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Presentation of Congressional Gold Medal to Jesse Owens 3/28/90 [OA 4727]
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Presentation of Congressional Gold Medal to Jesse Owens 3/28/90 [OA 4727]
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Presentation of Congressional Gold Medal to Jesse Owens 3/28/90 [OA 4727]
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2
2
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 28, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
IN PRESENTATION OF CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
TO JESSE OWENS
Roosevelt Room
11:50 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Well, this is SO nice. And I was just
telling Mrs. Owens I'm sorry Barbara is not here and that we view
this as a very special occasion. But to Congressman Stokes and
Senator Metzenbaum, and then friends and teammates of the legendary
Jesse Owens, welcome all of you to the White House.
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House
to honor a man who really honored his own nation. Olympic hero and
an American hero every day of his life. Jesse Owens was born with
the gift of burning speed, and he took that God-given talent and
developed it through years of training. And he was always the
fastest. One afternoon in 1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he set three
world records and tied a fourth all in 45 minutes. You talk about a
young guy in a hurry -- well, I think maybe that was -- (laughter) --
he was the epitome of that.
Eighteen years old -- as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won
the City of Cleveland championship, the 100-yard dash in 9.4, tying
the world record while still in high school. He burst on to the
world scene in 1936, and I think every American that studies history
remembers this -- the 1936 Olympics. Hitler's Olympic games. The
last Olympics before the outbreak of the Second World War. And the
Berlin Games were to be the showcase of Hitler's theories on the
superiority of the master race until this 23-year-old kid named Jesse
Owens dashed to victory in the 100-, the 200-, and the 400-meter
relay. It was an unrivaled athletic triumph. But more than that, it
really was a triumph for all humanity.
And Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero, a
household name, billed as "the fastest man on Earth." But it's what
he did after the spectacular performance of the Berlin Games that
earned him the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship, and the
American ideals of fair play, hard work, and open competition.
And I know that his friend and fellow Clevelander,
Harrison Dillard now, which is Harrison? Right here, right behind
you -- Harrison Dillard, right here, today -- in 1941, at the Ohio
State High School Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens --
you correct me if I'm wrong, now -- gave him a new pair of track
shoes. And that day, Harrison Dillard won two state titles in those
new shoes. And seven years later, as we all remember, he brought
home the gold medal at the 1948 Olympics in Jesse's event, that
100-meter dash -- in the first games held since those Berlin Games.
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard, and to all other athletes across the country. And
he became a Special Ambassador for Sports, a man who taught the
ideals that I just mentioned were the key to success not just on the
athletic field, but in the game of life. And that legacy lives today
through the Jesse Owens Games, a playground Olympics open to kids
from eight to 15 years old all across our country; through the Jesse
Owens International Trophy Award, presented each year to the best
amateur athlete in America; and, of course, through the foundation,
MORE
- 2 -
the Jesse Owens Foundation which enables talented young people who
can't afford college to fulfill that dream and get a degree.
And I know it's a point of pride to Ruth Owens that the
Jesse Owens scholarships are awarded without regard to race, creed or
color. And it's that legacy that we celebrate here today. And we
remember Jesse Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history
to win four gold medals; today, 10 years since the passing of this
great hero, it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens' collection a fifth
gold medal. This one, as Ruth Owens said on Capitol Hill, for his
humanitarian contributions in the race of life.
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride and in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements that I present to you this
Congressional Gold Medal -- the Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
And we're just delighted you came here to receive it. (Applause.)
MRS. OWENS: Mr. President, thank you so very much for
this honor. Like your predecessors, President Ford, President
Carter, who have recognized Jesse for his many contributions. Jesse
achieved the unique distinction of being a legend in his own time.
Despite the many honors, his greatest satisfaction came from his work
with youth. Jesse's work with youth is now carried on through, as
you mentioned, the Jesse Owens Foundation, the ARCO Jesse Owens
Games, and the International Amateur Athletic Association,
spearheaded by Herb Douglas.
On behalf of the youth he still inspires, and on behalf
of my family, we thank you. (Applause.)
END
11:57 A.M. EST
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 28, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
IN PRESENTATION OF CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
TO JESSE OWENS
Roosevelt Room
11:50 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Well, this is so nice. And I was just
telling Mrs. Owens I'm sorry Barbara is not here and that we view
this as a very special occasion. But to Congressman Stokes and
Senator Metzenbaum, and then friends and teammates of the legendary
Jesse Owens, welcome all of you to the White House.
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House
to honor a man who really honored his own nation. Olympic hero and
an American hero every day of his life. Jesse Owens was born with
the gift of burning speed, and he took that God-given talent and
developed it through years of training. And he was always the
fastest. One afternoon in 1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he set three
world records and tied a fourth all in 45 minutes. You talk about a
young guy in a hurry -- well, I think maybe that was -- (laughter) --
he was the epitome of that.
Eighteen years old -- as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won
the City of Cleveland championship, the 100-yard dash in 9.4, tying
the world record while still in high school. He burst on to the
world scene in 1936, and I think every American that studies history
remembers this -- the 1936 Olympics. Hitler's Olympic games. The
last Olympics before the outbreak of the Second World War. And the
Berlin Games were to be the showcase of Hitler's theories on the
superiority of the master race until this 23-year-old kid named Jesse
Owens dashed to victory in the 100-, the 200-, and the 400-meter
relay. It was an unrivaled athletic triumph. But more than that, it
really was a triumph for all humanity.
And Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero, a
household name, billed as "the fastest man on Earth. But it's what
he did after the spectacular performance of the Berlin Games that
earned him the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship, and the
American ideals of fair play, hard work, and open competition.
And I know that his friend and fellow Clevelander,
Harrison Dillard -- now, which is Harrison? Right here, right behind
you -- Harrison Dillard, right here, today -- in 1941, at the Ohio
State High School Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens --
you correct me if I'm wrong, now -- gave him a new pair of track
shoes. And that day, Harrison Dillard won two state titles in those
new shoes. And seven years later, as we all remember, he brought
home the gold medal at the 1948 Olympics in Jesse's event, that
100-meter dash -- in the first games held since those Berlin Games.
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard, and to all other athletes across the country. And
he became a Special Ambassador for Sports, a man who taught the
ideals that I just mentioned were the key to success not just on the
athletic field, but in the game of life. And that legacy lives today
through the Jesse Owens Games, a playground Olympics open to kids
from eight to 15 years old all across our country; through the Jesse
Owens International Trophy Award, presented each year to the best
amateur athlete in America; and, of course, through the foundation,
MORE
- 2 -
the Jesse Owens Foundation which enables talented young people who
can't afford college to fulfill that dream and get a degree.
And I know it's a point of pride to Ruth Owens that the
Jesse Owens scholarships are awarded without regard to race, creed or
color. And it's that legacy that we celebrate here today. And we
remember Jesse Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history
to win four gold medals; today, 10 years since the passing of this
great hero, it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens' collection a fifth
gold medal. This one, as Ruth Owens said on Capitol Hill, for his
humanitarian contributions in the race of life.
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride and in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements that I present to you this
Congressional Gold Medal -- the Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
And we're just delighted you came here to receive it. (Applause.)
MRS. OWENS: Mr. President, thank you so very much for
this honor. Like your predecessors, President Ford, President
Carter, who have recognized Jesse for his many contributions. Jesse
achieved the unique distinction of being a legend in his own time.
Despite the many honors, his greatest satisfaction came from his work
with youth. Jesse's work with youth is now carried on through, as
you mentioned, the Jesse Owens Foundation, the ARCO Jesse Owens
Games, and the International Amateur Athletic Association,
spearheaded by Herb Douglas.
On behalf of the youth he still inspires, and on behalf
of my family, we thank you. (Applause.)
END
11:57 A.M. EST
JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION / ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990 / 11:30 AM
MRS. OWENS. CONGRESSMAN STOKES. SENATOR
METZENBAUM. FRIENDS AND TEAMMATES OF THE LEGENDARY
JESSE OWENS. WELCOME, ALL OF YOU. //
It's MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU HERE TO THE WHITE
HOUSE, TO HONOR A MAN WHO HONORED THIS NATION -- AS AN
OLYMPIC HERO, AND AN AMERICAN HERO, EVERY DAY OF HIS
LIFE. //
- 2 -
JESSE OWENS WAS BORN WITH THE GIFT OF BURNING
SPEED. HE TOOK THAT GOD-GIVEN TALENT, AND DEVELOPED IT
-- THROUGH YEARS OF TRAINING. // HE WAS ALWAYS THE
FASTEST. ON ONE AFTERNOON IN 1935 IN ANN ARBOR,
MICHIGAN, JESSE OWENS SET 3 WORLD RECORDS AND TIED A
FOURTH // ALL IN 45 MINUTES. // [[TALK ABOUT A YOUNG
MAN IN A HURRY.... ]]
- 3 -
AND AS AN 18-YEAR-OLD IN 1933, HE WON THE CITY OF
CLEVELAND CHAMPIONSHIP 100 YARD DASH -- IN 9.4
SECONDS -- // TYING THE WORLD RECORD WHILE STILL IN
HIGH SCHOOL. //
JESSE OWENS BURST ONTO THE WORLD SCENE IN 1936.
THE BERLIN OLYMPICS -- HITLER'S OLYMPIC GAMES, THE LAST
OLYMPICS BEFORE THE OUTBREAK OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
- 4 -
THE BERLIN GAMES WERE TO BE THE SHOWCASE OF HITLER'S
THEORIES ON THE SUPERIORITY OF THE MASTER RACE -- UNTIL
A 23-YEAR-OLD NAMED JESSE OWENS DASHED TO VICTORY IN
THE 100, THE 200 AND THE 400 METER RELAY. // IT WAS
AN UNRIVALED ATHLETIC TRIUMPH -- BUT MORE THAN THAT:
IT WAS A TRIUMPH FOR ALL HUMANITY. //
JESSE OWENS RETURNED TO THIS NATION A HERO. A
HOUSEHOLD NAME -- THE FASTEST MAN ON EARTH. //
- 5 .
BUT IT'S WHAT HE DID AFTER THE SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE
AT THE BERLIN GAMES THAT EARNED HIM THE ENDURING
GRATITUDE OF ALL AMERICANS. JESSE OWENS DEDICATED
HIMSELF TO UPHOLDING THE OLYMPIC IDEAL OF SPORTSMANSHIP
-- AND THE AMERICAN IDEALS OF FAIR PLAY, HARD WORK AND
OPEN COMPETITION. //
[[ I KNOW JESSE'S FRIEND AND FELLOW CLEVELANDER
HARRISON DILLARD IS HERE TODAY. IN 1941, AT THE OHIO
STATE HIGH SCHOOL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP, HARRISON'S IDOL,
JESSE OWENS, GAVE HIM A NEW PAIR OF TRACK SHOES.
- 6 -
THAT DAY, HARRISON DILLARD WON TWO STATE TITLES IN
THOSE NEW SHOES. 7 YEARS LATER, HE BROUGHT HOME THE
GOLD MEDAL AT THE 1948 OLYMPICS -- IN JESSE'S EVENT,
THE 100 METER DASH -- IN THE FIRST GAMES SINCE BERLIN.
]]
JESSE'S EXAMPLE AND INFLUENCE EXTENDED TO OLYMPIANS
LIKE HARRISON DILLARD -- AND TO ALL OTHER ATHLETES
ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. //
- 7 -
HE BECAME A SPECIAL AMBASSADOR FOR SPORTS -- A MAN WHO
TAUGHT THAT THE IDEALS I JUST MENTIONED WERE THE KEY TO
SUCCESS NOT JUST ON THE ATHLETIC FIELD -- BUT IN THE
GAME OF LIFE. //
AND THAT LEGACY LIVES TODAY. THROUGH THE JESSE
OWENS GAMES -- A "PLAYGROUND OLYMPICS" OPEN TO KIDS
FROM 8 TO 15 YEARS OLD ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THROUGH
THE JESSE OWENS INTERNATIONAL TROPHY AWARD, PRESENTED
EACH YEAR To THE BEST AMATEUR ATHLETE IN AMERICA. //
- 8 -
AND OF COURSE, THROUGH THE JESSE OWENS FOUNDATION,
WHICH ENABLES TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE WHO CAN'T AFFORD
COLLEGE TO FULFILL THAT DREAM AND GET THAT DEGREE. AND
I KNOW IT IS A POINT OF PRIDE TO RUTH OWENS THAT THE
JESSE OWENS SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED WITHOUT REGARD To
RACE, CREED, OR COLOR. //
It's THAT LEGACY WE CELEBRATE TODAY. WE REMEMBER
JESSE OWENS NOT ONLY AS THE FIRST ATHLETE IN OLYMPIC
HISTORY TO WIN FOUR GOLD MEDALS. //
- 9 -
TODAY -- 10 YEARS SINCE THE PASSING OF THIS GREAT
HERO -- IT'S MY HONOR TO ADD TO JESSE OWENS' COLLECTION
A 5TH GOLD MEDAL. THIS ONE -- AS RUTH OWENS SAID ON
CAPITOL HILL -- "FOR HIS HUMANITARIAN CONTRIBUTIONS IN
THE RACE OF LIFE." //
MRS. OWENS, IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE THAT -- IN HONOR
OF YOUR LATE HUSBAND AND HIS LASTING ACHIEVEMENTS -- I
PRESENT TO YOU THE JESSE OWENS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD
MEDAL.
# # #
124897
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
03/23/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
SUBJECT:
(03/23 9:45 a.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
Д
>
PINKERTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
"O 6v 26 MARA 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 22, 1990
1990 MAR 23 AM 5,
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH: CHRISS WINSTON cw
FROM:
DANIEL McGROARTY DMN
SUBJECT: JESSE OWENS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
I. SUMMARY
On March 28 at 11:30 a.m., you will award a posthumous
Congressional Gold Medal to Olympic great Jesse Owens, in the
Roosevelt Room. Owens' wife, Mrs. Ruth Owens, will accept the
medal. Family, friends and teammates of Jesse Owens will be on
hand, as will Congressman Louis Stokes, a key sponsor of this
Congressional award.
II. DISCUSSION
These remarks focus not only on Jesse Owens' athletic
achievements, but on his lifelong contributions to others -- and
above all to America's young people. Harrison Dillard, referred
to in the remarks, is a former Olympian, protege and friend of
Owens.
# # #
McGroarty/Dooley
March 23, 1990
9:45 a.m.
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation --- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth 11 all in 45 minutes. // [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry ]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- 11 tying the
world record while still in high school. //
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
[[ I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
Gold Medal at the 1948 Olympics -- in Jesse's event, the 100
meter dash -- in the first Games since Berlin. ]]
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard -- and to all other athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. 11
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
3
Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete in
America. // -And of course, through the Jesse Owens Foundation,
which enables talented young people who can't afford college to
fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it is a point
of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens Scholarships are
awarded without regard to race, creed, or color. //
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." 11
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 22, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH: CHRISS WINSTON cw
FROM:
DANIEL McGROARTY DMER
SUBJECT: JESSE OWENS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
I. SUMMARY
On March 28 at 11:30 a.m., you will award a posthumous
Congressional Gold Medal to Olympic great Jesse Owens, in the
Roosevelt Room. Owens' wife, Mrs. Ruth Owens, will accept the
medal. Family, friends and teammates of Jesse Owens will be on
hand, as will Congressman Louis Stokes, a key sponsor of this
Congressional award.
II. DISCUSSION
These remarks focus not only on Jesse Owens' athletic
achievements, but on his lifelong contributions to others -- and
above all to America's young people. Harrison Dillard, referred
to in the remarks, is a former Olympian, protege and friend of
Owens.
# # #
Check Hiter reference
McGroarty/Dooley
March 23, 1990
9:45 a.m.
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth // all in 45 minutes. // [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry ]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- // tying the
world record while still in high school. //
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
[[ I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
Gold Medal at the 1948 Olympics -- in Jesse's event, the 100
meter dash -- in the first Games since Berlin. ]]
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard -- and to all other athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. //
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
3
Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete in
America. // -And of course, through the Jesse Owens Foundation,
which enables talented young people who can't afford college to
fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it is a point
of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens Scholarships are
awarded without regard to race, creed, or color. //
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." //
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
3/26/90
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1390 MAR 23
41
9.
March 22, 1990
5,
check
INFORMATION
OK
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH: CHRISS WINSTON cw
fact
FROM:
DANIEL McGROARTY
DMCH
SUBJECT: JESSE OWENS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
I. SUMMARY
On March 28 at 11:30 a.m., you will award a posthumous
Congressional Gold Medal to Olympic great Jesse Owens, in the
Roosevelt Room. Owens' wife, Mrs. Ruth Owens, will accept the
medal. Family, friends and teammates of Jesse Owens will be on
hand, as will Congressman Louis Stokes, a key sponsor of this
Congressional award.
II. DISCUSSION
These remarks focus not only on Jesse Owens' athletic
achievements, but on his lifelong contributions to others -- and
above all to America's young people. Harrison Dillard, referred
to in the remarks, is a former Olympian, protege and friend of
Owens.
# # #
EO 6 v 26 06
McGroarty/Dooley
March 23, 1990
9:45 a.m.
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
XX:00 00 AM
11:30
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes
Welcome, Melzenbaum all of you. //
Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
"leaders. 4 Long
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth // all in 45 minutes. // [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry
]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- // tying the
world record while still in high school. //
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
that
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
13rue??
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
[[ I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
Gold Medal at the 1948 Olympics -- in Jesse's event, the 100
meter dash -- in the first Games since Berlin. ]]
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard -- and to all other athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. //
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
testimony
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
3
Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete in
America. // And of course, through the Jesse Owens Foundation,
which enables talented young people who can't afford college to
fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it is a point
of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens Scholarships are
awarded without regard to race, creed, or color. //
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." 11
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
Document No. 124897SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
MAR 22 A9: 45
DATE: 3/21/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 3/22/90 4:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Thursday, March 22, with a copy to
my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
comments attached 3-22-90
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
McGroarty/Dooley
1990 MAR 21 PM 1: 07
March 21, 1990
1:00 pm
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Family, Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. AFriends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
wedidnes wedid not
tied a fourth 11 all in 45 minutes. // [Talk about a young
man in a hurry
]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
ok?
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- 11 tying the
world record while still in high school. 11
?
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
We have spoten
luring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
to Dillard + he
to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
will attend.
rican ideals of fair play, hard work and open
-04r
tion. //
LL
I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
attend be Dilla able tonother
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
attimate
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
has
lext call emichael for
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
Jackson
most current
Gold Medal at the 1948 Olympics -- in Jesse's event, the 100
meter dash -- in the first Games since Berlin. ]]
l'attendees.
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
(X2800)
Harrison Dillard -- and to all other athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. //
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
3
Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete in
America. /_/ And of course, through the Jesse Owens Foundation,
which enables talented young people who can't afford college to
fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it is a point
of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens Scholarships are
awarded without regard to race, creed, or color. 11
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." 11
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
DAVID WALLECHINSKY
COAUTHOR OF THE PEOPLE'S ALMANAC AND THE Your
0
THE
6 / THE COMPLETE BOOK OF THE OLYMPICS
1928 Amsterdam C: 81, N: 33, D: 7.30. WR: 10.2 (Charles
Olympic record of 10.4. In the final Yoshioka, an excellent
in the followi
Paddock)
starter, took the lead from the first step and held it for 40
Alabama-borr
1. Percy Williams
CAN
10.8
meters, when he was caught by Tolan. Yoshioka faded at
til one week be
2. Jack London
GBR
10.9
60 meters, while Metcalfe began his famous finishing spurt.
defeat Ralph
3. Georg Lammers
GER
10.9
He pulled even with Tolan at 80 meters and the two ran
winning the 1
4. Frank Wykoff
USA
11.0
neck and neck for the rest of the race, crossing the finish
went to Berlin
5. Wilfred Legg
SAF
11.0
line in a near dead heat. Most of the spectators felt that
Owens had
6. Robert McAllister USA 11.0
there had been a tie or that Metcalfe had won. Several
first round of
Percy Williams was one of the most popular winners of the
hours later, seven judges viewed a film of the race and-de-
10.3. In the St
Amsterdam Games. Not considered a sérious threat by the
termined that Tolan had crossed the line two inches ahead
took it easy
experts, the slim, almost frail-looking 20-year-old from
of Metcalfe. Current rules state that the first runner to
while Metcalf
Vancouver, British Columbia, caught the fancy of the
reach the finish line is the winner. So close was the race
take the lead f
crowd in the second round, when he tied the Olympic re-
that if the current rules had been in effect in 1932, Met-
lead by the ha
cord of 10.6. This time was matched in both semifinals,
calfe would have been the winner.
and came on
first by Bob McAllister, "The Flying Cop" of New York
After the games Tolan tried his hand at the vaudeville
gap, but was S
City, who barely held off a slow-starting Williams, and
circuit, joining forces with the famous dancer Bill "Bojan-
Metcalfe, who
then by Jack London, a Guyanese-born university student
gles" Robinson. He was more successful as a professional
later, picked 1
who was the first Briton to use starting blocks. As the six
runner, and was especially popular in Australia. Two of
al, while Oser
finalists lined up for the deciding race, the 126-pound Wil-
the also-rans in 1932 provoked almost as much interest as
individual tra
liams seemed an unlikely bet to become Olympic champi-
the winners. The first was Daniel Joubert, a white South
be a sure med
on, particularly as he was standing beside the muscular
African who spoke seven African dialects. Joubert arrived
mark and lin
6-foot 2-inch, 200-pound London. After two false starts, by
in Lòs Angeles in a somewhat weakened condition, having
was out, Jesse
Legg and Wykoff (who had gained 10 pounds on the boat
traveled 38 days to get there. Considering his ordeal, it was
Nazi propa
ride from the United States), the runners were off. Wil-
quite an achievement that he even made the final. Even
taunting the
liams took the lead immediately and kept it the entire way,
more popular was Cheng-Chun Liu who marched in the
ries." Evident
holding off late rushes by London and Lammers to win by
opening day ceremony as the one and only representative
the German
two feet. McAllister pulled a tendon 20 meters from the
of the 400,000,000 people of China. Cheng finished last in
Berlin. Every
tape and finished last.
his first round heat in both the 100 and 200. He also com-
by fans seekii
Upon his return to Canada, Williams, who also won the
peted in both events at the Berlin Olympics four years lat-
shoved autog
200 meters, was greeted with an enthusiasm reminiscent of
er.
the Olympic
the ancient Greek Olympics. Crossing the continent by
Jesse Owen
train with his mother, he stopped in Montreal, where he
Alabama, the
was presented with a gold watch. In Hamilton he received
1936 Berlin C: 63, N: 30, D: 8.3. WR: 10.2 (Charles Paddock,
slaves. By the
a silver tea service and in Winnipeg a bronze statue and a
Ralph Metcalfe, Jesse Owens)
of cotton a da
silver cup. When he finally reached Vancouver, he was met
1. Jesse Owens
USA 10.3
Cleveland, wl
by tens of thousands of cheering fans and was given a blue
2. Ralph Metcalfe
USA 10.4
ies. After he
Graham-Paige sports car as well as $14,000 for his educa-
3. Martinus Osendarp
HOL
10.5
jump, the 100
tion.
4. Frank Wykoff
USA 10.6
28 colleges, b
5. Erich Borchmeyer
GER
10.7
While a stude
1932 Los Angeles C: 32, N: 17, D: 8.1. WR: 10.2 (Charles
6. Lennart Strandberg SWE
10.9
and, later, as
Paddock, Ralph Metcalfe)
Jesse Owens assured himself a permanent place in sports
ous myth tha
1. Thomas "Eddie" Tolan
USA
10.3
OR
history on May 25, 1935, when, while competing at the Big
was snubbed
2. Ralph Metcalfe
USA
10.3
Ten championships at Ann Arbor, Michigan, he broke five
after he had
3. Arthur Jonath
GER 10.4
4. George Simpson
world records and equaled a sixth in the space of 45 min-
medal winner
USA 10.5
SAF 10.6
utes. At 3:15 p.m. he won the 100-yard dash by five yards
cipient was Il
5. Daniel Joubert
6. Takayoshi Yoshioka
JAP
10.8
in 9.4 seconds to tie the world record. At 3:25 he long-
David Albrit
jumped 26 feet 8½ inches(breaking the existing world)re-
two in the hig
Eddie Tolan was the third University of Michigan athlete
cord by six inches. It was his only jump of the day, but it
Owens was
to win the Olympic 100 meters gold medal, following in
wasn't beaten for 25 years. At 3:45 he scored a ten-yard
lin Delano R
the tradition of Archie Hahn and Ralph Craig. The 5-foot
victory in the 220-yard dash, clocking 20.3 seconds and
parades in N
7-inch Tolan dominated U.S. sprinting from 1929 to 1931,
bettering the listed record)by three-tenths of a second. He
not only faile
but he was dethroned by Ralph Metcalfe of Marquette
was also given credit for lowering the world record in the
even sent a
University in Milwaukee, who breezed undefeated through
shorter 200-meter dash. At 4:00 p.m. he flew over the 220-
snubbed by th
the 1932 season. At the U.S. Olympic trials Metcalfe beat
yard low hurdles in 22.6, the first man to beat 23 seconds)
him for refus
Tolan in both sprints and went to Los Angeles as the fa-
En route he also established a record for the 200-meter
never agreed
vorite. But in the second round it was Tolan who set an
hurdles. Despite these and other sensational performances,
the Sullivan
TRACK AND FIELD, MEN
/
7
a, an excellent
in the following year Owens lost three times to the great
amateur athlete of the year. In 1935, the year that Jesse
held it for 40
Alabama-born sprinter Eulace Peacock. And it wasn't un-
Owens set six world records, the award was given to a golf-
hioka faded at
til one week before the Olympic trials that Jesse was able to
er named Lawson Little. In 1936, the year of Owens' four
inishing spurt.
defeat Ralph Metcalfe. But he peaked when he needed to,
gold medals, the award went to Glenn Morris, the Olym-
d the two ran
winning the 100, 200, and long jump at the trials, and he
pic decathlon champion.
sing the finish
went to Berlin as the favorite in all three events.
After the Olympics Jesse worked as a paid campaigner
ators felt that
Owens had little trouble living up to expectations. In the
for presidential candidate Alf Landon. When Landon lost
won. Several
first round of the 100 meters he tied the Olympic record of
to Roosevelt in a landslide, Jesse took a $130 a month job
e race and de-
10.3. In the second round he ran a wind-aided 10.2. Jesse
as a playground instructor in Cleveland. In an attempt to
) inches ahead
took it easy in the semifinals, winning his heat in 10.4
make ends meet, the hero of Berlin, "The Ebony Ante-
irst runner to
while Metcalfe won the other in 10.5. The final saw Owens
lope," allowed promoters to stage exhibitions in which he
was the race
take the lead from the first stride and pull out to a five-foot
raced-against horses, dogs, and motorcycles. Tiring of this,
in 1932, Met-
lead by the halfway mark. As usual Metcalfe started slowly
he returned to his job as a playground instructor. Then he
and came on strong in the last 25 meters. He closed the
lent his name to a chain of cleaning stores which went
the vaudeville
gap, but was still a yard back when Owens broke the tape.
bankrupt, leaving Jesse $114,000 in debt. In the 1950s he
T Bill "Bojan-
Metcalfe, who was elected to the U.S. Congress 34 years
finally achieved financial security when he opened a public
a professional
later, picked up his second straight 100 meters silver med-
relations firm and became a public speaker on behalf of
tralia. Two of
al, while Osendarp became the first Dutchman to win an
various corporate sponsors. He developed a repertoire of
ich interest as
individual track and field medal. Strandberg appeared to
five basic speeches including ones on religion, patriotism,
a white South
be a sure medalist, but he strained a tendon at the 80-meter
and marketing for salesmen. In the words of writer Wil-
bubert arrived
mark and limped home in last place. Before the week
liam Oscar Johnson, Jesse Owens had become "a profes-
dition, having
was out, Jesse Owens had earned three more gold medals.
sional good example."
ordeal, it was
Nazi propaganda had portrayed Negroes as inferior,
In 1968 Owens took the side of the U.S. Olympic Com-
ne final. Even
taunting the United States for relying on "black auxilia-
mittee in its struggle with militant black athletes and two
arched in the
ries." Evidently, though, the message had little effect on
years later he wrote a book called Blackthink, which criti-
representative
the German masses, who considered Owens the hero of
cized racial militancy. However in 1972 he published an-
inished last in
Berlin. Everywhere he went around town he was mobbed
other book, I Have Changed, retracting his earlier
He also com-
by fans seeking his autograph or photograph. They even
criticisms. After 35 years of pack-a-day cigarette smoking,
four years lat-
shoved autograph books through his bedroom window in
Jesse Owens died of lung cancer in Tucson, Arizona, on
the Olympic Village while he tried to sleep.
March 31, 1980. Would-be Olympic sprint champions
Jesse Owens was born September 12, 1913, in Danville,
might be interested to know the secret of his success. In
Alabama, the son of sharecroppers and the grandson of
1936 he told one London reporter, "I let my feet spend as
S Paddock,
slaves. By the age of 7 he was expected to pick 100 pounds
little time on the ground as possible. From the air, fast
of cotton a day. When he was 9 his family moved north to
down, and from the ground, fast up. My foot is only a frac-
Cleveland, where Jesse pumped gas and delivered grocer-
tion of the time on the track."
ies. After he set national high school records in the broad
jump, the 100-yard dash, and the 220, he was recruited by
1948 London C: 66, N: 34, D: 7.31. WR: 10.2 (Charles Paddock,
28 colleges, but chose to stay close to home at Ohio State.
Ralph Metcalfe, Jesse Owens, Harold Davis, Lloyd LaBeach, H.
While a student there he worked as an elevator operator
Norwood "Barney" Ewell)
1. Harrison Dillard
USA 10.3 EOR
and, later, as a page in the state legislature. There is a fam-
2. H. Norwood "Barney" Ewell
USA
10.4
lace in sports
ous myth that after Jesse won the 100 meters in Berlin he
3. Lloyd LaBeach
PAN
10.4
ting at the Big
was snubbed by Adolf Hitler, who refused to meet Owens
4. Alistair McCorquodale
GBR 10.4
he broke five
after he had personally congratulated three earlier gold
5. Melvin Patton
USA 10.5
ce of 45 min-
medal winners. Actually, if such a snub did occur, the re-
6. Emmanuel McDonald Bailey
GBR
10.6
by five yards
cipient was not Jesse Owens, but Cornelius Johnson and
3:25 he long-
David Albritton, black Americans who had finished one-
Harrison Dillard was a 13-year-old schoolboy in Cleveland
ing world re-
two in the high jump the previous day.
when he attended the huge parade in 1936 in honor of
he day, but it
Owens was snubbed by a different world leader-Frank-
Jesse Owens. Later he met Owens, who took a liking to the
ed a ten-yard
lin Delano Roosevelt. Although Jesse received tickertape
young man and presented him with the running shoes he
seconds and
parades in New York City and Cleveland, the President
had used to win his gold medals. Dillard did an outstand-
a second. He
not only failed to invite him to the White House, he never
ing job of literally filling those shoes. By 1952 he had
record in the
even sent a letter of congratulations. Owens was also
matched his hero's total of four Olympic victories. From
over the 220-
snubbed by the Amateur Athletic Union, which suspended
May 31, 1947, through June 26, 1948, "Bones" Dillard,
it 23 seconds.
him for refusing to run in a Swedish meet which he had
running mostly the hurdles, ran up an unprecedented
he 200-meter
never agreed to enter. The A.A.U. also bypassed him for
string of 82 consecutive victories. The streak finally came
performances,
the Sullivan award, which was presented to the best U.S.
to an end at the A.A.U. meet in Milwaukee when he tried
Document No. 124897SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 3/21/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 3/22/90 4:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON N/C
FITZWATER
GRAY N/C
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Thursday, March 22, 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
McGroarty/Dooley
1990 MAR 21 PM 1: 07
March 21, 1990
1:00 pm
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth 11 all in 45 minutes. // [Talk about a young
man in a hurry
]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- 11 tying the
world record while still in high school. 11
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. 11
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
[[ I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
Gold Medal at the 1948 Olympics -- in Jesse's event, the 100
meter dash -- in the first Games since Berlin. 1]
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard -- and to all other athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. 11
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
3
Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete in
America. 11 And of course, through the Jesse Owens Foundation,
which enables talented young people who can't afford college to
fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it is a point
of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens Scholarships are
awarded without regard to race, creed, or color. //
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." 11
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 22, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Jesse Owens Gold Medal
Presentation
The draft remarks are fine. We have no comment from a
policy standpoint.
CC: James W. Cicconi
00 MAR 22 P4: 16
Document No. 124897SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
.
DATE: 3/21/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 3/22/90 4:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Thursday, March 22, with a copy to
my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
90 MAR 22 P4: 16
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
McGroarty/Dooley
1990 MAR 21 PM 1: 07
March 21, 1990
1:00 pm
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth 11 all in 45 minutes. 11 [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry ]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- 11 tying the
world record while still in high school. //
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
[[ I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
Gold Medal at the 1948 Olympics -- in Jesse's event, the 100
meter dash -- in the first Games since Berlin. ]]
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard -- and to all other athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. //
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
3
Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete in
America. /_/ And of course, through the Jesse Owens Foundation,
which enables talented young people who can't afford college to
fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it is a point
of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens Scholarships are
awarded without regard to race, creed, or color. //
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." //
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
Document No. 124897SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 3/21/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 3/22/90 4:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Thursday, March 22, with a copy to
my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
No Comments
3/22/90 22 MAR 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No. 124897SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
2202
.
DATE: 3/21/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 3/22/90 4:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Thursday, March 22, with a copy to
my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
TO: CHRISS WINSTON
March 21, 1990
NSC concurs with the Presidential remarks for the Jesse Owens Gold Medal
Presentation. pp : 9d Reates
Brent Scowcroft
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
CC: James W. Cicconi
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
90 MAR 21 P 1: 57
1 1
McGroarty/Dooley
1990 MAR 21 PM 07
March 21, 1990
1:00 pm
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth 11 all in 45 minutes. // [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry
]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- 11 tying the
world record while still in high school. //
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
[[ I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
Gold Medal at the 1948 Olympics -- in Jesse's event, the 100
meter dash -- in the first Games since Berlin. ]]
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard -- and to all other athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. //
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
3
Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete in
America. // And of course, through the Jesse Owens Foundation,
which enables talented young people who can't afford college to
fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it is a point
of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens Scholarships are
awarded without regard to race, creed, or color. //
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." //
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TIME STAMP
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT STAFFING DOCUMENT
90 MAR 21 P : 57
SYSTEM LOG NUMBER:
2202
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DUE: 12:00PM, 21 MAR
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Appropriate Action
Prepare Memo For Cicconi
Prepare Memo for Hughes
URGENT
X
Prepare Memo
SCOWCROFT
to WINSTON W/ INFO CICCONI
CONCURRENCES/COMMENTS*
PHONE* to action officer at ext. 6907
fyi
fyi
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Basora
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Charles
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Melby
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INFORMATION
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Secretariat
COMMENTS
Logged By AC
Return to Secretariat
Document No. 124897SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
.
DATE: 3/21/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 3/22/90 4:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, Thursday, March 22, with a copy to
my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
OK s.d.
10 12 good
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
McGroarty/Dooley
1990 MAR 21 PM 1: 07
March 21, 1990
1:00 pm
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation --- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth 11 all in 45 minutes. 11 [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry ]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- 11 tying the
world record while still in high school. //
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
[[ I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
Gold Medal at the 1948 Olympics -- in Jesse's event, the 100
meter dash -- in the first Games since Berlin. ]]
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard -- and to all other athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. 11
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
3
Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete in
America. // And of course, through the Jesse Owens Foundation,
which enables talented young people who can't afford college to
fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it is a point
of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens Scholarships are
awarded without regard to race, creed, or color. //
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." 11
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
3/26/90
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1990 MAR 23
All
9.
March 22, 1990
5,
01
to
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH: CHRISS WINSTON cw
fact
FROM:
DANIEL McGROARTY DMER
SUBJECT: JESSE OWENS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
I. SUMMARY
On March 28 at 11:30 a.m., you will award a posthumous
Congressional Gold Medal to Olympic great Jesse Owens, in the
Roosevelt Room. Owens' wife, Mrs. Ruth Owens, will accept the
medal. Family, friends and teammates of Jesse Owens will be on
hand, as will Congressman Louis Stokes, a key sponsor of this
Congressional award.
II. DISCUSSION
These remarks focus not only on Jesse Owens' athletic
achievements, but on his lifelong contributions to others -- and
above all to America's young people. Harrison Dillard, referred
to in the remarks, is a former Olympian, protege and friend of
Owens.
# # #
EO 6 v MARAG OS
McGroarty/Dooley
March 23, 1990
9:45 a.m.
[OWENS]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JESSE OWENS GOLD MEDAL PRESENTATION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
MARCH 28, 1990
xx:00 AM
Mrs. Owens. [Introductory acknowledgements.] Congressman
Stokes. Friends and teammates of the legendary Jesse Owens.
Welcome, all of you. //
It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the White House, to
honor a man who honored this Nation -- as an Olympic hero, and an
American hero, every day of his life. //
Jesse Owens was born with the gift of burning speed. He
took that God-given talent, and developed it -- through years of
training. // He was always the fastest. On one afternoon in
1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jesse Owens set 3 world records and
tied a fourth // all in 45 minutes. // [[Talk about a young
man in a hurry ]]
And as an 18-year-old in 1933, he won the City of Cleveland
Championship 100 yard dash -- in 9.4 seconds -- // tying the
world record while still in high school. //
Jesse Owens burst onto the world scene in 1936. The Berlin
Olympics -- Hitler's Olympic Games, the last Olympics before the
outbreak of the Second World War. The Berlin Games were to be
the showcase of Hitler's theories on the superiority of the
Master Race -- until a 24-year-old named Jesse Owens dashed to
2
that
victory in the 100, the 200 and the 400 meter relay -- and sent
Frue??
Hitler storming from the stadium. // It was an unrivaled
athletic triumph -- but more than that: it was a triumph for all
humanity. //
Jesse Owens returned to this nation a hero. A household
name -- the fastest man on earth. // But it's what he did after
the spectacular performance at the Berlin games that earned him
the enduring gratitude of all Americans. Jesse Owens dedicated
himself to upholding the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship -- and
the American ideals of fair play, hard work and open
competition. //
[[ I know Jesse's friend and fellow Clevelander Harrison
Dillard is here today. In 1941, at the Ohio State High School
Track Championship, Harrison's idol, Jesse Owens, gave him a new
pair of track shoes. That day, Harrison Dillard won two state
titles in those new shoes. 7 years later, he brought home the
Gold Medal at the 1948 Olympics -- in Jesse's event, the 100
meter dash -- in the first Games since Berlin. ]]
Jesse's example and influence extended to Olympians like
Harrison Dillard -- and to all other athletes across the United
States. // He became a special ambassador for sports -- a man
who taught that ideals I just mentioned were the key to success
not just on the athletic field -- but in the game of life. 11
And that legacy lives today. Through the Jesse Owens Games
-- a "playground Olympics" open to kids from 8 to 15 years old
all across the country. Through the Jesse Owens International
3
Trophy Award, presented each year to the best amateur athlete in
America. // And of course, through the Jesse Owens Foundation,
which enables talented young people who can't afford college to
fulfill that dream and get that degree. And I know it is a point
of pride to Ruth Owens that the Jesse Owens Scholarships are
awarded without regard to race, creed, or color. //
It's that legacy we celebrate today. We remember Jesse
Owens not only as the first athlete in Olympic history to win
four gold medals. // Today -- 10 years since the passing of
this great hero -- it's my honor to add to Jesse Owens'
collection a 5th Gold Medal. This one -- as Ruth Owens said on
Capitol Hill -- "for his humanitarian contributions in the race
of life." //
Mrs. Owens, it is with great pride that -- in honor of your
late husband and his lasting achievements -- I present to you the
Jesse Owens Congressional Gold Medal.
# # #