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175th Anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner Ceremony 9/7/89
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175th Anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner Ceremony 9/7/89
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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:
13501
Folder ID Number:
13501-001
Folder Title:
175th Anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner Ceremony 9/7/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
25
6
4
7
REMARKS: FORT McHENRY
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1989
CONGRESSWOMAN BENTLEY, MR. CLANCY, LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN, FRIENDS AND FELLOW ORIOLES FANS.
I AM TRULY DELIGHTED TO BE WITH YOU. AND TO VISIT
ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST HALLOWED SHRINES. AND I WANT To
THANK YOU FOR THE WARMTH OF YOUR RECEPTION.
- 2 -
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, TWO
EVENTS -- THE BATTLE OF BALTIMORE, AND THE "STAR-
SPANGLED BANNER" -- WROTE ONE OF THE GREATEST CHAPTERS
IN THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. EVEN NOW, THEY TEACH US.
INSPIRE US. REMIND US OF WHAT FRANCIS SCOTT KEY SAW
"BY THE DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT."
HE SAW THIS FLAG -- THIS AMERICAN FLAG. A FLAG
THAT HONORED SACRIFICE, AND HEROISM. AND EMBODIED ALL
THAT MATTERS TO THE HUMAN SPIRIT.
- 3 -
A FLAG THAT AMERICANS HAVE CHERISHED FROM BUNKER HILL
TO KHE SANH FIGHTING -- ON THE FRONT LINES, AND ON
THE HOME FRONT -- so THAT FREEDOM COULD PREVAIL.
THINK OF IT -- THAT NIGHT'S HISTORIC BATTLE OF
BALTIMORE. REMEMBER THE BIRTH OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.
MARVEL AT HOW 1,000 CITIZEN SOLDIERS DEFENDED FORT
MCHENRY AGAINST A MIGHTY ENEMY.
- 4 -
TODAY, WE REMEMBER THOSE VOLUNTEERS. FOR BECAUSE
OF THEM, BALTIMORE STOPPED THE BRITISH INVASION -- AND
PRESERVED OUR INDEPENDENCE. AND TODAY, ALSO, WE PRAISE
THEIR SUCCESSORS -- VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU.
I THINK OF THE FORT MCHENRY GUARD, OR VISITORS WHO
DONATE TO HELP PRESERVE THIS SITE. OR THE THE PATRIOTS
OF FORT MCHENRY, AND MEMBERS OF THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY
COMMISSION. VOLUNTEERS HELPING TO RESTORE THE FORT
MCHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HISTORIC SHRINE.
- 5 -
- 5 -
VOLUNTEERS WHO SHOW HOW COMMUNITY SERVICE IS
TIMELESS -- LIKE AMERICAN IDEALS.
As AN OLD NAVY MAN, I SALUTE YOUR MISSION. FOR
YOU'RE ENSURING, AS FRANCIS KEY SAID, THAT OUR "FLAG
WILL YET WAVE." AND AS AN AMERICAN, I ASK YOU: HELP
SALUTE THAT FLAG BY SUPPORTING A CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT MAKING IT ILLEGAL TO DESECREATE THIS UNIQUE
SYMBOL OF OUR LIBERTY.
- 6 -
KEY WROTE HIS ODE To THE COURAGE OF AMERICAN
PATRIOTS AND THE LIBERTY THEY FOUGHT TO PROTECT.
ALL AMERICANS BELIEVE IN LIBERTY. FOR THE EVIDENCE
OF ITS POWER LIGHTS THE WORLD. THE VOLUNTEERS OF 1814
SHOWED THAT. THE VOLUNTEERS OF 1989 PROVE IT ANEW.
I WANT TO THANK THEM, AND YOU, FOR THIS WONDERFUL
OCCASION. GOD BLESS YOU. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
- 7 -
TOGETHER, LET US ENSURE THE TRUE DESTINY OF AMERICA:
THAT "WHAT so PROUDLY WE HAIL WILL [ALWAYS] BLESS THE
TWILIGHT'S LAST GLEAMING."
# # # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 6, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON W
FROM:
CURT SMITH as
SUBJECT:
FORT MCHENRY REMARKS
I. SUMMARY
On Thursday, September 7, at 10:40 a.m., you will address
the Ceremony Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Star-
Spangled Banner. Tom Clancy, the National Chairman of the Star-
Spangled Banner/Fort McHenry Preservation Commission and noted
author, and Congresswoman Helen Bentley will attend.
II. DISCUSSION
The enclosed remarks focus on the history of the Battle of
Baltimore and the Star-Spangled Banner. They discuss how
volunteers have made a difference in Fort McHenry then and now.
(Smith/Blessey)
September 6, 1989
Draft One
MCHENRY
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FORT MCHENRY
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1989
Congresswoman Bentley, Mr. Clancy, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends and Fellow Orioles fans.
I am truly delighted to be with you. And to visit one of
America's most hallowed shrines. And I want to thank you for the
warmth of your reception.
One hundred and seventy-five years ago, two events -- the
Battle of Baltimore, and the "Star-Spangled Banner" -- wrote one
of the greatest chapters in the American Experience. Even now,
they teach us. Inspire us. Remind us of what Francis Scott Key
saw "by the dawn's early light."
He saw this flag -- this American flag. A flag that honored
sacrifice, and heroism. And embodied all that matters to the
human spirit. A flag that Americans have cherished from Bunker
Khe Sahn JC
Hill to the U.S.S. Iowa.
Fighting -- on the front lines, and on
the home front -- so that freedom could prevail.
Think of it -- that night's historic Battle of Baltimore.
Remember the birth of the National Anthem. Marvel at how 1,000
citizen soldiers defended Fort McHenry against a mighty enemy.
Today, we remember those volunteers. For because of them,
Baltimore stopped the British invasion -- and preserved our
2
independence. And today, also, we praise their successors --
volunteers like you.
I think of the Fort McHenry Guard, or visitors who donate to
help preserve this site. Or the the Patriots of Fort McHenry,
and members of the 175th Anniversary Commission. Volunteers
helping to restore the Fort McHenry National Monument and
Historic Shrine. Volunteers who show how community service is
timeless -- like American ideals.
As an old Navy man, I salute your mission. For you're
ensuring, as Francis Key said, that our "flag will yet wave."
And as an American, I ask you: Help salute that flag by
supporting a Constitutional Amendment making it illegal to
unique
desecreate this^symbol of our liberty.
Key wrote his ode to the courage of American patriots and
Prez
the liberty they fought to protect.
To all
believe in liberty.
Fellow^Americans, we too believe in liberty. For the
evidence of its power lights the world. The volunteers of 1814
showed that. The volunteers of 1989 prove it anew.
I want to thank them, and you, for this wonderful occasion.
God bless you. God bless America. Together, let us ensure the
true destiny of America: that "what so proudly we hail will
[always] bless the twilight's last gleaming."
# # # #
3
S
-
kne Sann Sann 8:30 of cmm An
Jyn
A FLAG THAT AMERICANS HAVE CHERISHED FROM BUNKER HILL
TO THE U.S.S. IOWA.
FIGHTING -- ON THE FRONT LINES,
AND ON THE HOME FRONT -- so THAT FREEDOM COULD PREVAIL.
THINK OF IT -- THAT NIGHT'S HISTORIC BATTLE OF
BALTIMORE. REMEMBER THE BIRTH OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.
MARVEL AT HOW 1,000 CITIZEN SOLDIERS DEFENDED FORT
MCHENRY AGAINST A MIGHTY ENEMY.
- 4 -
TODAY, WE REMEMBER THOSE VOLUNTEERS. FOR BECAUSE
OF THEM, BALTIMORE STOPPED THE BRITISH INVASION -- AND
PRESERVED OUR INDEPENDENCE. AND TODAY, ALSO, WE PRAISE
THEIR SUCCESSORS -- VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU.
I THINK OF THE FORT MCHENRY GUARD, OR VISITORS WHO
DONATE TO HELP PRESERVE THIS SITE. OR THE THE PATRIOTS
OF FORT MCHENRY, AND MEMBERS OF THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY
COMMISSION. VOLUNTEERS HELPING TO RESTORE THE FORT
MCHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HISTORIC SHRINE.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Baltimore, Maryland)
For Immediate Release
September 7, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY
OF
THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER CEREMONY
Fort McHenry
Baltimore, Maryland
10:50 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: What a lovely day. And thank you,
Congresswoman Bentley, my friend, Helen Bentley, for, one, inviting
me here, and for joining in the invitation for me to be here. I have
a very high regard for Maryland's great Helen Bentley. I'm very
pleased that you have Tom Clancy, the esteemed author, my friend,
involved in this project. What a marvelous contribution he's made to
our literary world and, I also would like to think, to the national
security interests of the United States by his writings.
Superintendent Tyler, I'm pleased to be with you, sir,
having heard of your tender loving care for this and other of our
great monuments. I'm pleased that Congressman Montgomery, a great
leader in the veterans' movement, was with me at the Legion and here
with us today -- Mississippi's son.
I'm proud to share this platform with Mayor Schmoke.
And, of course, I have a few differences with your Governor.
(Laughter.) We went to the ball game when the Rangers were in town,
and I understand that the Orioles are playing the Rangers tonight.
And I hope you'll excuse me if, for the first time, I visibly differ
with Don on this one -- I want my kid, who runs the Rangers, to keep
his job. (Laughter.) So you'll have to forgive me, Governor, for
this one evening.
But as for Don Schaefer, we may be in opposite parties,
but I am grateful to him for his leadership in this state, and I am
grateful to him for his standing up with us as we formulate it, and
now are trying to advocate a national strategy to combat narcotics in
this country. Your Governor is out front, and I am very, very
grateful to him. (Applause.)
And what a lovely day to visit one of America's most
hallowed shrines. I'm grateful to all of you for the warmth of the
reception. One hundred and seventy-five years ago, three events --
the Battle of North Point, the Battle of Baltimore, and The
Star-Spangled Banner, wrote one of the greatest chapters in the
American experience. And even now, they teach us and they inspire
us, and they remind us of what Francis Scott Key saw "by the dawn's
early light." He saw this flag, the American Flag, a flag that
honored sacrifice and heroism, and embodied all that matters to the
human spirit -- a flag that Americans have cherished from Bunker Hill
to Khe Sanh -- fighting on the front lines and on the home front so
that freedom could prevail.
Think of it -- that night's historic Battle of Baltimore.
Remember the birth of The National Anthem. Marvel at how 1,000
citizen soldiers defended Fort McHenry against the mighty enemy. And
today, we remember those volunteers -- for, because of them,
Baltimore stopped the British invasion and preserved our
MORE
- 2 -
independence. And today also, we praise their successors --
volunteers like you.
I think of the Fort McHenry Guard, or visitors who donate
to help to preserve this site, or the patriots of Fort McHenry and
members of the 175th Anniversary Commission. Volunteers helping to
restore the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Volunteers who show how community service is timeless like the
American ideal. As an old Navy person, I salute your mission. For
you're insuring, as Frances Key said, that our flag will yet wave.
And as an American, I ask you -- help salute that flag by supporting
a constitutional amendment making it illegal to desecrate that unique
symbol of our liberty. (Applause.)
Key wrote his "Ode to the Courage of American Patriots
and the Liberty They Fought to Protect." All Americans believe in
liberty, for the evidence of its power lights the world. The
volunteers of 1814 showed that, and the volunteers of 1989 -- it's an
enormous force across our country - prove it anew.
I want to thank them and you for this wonderful occasion.
I came by to say thanks, God bless you, and God bless the United
States of America. And let's together insure the true destiny of
America, that "what's so proudly we hail" will always bless "the
twilight's last gleaming.'
Thank you all very, very much. (Applause.)
END
10:56 A.M. EDT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Baltimore, Maryland)
For Immediate Release
September 7, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY
OF
THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER CEREMONY
Fort McHenry
Baltimore, Maryland
10:50 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: What a lovely day. And thank you,
Congresswoman Bentley, my friend, Helen Bentley, for, one, inviting
me here, and for joining in the invitation for me to be here. I have
a very high regard for Maryland's great Helen Bentley. I'm very
pleased that you have Tom Clancy, the esteemed author, my friend,
involved in this project. What a marvelous contribution he's made to
our literary world and, I also would like to think, to the national
security interests of the United States by his writings.
Superintendent Tyler, I'm pleased to be with you, sir,
having heard of your tender loving care for this and other of our
great monuments. I'm pleased that Congressman Montgomery, a great
leader in the veterans' movement, was with me at the Legion and here
with us today -- Mississippi's son.
I'm proud to share this platform with Mayor Schmoke.
And, of course, I have a few differences with your Governor.
(Laughter.) We went to the ball game when the Rangers were in town,
and I understand that the Orioles are playing the Rangers tonight.
And I hope you'll excuse me if, for the first time, I visibly differ
with Don on this one -- I want my kid, who runs the Rangers, to keep
his job. (Laughter.) So you'll have to forgive me, Governor, for
this one evening.
But as for Don Schaefer, we may be in opposite parties,
but I am grateful to him for his leadership in this state, and I am
grateful to him for his standing up with us as we formulate it, and
now are trying to advocate a national strategy to combat narcotics in
this country. Your Governor is out front, and I am very, very
grateful to him. (Applause.)
And what a lovely day to visit one of America's most
hallowed shrines. I'm grateful to all of you for the warmth of the
reception. One hundred and seventy-five years ago, three events --
the Battle of North Point, the Battle of Baltimore, and The
Star-Spangled Banner, wrote one of the greatest chapters in the
American experience. And even now, they teach us and they inspire
us, and they remind us of what Francis Scott Key saw "by the dawn's
early light." He saw this flag, the American Flag, a flag that
honored sacrifice and heroism, and embodied all that matters to the
human spirit -- a flag that Americans have cherished from Bunker Hill
to Khe Sanh -- fighting on the front lines and on the home front so
that freedom could prevail.
Think of it -- that night's historic Battle of Baltimore.
Remember the birth of The National Anthem. Marvel at how 1,000
citizen soldiers defended Fort McHenry against the mighty enemy. And
today, we remember those volunteers -- for, because of them,
Baltimore stopped the British invasion and preserved our
MORE
- 2 -
independence. And today also, we praise their successors --
volunteers like you.
I think of the Fort McHenry Guard, or visitors who donate
to help to preserve this site, or the patriots of Fort McHenry and
members of the 175th Anniversary Commission. Volunteers helping to
restore the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Volunteers who show how community service is timeless like the
American ideal. As an old Navy person, I salute your mission. For
you're insuring, as Frances Key said, that our flag will yet wave.
And as an American, I ask you -- help salute that flag by supporting
a constitutional amendment making it illegal to desecrate that unique
symbol of our liberty. (Applause.)
Key wrote his "Ode to the Courage of American Patriots
and the Liberty They Fought to Protect." All Americans believe in
liberty, for the evidence of its power lights the world. The
volunteers of 1814 showed that, and the volunteers of 1989 -- it's an
enormous force across our country -- prove it anew.
I want to thank them and you for this wonderful occasion.
I came by to say thanks, God bless you, and God bless the United
States of America. And let's together insure the true destiny of
America, that "what's so proudly we hail" will always bless "the
twilight's last gleaming.'
Thank you all very, very much. (Applause.)
END
10:56 A.M. EDT