, Deputy
Secretary Atwood and our service chiefs, Chairman Crowe and members
of the Joint Chiefs, distinguished members of the United States
Senate and House of Representatives. Dick, first let me just thank
you for the splendid job you're doing at the Defense Department. I
don't know if you've found the barber shop, but I hope you're finding
how to get from E-ring to your car without getting lost. (Laughter.)
You all remember the Secretary's dilemma, and now they've made a
movie about the Pentagon called "No Way Out." (Laughter.)
Secretary Marsh -- Jack, this is an appropriate time to
thank you for your splendid performance in service to the United
States Army and service to your country. And I just can't tell you
how much respect I have for the job you have done. And I also want
to congratulate your successor, Mike Stone, who will lead the Army
into the 1990s as Secretary of the Army.
I'm pleased to join with all of you in celebrating the
200th anniversary of this historic department, now part of the
Department of Defense. And in honoring the bicentennial of this
department, we're also honoring the heroes of America, past and
present.
The Department of War -- the very name sounds antiquated,
even bellicose. And certainly today, the title Department of Defense
is more appropriate since the purpose of our armed forces is to deter
war, not to seek it. And yet, the title was undeniably forthright,
for the War Department fought and won six wars in its 158 year
history. It was the War Department that waged the most tragic
conflict in American history, a Civil War in which one secretary,
Edwin Stanton, was pitted against one of his predecessors, Jefferson
Davis. And it was also the War Department that trained and
dispatched vast armies of Doughboys over to France. And it was the
War Department that served as America's nerve center in the strugg!
against the Axis powers, leading to the greatest military and moral
victory in our history.
Winston Churchill gave much of the credit for this to the
Army Chief of Staff, George Marshall, calling him the true organizer
of victory. Everyone remembers George Marshall as a great Secretary
of State. He deserves no less credit for his service to the Army and
later as Secretary of Defense.
And none of us who served in the Second World War will
ever forget the great leaders of the War Department, nor will we
forget the great lesson of those years -- only the strong can keep
the peace.
It is no discredit to the War Department that at the
outbreak of the Second World War, our armed forces were still
drilling with wooden rifles and hauling massive but useless radios
and planning to wage land warfare with the horse cavalry.
And today, of course, it is not a shortage of rifles that
MORE
- 2 -
threaten to undermine America's ability to keep the peace. To
preserve the peace today, we must be strong in other ways, and this
means that we must rely on advanced technology, not the strategic
equivalent of the horse cavalry.
The United States today requires a closely-integrated
strategic program designed to enhance our strength, bolster
deterrence and facilitate arms control. It demands that we modernize
our ICBM force, redeploying the Peacekeeper missile and rail
garrison, and it means completing and development of the new small
ICBM and its deployment, when ready. And these mobile systems will
bring improved survivability and stability to the land-based leg of
our strategic triad.
A strong defense also means something else -- sufficient
funding for the B-2 bomber. And it means one thing more -- support
for the Strategic Defense Initiative -- SDI. It offers the promise
of a stable nuclear balance that relies increasingly on defense. It
provides an incentive for the Soviets to return to the negotiating
table, and it will make any START treaty more effective. It
represents a firm step towards stability -- the same goal we seek
through modernization of our nuclear arsenal and arms control.
This is the program that our country needs, and I will
work to see that this is the program that our country gets.
Just as critical to our nation's defense are the men and
women of this Department of Defense. You are called upon to do a
difficult, often dangerous job, and you perform your duty with great
distinction. The history of this department is nothing less than the
history of American bravery. Whether we call it the Department of
War or the Department of Defense, this tradition of service to
country lives on in each and every one of you.
And so today, in commemorating the Department of War, we
also salute you and every brave American who ever served, in the
original War Department, in the U.S. Army, in your Air Force and Navy
compatriots and now, with you in the Department of Defense. We also
salute those who served in the two great conflicts of this century
and those who served in Korea and in Vietnam. And we cannot leave
here today without pausing to salute one who stands as a symbol of
the courage that burns in the breast of every American in uniform,
one Marine who has been very much in our thoughts, Lt. Colonel
Higgins, William Richard Higgins. It is an inspiration to be here
today among America's finest and to honor a great department and its
great traditions.
God bless you all, and God bless the United States of
America. (Applause.)
END
9:39 A.M. EDT