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1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
JULY 24, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
BETH HINCHLIFFE
BH
SUBJECT:
REMARKS CELEBRATING CAPTIVE NATIONS WEEK
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, July 25, 1990, at 1:30 PM, you will address
approximately 200 guests in the Rose Garden. Among those attending
will be the Vice President, Secretary Derwinski, Deputy Secretary
Eagleburger, approximately twenty Congressmen and Senators, and
various dignitaries from "captive nation" countries.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks (8 minutes, cards) focus on the changing
complexion of the 32 year old captive nations week: from a
traditionally sad event into one of celebration. While
highlighting the recent liberation of several Eastern European
nations, the remarks also emphasize the need to remember those
people in the world who are still without freedom.
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS WEEK
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Week. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in captivity that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Week have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. 111
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling --
historic time. At this ceremony last year, we told the world
that we would keep faith with those who were oppressed. And we
did. Then, taking their lives into their own hands, the very
people who were in our hearts crafted an unforgettable year of
triumph. The triumph of brave hearts. The triumph of people
declaring they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with the people of
Poland and Hungary, I pledged America's strong support for their
historic struggle. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
the barbed wire on the Austrian-Hungarian border came down. And
we were deeply moved as these changes swept across a continent
bringing within reach the vision of a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
special way. With us today are some of the young people whose
countries were a part of the Revolution of '89. Each is proud of
their country and it's easy to understand why they believe in
themselves and in their homelands. For the bold and brilliant
light of freedom now illuminates their world.
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, I
dedicate this day to these new generation of freedom and to
future generations who will never have to bear the burden of
tyranny. 111
For some of this new generation, this freedom means a whole
new world in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning
when the East German borders fell, parents gathered up their
children and brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final
symbol of tyranny in Berlin. Still in their pajamas, these
children on their first day of new freedom, were passed up from
friendly hand to friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on
top of the wall -- looking across at the endless horizons of
their dreams. III
Now, a new generation is coming of age -- in freedom. In
the audience today are a group of young interns from Poland,
3
Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. Supported by funding from private
American organizations, they are spending the summer working and
learning in the United States. One is working with the Speaker
of North Carolina's House of Delegates, another with a television
station in Washington, a third with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
They are here learning how a free society works, and they will
return to build a free Poland, a free Hungary, a free
Czechoslovakia.
But while we celebrate for those who are now free, we must
also remember those who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
heroic story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape the politics
of repression. In Asia, where iron tanks were met by the iron
will of a lone man.
Today, I also want to remember especially the people of
Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia and renew our support for their
long quest for national self-determination. The road ahead will
be difficult, but we can now join them in looking with hope that
their long-cherished dreams will become reality. III
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
desperate people we must never forget.
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
4
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? III
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two special
mementos with me at all times. One is a small American flag,
given to me in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded while
fighting to free our friends in Panama. It represents America's
commitment to freedom and to proud people, wherever they may be,
who seek that freedom.
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it as a reminder of the miracle which courage, strength
and unity can achieve. 11
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are several
generations from these nations of miracles -- including the new
generation. But there are also countries still waiting to be
free. 11
Let us all work together so that next year this dream of
freedom extends to all those countries where it is now denied. 111
Let us pray together that the light of liberty will shine
5
across our entire planet. And that the next Captive Nations Week
will be the last. III
Thank you and God bless America.
* * * * *
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
JULY 24, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
BETH HINCHLIFFE
BH
SUBJECT:
REMARKS CELEBRATING CAPTIVE NATIONS WEEK
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, July 25, 1990, at 1:30 PM, you will address
approximately 200 guests in the Rose Garden. Among those attending
will be the Vice President, Secretary Derwinski, Deputy Secretary
Eagleburger, approximately twenty Congressmen and Senators, and
various dignitaries from "captive nation" countries.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks (8 minutes, cards) focus on the changing
complexion of the 32 year old captive nations week: from a
traditionally sad event into one of celebration. While
highlighting the recent liberation of several Eastern European
nations, the remarks also emphasize the need to remember those
people in the world who are still without freedom.
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS WEEK
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Week. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in captivity that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Week have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling --
historic time. At this ceremony last year, we told the world
that we would keep faith with those who were oppressed. And we
did. Then, taking their lives into their own hands, the very
people who were in our hearts crafted an unforgettable year of
triumph. The triumph of brave hearts. The triumph of people
declaring they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with the people of
Poland and Hungary, I pledged America's strong support for their
historic struggle. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
the barbed wire on the Austrian-Hungarian border came down. And
we were deeply moved as these changes swept across a continent
bringing within reach the vision of a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
special way. With us today are some of the young people whose
countries were a part of the Revolution of '89. Each is proud of
their country and it's easy to understand why they believe in
themselves and in their homelands. For the bold and brilliant
light of freedom now illuminates their world.
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, I
dedicate this day to these new generation of freedom and to
future generations who will never have to bear the burden of
tyranny. III
For some of this new generation, this freedom means a whole
new world in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning
when the East German borders fell, parents gathered up their
children and brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final
symbol of tyranny in Berlin. Still in their pajamas, these
children on their first day of new freedom, were passed up from
friendly hand to friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on
top of the wall -- looking across at the endless horizons of
their dreams. 111
Now, a new generation is coming of age -- in freedom. In
the audience today are a group of young interns from Poland,
3
Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. Supported by funding from private
American organizations, they are spending the summer working and
learning in the United States. One is working with the Speaker
of North Carolina's House of Delegates, another with a television
station in Washington, a third with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
They are here learning how a free society works, and they will
return to build a free Poland, a free Hungary, a free
Czechoslovakia.
But while we celebrate for those who are now free, we must
also remember those who are not.
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
heroic story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape the politics
of repression. In Asia, where iron tanks were met by the iron
will of a lone man.
Today, I also want to remember especially the people of
Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia and renew our support for their
long quest for national self-determination. The road ahead will
be difficult, but we can now join them in looking with hope that
their long-cherished dreams will become reality. 111
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
desperate people we must never forget.
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
4
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? III
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two special
mementos with me at all times. One is a small American flag,
given to me in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded while
fighting to free our friends in Panama. It represents America's
commitment to freedom and to proud people, wherever they may be,
who seek that freedom.
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it as a reminder of the miracle which courage, strength
and unity can achieve. 11
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are several
generations from these nations of miracles -- including the new
generation. But there are also countries still waiting to be
free. 11
Let us all work together so that next year this dream of
freedom extends to all those countries where it is now denied. 111
Let us pray together that the light of liberty will shine
5
across our entire planet. And that the next Captive Nations Week
will be the last. III
Thank you and God bless America.
*****
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date:
7/25
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
90 JUL 25 25
TO:
Chriss / Beth
KS: CAPTIVE NATIONS WEEK
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
FROM: JOHN S. GARDNER
Special Assistant to the President
you able to be here for this extra-
and Assistant Staff Secretary
Jim would like these changes made
last 32 years, presidents from
ed
the
to reflect the fact that the actual
nemorated Captive Nations, Week. It
itness to the struggling and
observance was last week,
emony to honor courage. A ceremony
civity that they were not forgotten.
Thanks,
ceremoning
B Week have not been moments of joy,
J.
- and of sadness that so many in our
tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling --
historic time. At this ceremony last year, we told the world
that we would keep faith with those who were oppressed. And we
did. Then, taking their lives into their own hands, the very
people who were in our hearts crafted an unforgettable year of
triumph. The triumph of brave hearts. The triumph of people
declaring they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with the people of
Poland and Hungary, I pledged America's strong support for their
historic struggle. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
the barbed wire on the Austrian-Hungarian border came down. And
we were deeply moved as these changes swept across a continent
bringing within reach the vision of a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
24-Jul-1990 17:08 EDT
UNCLASSIFIED
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Robert L. Hutchings
( HUTCHINGS )
FROM:
Robert L. Hutchings
(HUTCHINGS)
SUBJECT:
captive nations
Today, I want to remember especially the people of Latvia,
Lithuania, and Estonia and renew our support for their long quest
for national self-determination. The road ahead will be
difficult, but we can now join them in looking with hope that
their long-cherished dreams will become reality.
SUBJECT:
captive nations insert
NSC
INSERT (PAGE 3)
Now, a new generation is coming of age -- in freedom. In the
audience today are a group of young interns from Poland, Hungary,
and Czechoslovakia. Supported by funding from private American
organizations, they are spending the summer working and learning
in the United States. One is working with the Speaker of North
Carolina's House of Delegates, another with a television station
in Washington, a third with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. They
are here learning how a free society works, and they will return
to build a free Poland, a free Hungary, a free Czechoslovakia.
RH
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SECURITY COUNCIL
7/24/90
TARIAT STAFFING DOCUMEN
11:45
TEM LOG NUMBER:
5926
Captive Nations
DUE: Noon 7/24
-
Brent -
Appropriate Action
we turned off the idea
Prepare Memo for Sittmann
of children on the dais, and
Chriss Winston cc:Cicconi
changed the theme of the speech
I officer at ext. X 5732
from "Children J Freedom" to
FYI
Pryce
"the has generation of freedom. :
Rademaker
Rice
a group of young East European
Rodman
interns in the audinee will
Rostow
Salvetti
help make the point.
Tilley
Tobey
- Bab Hutchings
Van Eron
Watson
Welch
Whitley
Wilson
Working
Zelikow
Hayaen
roceip
Hutchings
Pilling
Jackson
Popadiuk
INFORMATION
Sittmann
Deputy Exec. Sec.
Exec. Sec. Desk
Scowcroft (advance)
Gates (advance)
Secretariat
COMMENTS
CRW#:
Logged By DAI
Return to Secretariat
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TIME STAMP CEIVED
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT STAFFING DOCUMEN
90 JUL24 A8. 31
SYSTEM LOG NUMBER:
5926
ACTION OFFICER:
DUE: Noon 7/24
Prepare Memo For Scowcroft/Gates
Appropriate Action
Prepare Memo For Cicconi
Prepare Memo for Sittmann
Prepare Memo Scowcroft
to Chriss Winston cc:Cicconi
CONCURRENCES/COMMENTS*
PHONE* to action officer at ext. X 5732
FYI
FYI
FYI
Barth
Johnson
Pryce
Basora
Kaeuper
Rademaker
Beers
Kanter
Rice
Blackwill
Kitchen
Rodman
Broome
LaMagna
Rostow
Burns
Lampley
Salvetti
Chamberlin
Levin
Tilley
Charles
Lundsager
Tobey
Coulson
Mandel
Van Eron
Davis
Melby
Watson
Deal
Menan
Welch
Dorminey
Merchant
Whitley
Dyke
Miller
Wilson
Fry
Needels
Working
Gaughan
O'Leary
Zelikow
Gordon
Ordway
Haass
Paal
Hayden
Pacelli
Hutchings
Pilling
Jackson
Popadiuk
INFORMATION
Sittmann
Deputy Exec. Sec.
Exec. Sec. Desk
Scowcroft (advance)
Gates (advance)
Secretariat
COMMENTS
CRW#:
Logged By DAd
Return to Secretariat
Document No. 160649
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5926
07/23/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
2:00 p.m. Tuesday 07/24
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY
(07/23 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston Thanks. by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
RESPONSE:
The NSC Staff concurs, with the changes indicated.
Brent Scowcroft
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY PM 8: 25
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Day. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in bondage that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Days have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling E evend.
At this ceremony last year, we told the world that we would keep
faith with those who were oppressed. And we did. Then, taking
their lives into their own hands, the very people who were in our
hearts crafted an unforgettable year of triumph. The triumph of
brave hearts [over cruel stond. The triumph of people declaring
they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with (leaders) of Poland
the people
and Hungary, I urged change - as have American Presidents for
pledged America's strong support for their
historic struggle,
two generations. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
barbed wire on the
the ^ Austrian-Hungarian border had come down. And we were deeply
these changes
reach the vision of
moved as this historic vision swept across a continent, that will
bringing within
some day be a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
special way. With us today are children from Hungary, Poland,
some of the young people whose
Czechoslovakia and other countries which were a part of the Revo-
presence tells us that they
lution of '89. Their eager eyes and bright smiles tell us: "We
themselves
their
For a hold and
believe in ourselves and in our homelands. We can now dare to
brilliant light illuminates their new horizons,
dream for the rainbows just beyond our bright new horizons
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, on behalf
of the peoples of the free world, I dedicate this day to the new
generation of freedom and to future generations who will
Children of Freedom
111 never have to bear the burden of tyranny.
These little ones are the future generation of the newly
freed lands that were, only a year ago, still held in regimented
gray captivity. We celebrate that they are now free to paint the
you
urple,
futures of their countries in the broad, colorful strokes of
spetitive)
childhood's limitless imagination
In America, if a child is afraid of the dark, he can be
comforted by a simple nightlight. But the Children of Captivity
lived in fear day and night. Now a bold and brilliant light has
been turned on, to chase away the nightmares of the unknown
For some children, this light of freedom means actual
deliverance from death. Those like tiny Joshua Laine. For seven
months, this abandoned Romanian baby, like 40,000 others, had
3
lain in one of Ceausescu's unthinkable warehouse orphanages.
(conveys Sunk in a hole in his mattress, his physical world was as limited
wrong
image)
and hopeless as his future. When change and reform came to
Romania, an American couple was allowed to adopt him. Now Joshua
has love freedom a future.
Some of this new generation
For other children, this new freedom means a whole new world
in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning when the
East German borders fell, parents scooped up their children and
brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final symbol of tyranny
in Berlin. Still in their nightclothes, these children on their
first day of new freedom, were passed up from friendly hand to
friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on top of the wall
INSERT
looking across at the endless horizons of their new world. III
those
But while we celebrate those for the children who are now free, we
must also still remember the children who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
individual story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape from the
insert C
politics of repression.
[In In Asia, where iron tanks were met by
the iron will of a lone man In Africa, where a proud leader
(South
ended 10,000 days of prison and took the final steps on his walk
Africe
not a
to freedom
captire
nation.)
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
4
desperate people we must never forget. 11
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? III
a
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two mementos
with me at all times.
(One is a tiny American flag, given to me
(Paname
in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded fighting to free our
not c
Captive
friends in Panama. It represents America's commitment to freedom Nation
and to proud people, wherever they may be, who seek that freedom
It
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it always, as a reminder of the miracle which courage,
strength and unity can achieve. 11
several generations
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are children from
these nations of miracles our Children of Freedom.
including the new generation
But there are also some empty chairs out there. They, too,
Countries where the new gener ctions are still waiting
are reminders. Reminders of countries where children are even
now growing up with only bleak tyranny in their futures
Let us all work together so that next year these empty
this gathering
Let us temember especially the people
the dream of freedom
extends to all the
of Latria thuenia and Estoma
countries where it is
and never our support for their long
now denied.
Auest for national self-dutermination
5
chairs will be filled with children whose countries are finally
free. III
[I'm m a traditionalist. But this ceremony is one tradition
I'd like to break.] Let us pray together that when we gather
again, the light of liberty will shine across our entire planet.
And that the next Captive Nations Day will be the last. III
God bless you, and L 611 the children of our world.)
all the
God bless # men and women everywhere
who are striving for freedom.
SUBJECT:
captive nations insert
INSERT (PAGE 3)
Now, a new generation is coming of age -- in freedom. In the
audience today are a group of young interns from Poland, Hungary,
and Czechoslovakia. Supported by funding from private American
organizations, they are spending the summer working and learning
in the United States. One is working with the Speaker of North
Carolina's House of Delegates, another with a television station
in Washington, a third with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. They
are here learning how a free society works, and they will return
to contribute to the building of a free Poland, a free Hungary, a
free Czechoslovakia.
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Day
It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in captivity that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Days have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning --- thrilling --
historic time. At this ceremony last year, we told the world
that we would keep faith with those who were oppressed. And we
did. Then, taking their lives into their own hands, the very
people who were in our hearts crafted an unforgettable year of
triumph. The triumph of brave hearts. The triumph of people
declaring they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with the people of
Poland and Hungary, I pledged America's strong support for their
historic struggle. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
the barbed wire on the Austrian-Hungarian border came down. And
we were deeply moved as these changes swept across a continent
bringing within reach the vision of a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
special way. With us today are some of the young people whose
countries were a part of the Revolution of '89. Each is proud of
their country and it's easy to understand why they believe in
themselves and in their homelands. For the bold and brilliant
light of freedom now illuminates their world.
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, I
dedicate this day to these new generation of freedom and to
future generations who will never have to bear the burden of
tyranny. III
For some of this new generation, this freedom means a whole
new world in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning
when the East German borders fell, parents gathered up their
children and brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final
symbol of tyranny in Berlin. Still in their nightclothes, pajamas these
children on their first day of new freedom, were passed up from
friendly hand to friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on
top of the wall 0 -- looking across at the endless horizons of
their dreams. III
Now, a new generation is coming of age -- in freedom. In
the audience today are a group of young interns from Poland,
3
Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. Supported by funding from private
American organizations, they are spending the summer working and
learning in the United States. One is working with the Speaker
of North Carolina's House of Delegates, another with a television
station in Washington, a third with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
They are here learning how a free society works, and they will
return to build a free Poland, a free Hungary, a free
Czechoslovakia.
But while we celebrate for those who are now free, we must
also remember the those who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
heroic story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape from the
politics of repression. In asia
also
Today, I want to remember especially the people of Latvia,
Lithuania, and Estonia and renew our support for their long quest
for national self-determination. The road ahead will be
difficult, but we can now join them in looking with hope that
their long-cherished dreams will become reality. III
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear these
quiet stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
desperate people we must never forget.
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
4
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? III
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two special
mementos with me at all times. One is a small American flag,
given to me in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded while
fighting to free our friends in Panama. It represents America's
commitment to freedom and to proud people, wherever they may be,
who seek that freedom.
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it as a reminder of the miracle which courage, strength
and unity can achieve. 11
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are several
generations from these nations of miracles -- including the newes newest
generation.
"g
But there are also countries where the new generations are
still waiting for freedom to be free.
is
Let us all work together so that next year the dream of
freedom extends to all those countries where it is now denied.
III
5
Let us pray together that the light of liberty will shine
across our entire planet. And that the next Captive Nations Day
6
will be the last. III
God bless you.
Than you and ***** GB. they USA anerice
Cegs 7-23-90 comments
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
WEEK
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY-
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations WEEK Day. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in bondage that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Days have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling -- event.
At this ceremony last year, we told the world that we would keep
faith with those who were oppressed. And we did. Then, taking
their lives into their own hands, the very people who were in our
hearts crafted an unforgettable year of triumph. The triumph of
brave hearts over cruel stone. The triumph of people declaring
they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with leaders of Poland
and Hungary, I urged change -- as have American Presidents for
two generations. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
the Austrian-Hungarian border Came had come down. And we were deeply
moved as this historic vision swept across a continent that will
some day be a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that farmerly had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
doesn't sentence
Here to celebrate
joyous change of this past year but to celebrate it in a very
pay
special way With us today are children from Hungary, Poland,
Czechoslovakia and other countries which were a part of the Revo-
lution of '89. Their eager eyes and bright smiles tell us: "We
believe in ourselves and in our homelands. We can now dare to
dream for the rainbows just beyond our bright new horizons. "\\
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, on behalf
of the peoples of the free world, I dedicate this day to the new
Children of Freedom. 111
Children
UPDATE?
These little ones are the future generation of the newly
freed lands that were, only a year ago, still held in regimented
in gray captivity. We celebrate that they are now free to paint the
futures of their countries in the broad, colorful strokes of
childhood's limitless imagination.
In America, if a child is afraid of the dark, he can be
comforted by a simple nightlight. But the Children of Captivity
lived in fear day and night. Now a bold and brilliant light has
been turned on, to chase away the nightmares of the unknown.
For some children, this light of freedom means actual
deliverance from death. Those like tiny Joshua Laine. For seven
months, this abandoned Romanian baby, like 40,000 others, had
3
lain in one of Ceausescu's unthinkable warehouse orphanages.
Sunk in a hole in his mattress, his physical world was as limited
and hopeless as his future. When change and reform came to
Romania, an American couple was allowed to adopt him. Now Joshua
has love ... freedom ... a future.
For other children, this new freedom means a whole new world
in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning when the
The gats
East German borders fell, parents gathered scooped up their children and
an the
wall?
brought them to the Brandenburg Gate the final symbol of tyranny
in Berlin. Still in their nightclothes, these children on their
first day of new freedom, were passed up from friendly hand to
friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on top of the wall
of freedom.
-- looking across at the endless horizons of their new world. III
But while we celebrate for the children who are now free, we
must also still remember the children who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
individual story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape from the
politics of repression. In Asia, where iron tanks were met by
the iron will of a lone man. In Africa, where a proud leader
will this
as
ended 10,000 days of prison and took the final steps on his walker
to freedom.
for
revolution ?
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
4
desperate people we must never forget. 11
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
...
for freedom.
He
starved
in
delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., Quang he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms?
III 11he to tell you about two momentos
110
You know, non my desk in the Oval Office I have two mementos
with me at all times. One is a Small tiny American flag, given to me
while
in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded fighting to free our
friends in Panama. It represents America's commitment to freedom,
and to proud people, wherever they may be, who seek that freedom.
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it always, as a reminder of the miracle which courage,
strength and unity can achieve. 11
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are children from
these nations of miracles -- our Children of Freedom. 11
But there are also some empty chairs out there. They, too,
are reminders. Reminders of countries where children are even
now growing up with only bleak tyranny in their futures.
Let us all work together so that next year those empty
bright 5 omiling faces.
chairs will be filled with children whose countries are finally
free. III
I'm a traditionalist. But this ceremony is one tradition
I'd like to break. Let us pray together that when we gather
again, the light of liberty will shine across our entire planet.
And that the next Captive Nations Day will be the last. 111
God bless you, and all the children of our world.
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 7-24-90 ; 1:59PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
2024566218;# 1
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Document No. 160649 160yr
DATE: 07/23/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 07/24
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY
(07/23 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
à
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
R
PORTER
R
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
1
ROGERS
DEMAREST
\
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston Thanks. by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
RESPONSE:
No Comments
7/24/90 $2:05 so 12 TUR 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No. 160649
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
90 JUL 24 P2:27
07/23/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 07/24
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY
(07/23 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston Thanks. by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
RESPONSE:
O
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY PM 8: 25
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Day. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in bondage that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Days have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling -- event.
At this ceremony last year, we told the world that we would keep
faith with those who were oppressed. And we did. Then, taking
their lives into their own hands, the very people who were in our
hearts crafted an unforgettable year of triumph. The triumph of
brave hearts over cruel stone. The triumph of people declaring
they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with leaders of Poland
and Hungary, I urged change -- as have American Presidents for
two generations. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
the Austrian-Hungarian border had come down. And we were deeply
moved as this historic vision swept across a continent that will
some day be a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers. and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
special way. With us today are children from Hungary, Poland,
Czechoslovakia and other countries which were a part of the Revo-
lution of '89. Their eager eyes and bright smiles tell us: "We
believe in ourselves and in our homelands. We can now dare to
dream for the rainbows just beyond our bright new horizons. "\\
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, on behalf
of the peoples of the free world, I dedicate this day to the new
Children of Freedom. III
These little ones are the future generation of the newly
freed lands that were, only a year ago, still held in regimented
gray captivity. We celebrate that they are now free to paint the
futures of their countries in the broad, colorful strokes of
childhood's limitless imagination.
In America, if a child is afraid of the dark, he can be
comforted by a simple nightlight. But the Children of Captivity
lived in fear day and night. Now a bold and brilliant light has
been turned on, to chase away the nightmares of the unknown.
For some children, this light of freedom means actual
deliverance from death. Those like tiny Joshua Laine. For seven
months, this abandoned Romanian baby, like 40,000 others, had
3
lain in one of Ceausescu's unthinkable warehouse orphanages.
Sunk in a hole in his mattress, his physical world was as limited
and hopeless as his future. When change and reform came to
Romania, an American couple was allowed to adopt him. Now Joshua
has love freedom ... a future.
For other children, this new freedom means a whole new world
in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning when the
East German borders fell, parents scooped up their children and
brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final symbol of tyranny
in Berlin. Still in their nightclothes, these children on their
first day of new freedom, were passed up from friendly hand to
friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on top of the wall
-- looking across at the endless horizons of their new world. III
But while we celebrate for the children who are now free, we
must also still remember the children who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
individual story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape from the
politics of repression. In Asia, where iron tanks were met by
the iron will of a lone man. In Africa, where a proud leader
ended 10,000 days of prison and took the final steps on his walk
to freedom. 11
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
4
desperate people we must never forget.
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? III
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two mementos
with me at all times. One is a tiny American flag, given to me
in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded fighting to free our
friends in Panama. It represents America's commitment to freedom
and to proud people, wherever they may be, who seek that freedom.
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it always, as a reminder of the miracle which courage,
strength and unity can achieve. 11
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are children from
these nations of miracles -- our Children of Freedom. 11
But there are also some empty chairs out there. They, too,
are reminders. Reminders of countries where children are even
now growing up with only bleak tyranny in their futures.
Let us all work together so that next year those empty
5
5
chairs will be filled with children whose countries are finally
free. 111
I'm a traditionalist. But this ceremony is one tradition
I'd like to break. Let us pray together that when we gather
again, the light of liberty will shine across our entire planet.
And that the next Captive Nations Day will be the last. III
God bless you, and all the children of our world.
Document No. 1606/9
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
90 JUL 24 P2:27
DATE: 07/23/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 07/24
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY
(07/23 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
9
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
A
ROGERS
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
P
WINSTON
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston Thanks. by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
RESPONSE: no comment
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY PM 8: 25
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Day. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in bondage that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Days have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling -- event.
At this ceremony last year, we told the world that we would keep
faith with those who were oppressed. And we did. Then, taking
their lives into their own hands, the very people who were in our
hearts crafted an unforgettable year of triumph. The triumph of
brave hearts over cruel stone. The triumph of people declaring
they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with leaders of Poland
and Hungary, I urged change -- as have American Presidents for
two generations. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
the Austrian-Hungarian border had come down. And we were deeply
moved as this historic vision swept across a continent that will
some day be a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
special way. With us today are children from Hungary, Poland,
Czechoslovakia and other countries which were a part of the Revo-
lution of '89. Their eager eyes and bright smiles tell us: "We
believe in ourselves and in our homelands. We can now dare to
dream for the rainbows just beyond our bright new horizons. "\\
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, on behalf
of the peoples of the free world, I dedicate this day to the new
Children of Freedom. III
These little ones are the future generation of the newly
freed lands that were, only a year ago, still held in regimented
gray captivity. We celebrate that they are now free to paint the
futures of their countries in the broad, colorful strokes of
childhood's limitless imagination.
In America, if a child is afraid of the dark, he can be
comforted by a simple nightlight. But the Children of Captivity
lived in fear day and night. Now a bold and brilliant light has
been turned on, to chase away the nightmares of the unknown.
For some children, this light of freedom means actual
deliverance from death. Those like tiny Joshua Laine. For seven
months, this abandoned Romanian baby, like 40,000 others, had
3
lain in one of Ceausescu's unthinkable warehouse orphanages.
Sunk in a hole in his mattress, his physical world was as limited
and hopeless as his future. When change and reform came to
Romania, an American couple was allowed to adopt him. Now Joshua
has love
freedom
a future.
For other children, this new freedom means a whole new world
in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning when the
East German borders fell, parents scooped up their children and
brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final symbol of tyranny
in Berlin. Still in their nightclothes, these children on their
first day of new freedom, were passed up from friendly hand to
friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on top of the wall
-- looking across at the endless horizons of their new world. III
But while we celebrate for the children who are now free, we
must also still remember the children who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
individual story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape from the
politics of repression. In Asia, where iron tanks were met by
the iron will of a lone man. In Africa, where a proud leader
ended 10,000 days of prison and took the final steps on his walk
to freedom. 11
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
4
desperate people we must never forget.
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? 111
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two mementos
with me at all times. One is a tiny American flag, given to me
in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded fighting to free our
friends in Panama. It represents America's commitment to freedom
and to proud people, wherever they may be, who seek that freedom.
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it always, as a reminder of the miracle which courage,
strength and unity can achieve. 11
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are children from
these nations of miracles -- our Children of Freedom. 11
But there are also some empty chairs out there. They, too,
are reminders. Reminders of countries where children are even
now. growing up with only bleak tyranny in their futures.
Let us all work together so that next year those empty
5
chairs will be filled with children whose countries are finally
free. III
I'm a traditionalist. But this ceremony is one tradition
I'd like to break. Let us pray together that when we gather
again, the light of liberty will shine across our entire planet.
And that the next Captive Nations Day will be the last. 111
God bless you, and all the children of our world.
Document No. 160/649
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
07/23/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 07/24
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY
(07/23 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston Thanks. by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
RESPONSE:
Aee Comments. Thanks.
Holls Williamson
7-24-90
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Vsectetans at S being
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
will pe PRESIDENTIAL on
NATIONS
REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY PM 8: 25
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Day. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in bondage that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Days have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the threes of tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling -- event.
At this ceremony last year, we told the world that we would keep
faith with those who were oppressed. And we did. Then, taking
their lives into their own hands, the very people who were in our
hearts crafted an unforgettable year of triumph. The triumph of
brave hearts over cruel stone. The triumph of people declaring
they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with leaders of Poland
and Hungary, I urged change -- as have American Presidents for
two generations. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
the Austrian-Hungarian border had come down. And we were deeply
moved as this historic vision swept across a continent that will
some day be a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
special way. With us today are children from Hungary, Poland,
Czechoslovakia and other countries which were a part of the Revo-
lution of '89. Their eager eyes and bright smiles tell us: "We
believe in ourselves and in our homelands. We can now dare to
dream for the rainbows just beyond our bright new horizons. "\\
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, on behalf
of the peoples of the free world, I dedicate this day to the new
Children of Freedom.
These little ones are the future generation of the newly
freed lands that were, only a year ago, still held in regimented
gray captivity. We celebrate that they are now free to paint the
futures of their countries in the broad, colorful strokes of
childhood's limitless imagination.
In America, if a child is afraid of the dark, he can be
comforted by a simple nightlight. But the Children of Captivity
lived in fear day and night. Now a bold and brilliant light has
been turned on, to chase away the nightmares of the unknown.
For some children, this light of freedom means actual
deliverance from death. Those like tiny Joshua Laine. For seven
months, this abandoned Romanian baby, like 40,000 others, had
3
lain in one of Ceausescu's unthinkable warehouse orphanages.
Sunk in a hole in his mattress, his physical world was as limited
and hopeless as his future. When change and reform came to
Romania, an American couple was allowed to adopt him. Now Joshua
has love
freedom
...
a future.
For other children, this new freedom means a whole new world
in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning when the
East German borders fell, parents scooped up their children and
brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final symbol of tyranny
in Berlin. Still in their nightclothes, these children on their
first day of new freedom, were passed up from friendly hand to
friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on top of the wall
-- looking across at the endless horizons of their new world. III
But while we celebrate for the children who are now free, we
must also still remember the children who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
individual story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape from the
politics of repression. In Asia, where iron tanks were met by
the iron will of a lone man. In Africa, where a proud leader
ended 10,000 days of prison and took the final steps on his walk
to freedom.
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
4
desperate people we must never forget.
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? 111
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two mementos
with me at all times. One is a tiny American flag, given to me
in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded fighting to free our
friends in Panama. It represents America's commitment to freedom
and to proud people, wherever they may be, who seek that freedom.
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it always, as a reminder of the miracle which courage,
strength and unity can achieve. 11
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are children from
these nations of miracles -- our Children of Freedom. 11
But there are also some empty chairs out there. They, too,
are reminders. Reminders of countries where children are even
now growing up with only bleak tyranny in their futures.
Let us all work together so that next year those empty
5
chairs will be filled with children whose countries are finally
free. III
I'm a traditionalist. But this ceremony is one tradition
I'd like to break. Let us pray together that when
gather
TOCA)
(OCA)
again, the this light of liberty will shine across our entire planet.
And that thement Captive Nations Day will be the last. 111
(OCA)
God bless you, and all the children of our world.
Document No. 1606.9
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
90 JUL 24 A8: 30
DATE: 07/23/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 07/24
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY
(07/23 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
NK
ROGICH NK
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston Thanks. by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY PM 8: 25
Rose Garden
(Achnowlesments to come).
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Day. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in captivity bondage that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Days have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. III
historic time
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling -- event change.
At this ceremony last year, we told the world that we would keep
faith with those who were oppressed. And we did. Then, taking
their lives into their own hands, the very people who were in our
hearts crafted an unforgettable year of triumph. The triumph of
brave hearts. over cruel stone. The triumph of people declaring
they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
the people
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with leaders of Poland
and Hungary, I urged change as have American Presidents for
pleaged americas otiong support for their historic struggle.
two generations. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
bashed wore onthe
the Austrian-Hungarian border had Came come down. And we were deeply
these changes
moved as this historic vision swept across a continent that will
bringing within
reach the vision of
some day be a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
some of the young people whose
special way. With us today are children from Hungary, Poland,
Czechoslovakia and other countries which were a part of the Revo-
lution of '89. ^ Their eager eyes and bright smiles tell us: "We
Eachis proud of their country and its easy to understand
why they
than
their
believe in ourselves and in our homelands. We can now dare to
for the bold and
brillicut liGHT INUMINATES their new horizons of Freedom nowilluminates
dream for the rainbows just beyond our bright new horizons. \ their
world.
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, on behalf
of the peoples of the free world I dedicate this day to the new
Children of Freedom. III and to future generations who will never have to
bear the busden of tyranny.
These little ones are the future generation of the newly
freed lands that were, only a year ago, still held in regimented
gray captivity. We celebrate that they are now free to paint the
futures of their countries in the broad, colorful strokes of
childhood's limitless imagination.
In America, if a child is afraid of the dark, he can be
comforted by a simple nightlight. But the Children of Captivity
lived in fear day and night. Now a bold and brilliant light has
been turned on, to chase away the nightmares of the unknown.
For some children, this light of freedom means actual
deliverance from death. Those like tiny Joshua Laine. For seven
months, this abandoned Romanian baby, like 40,000 others, had
3
lain in one of Ceausescu's unthinkable warehouse orphanages.
Sunk in a hole in his mattress, his physical world was as limited
and hopeless as his future. When change and reform came to
Romania, an American couple was allowed to adopt him. Now Joshua
has love
freedom
a future.
of this new generation,
For other children, this new freedom means a whole new world
in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning when the
East German borders fell, parents scooped gathered up their children and
brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final symbol of tyranny
in Berlin. Still in their nightclothes, these children on their
first day of new freedom, were passed up from friendly hand to
friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on top of the wall
-- looking across at the endless horizons of their new dreams world. III
insent
But while we celebrate for the children who are now free, we
A
must also still remember the children who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
heroic
individual story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape from the
politics of repression. In Asia, where iron tanks were met by
the iron will of a lone man. In Africa, where a proud leader
ended 10,000 days of prison and took the final steps on his walk
to freedom.
these
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
4
desperate people we must never forget.
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? III
special
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two mementos
with me at all times. One is a tiny small American flag, given to me
while
in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded fighting to free our
friends in Panama. It represents America's commitment to freedom
and to proud people, wherever they may be, who seek that freedom.
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it always, as a reminder of the miracle which courage,
strength and unity can achieve. 11
5.
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are children from
these nations of miracles -- our Children of Freedom. 11
But there are also some empty chairs out there
They, too,
But in too many
there are still
are reminders. Reminders of countries where children are even
now growing up with only bleak tyranny in their futures.
Let us all work together so that next year those empty
every child
5
all
Stiff still suffering under oppression will
chairs will be filled with children whose countries are finally be
free. III
I'm a traditionalist. But this ceremony is one tradition
I'd like to break. Let us pray together that when we gather
again the light of liberty will shine across our entire planet.
And that the next Captive Nations Day will be the last. III
God bless you, and all the children of our world.
TARIAT STAFFING DOCUMEN
TEM LOG NUMBER:
5926
Bootteg
copy
DUE: Noon 7/24
-
ppropriate Action
Jronsc
repare Memo for Sittmann
Chriss Winston cc:Cicconi
officer at ext. x 5732
FYI
Dai "
Johnson
Pryce
Basora
Kaeuper
Rademaker
Beers
Kanter
Rice
Blackwill
Kitchen
Rodman
Broome
LaMagna
Rostow
Burns
Lampley
Salvetti
Chamberlin
Levin
Tilley
Charles
Lundsager
Tobey
Coulson
Mandel
Van Eron
Davis
Melby
Watson
Deal
Menan
Welch
Dorminey
Merchant
Whitley
Dyke
Miller
Wilson
Fry
Needels
Working
Gaughan
O'Leary
Zelikow
Gordon
Ordway
Haass
Paal
Hayden
Pacelli
Hutchings
Pilling
Jackson
Popadiuk
INFORMATION
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Deputy Exec. Sec.
Exec. Sec. Desk
Scowcroft (advance)
Gates (advance)
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Return to Secretariat
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY PM 8: 25
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Day. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in bondage that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Days have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling E evend.
At this ceremony last year, we told the world that we would keep
faith with those who were oppressed. And we did. Then, taking
their lives into their own hands, the very people who were in our
hearts crafted an unforgettable year of triumph. The triumph of
brave hearts [over cruel stone. The triumph of people declaring
they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
the people
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with (leaders] of Poland
and Hungary, I urged change - as have American Presidents for
pledged America's strong support for their
historic struggle.
two generations. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
barbed wire on the
the ^ Austrian-Hungarian border had come down. And we were deeply
these changes
reach the vision of
moved as this historic vision swept across a continent, that will
bringing within
some day be a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
ted and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
some of the young people whose
special way. With us today are children from Hungary, Poland,
ezechoslovakia and other countries which. were a part of the Revo-
presence tells us that they
lution of '89. Their eager eyes and bright smiles tell us: "We.
themselves
their
For a hold and
believe in ourselves and in our homelands. We can now dare to
brilliant light illuminates their new horizons,
dream for the rainbows just beyond our bright new horizons
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, on behalf
of the peoples of the free world, I dedicate this day to the new
and to future generations who will
Children of Freedom
111 never have to bear the burden of tyranny.
These little ones are the future generation of the newly
freed lands that were, only a year ago, still held in regimented
gray captivity We celebrate that they are now free to paint the
00
sple,
futures of their countries in the broad, colorful strokes of
petitive).
childhood's limitless imagination
In America, if a child is afraid of the dark, he can be
comforted by a simple nightlight. But the Children of Captivity
lived in fear day and night. Now a bold and brilliant light has
been turned on, to chase away the nightmares of the unknown.
For some children, this light of freedom means actual
deliverance from death. Those like tiny Joshua Laine. For seven
months, this abandoned Romanian baby, like 40,000 others, had
in in one of Ceausescu's unthinkable warehouse orphanages.
Sunk in a hole in his mattress, his physical world was as limited
and hopeless as his future. When change and reform came to
Romania, an American couple was allowed to adopt him. Now Joshua
has love freedom a future
Some
For other children, this new freedom means a whole new world
in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning when the
East German borders fell, parents scooped up their children and
brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final symbol of tyranny
in Berlin. Still in their nightclothes, these children on their
first day of new freedom, were passed up from friendly hand to
friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on top of the wall
-- looking across at the endless horizons of their new world. III
SERT
those
But while we celebrate those for the children who are now free, we
must also still remember the children who are not.
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
individual story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape from the
politics of repression In Asia, where iron tanks were met by
the iron will of a lone man In Africa, where a proud leader
(South
Africe
ended 10,000 days of prison and took the final steps on his walk
not a
to freedom
captire
nation.)
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
sperate people we must never forget. 11
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
...
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
when did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? 111
a
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two mementos
with me at all times. (One is a tiny American flag, given to me
(Paname
in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded fighting to free our
not c
friends in Panama. It represents America's s commitment to freedom Nation.) Captive
and to proud people, wherever It they may be, who seek that freedom ]
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it always, as a reminder of the miracle which courage,
strength and unity can achieve. 11
sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are children from
these nations of miracles -- our Children of Freedom. 11
But there are also some empty chairs out there. They, too,
are reminders. Reminders of countries where children are even
now growing up with only bleak tyranny in their futures.
Let us all work together so that next year those empty
5
Mairs will be filled with children whose countries are finally
free. 111
[I'm a traditionalist. But this ceremony is one tradition
I'd like to break. Let us pray together that when we gather
again, the light of liberty will shine across our entire planet.
And that the next Captive Nations Day will be the last. 111
God bless you, and L (11 the children of our world
God-hless women
Document No. 160649
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5926
90 JUL 25 All : 39
DATE: 07/23/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 07/24
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY
(07/23 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
i
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
d
DARMAN
ROGICH
>
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
\
ROGERS
\
DEMAREST
\
PINKERTON
\
FITZWATER
A
WINSTON
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston Thanks. by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 07/24, with a copy to my office.
RESPONSE:
TO: CHRISS WINSTON
July 24, 1990
The NSC Staff concurs, with the changes indicated.
B
Brent Scowcroft
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS DAY PM 8: 25
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Day. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in bondage that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Days have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. III
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling E event.
At this ceremony last year, we told the world that we would keep
faith with those who were oppressed. And we did. Then, taking
their lives into their own hands, the very people who were in our
hearts crafted an unforgettable year of triumph. The triumph of
brave hearts [over cruel stone. The triumph of people declaring
they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with (leaders] of Poland
the people
and Hungary, I urged change -- as have American Presidents for
pledged America's strong support for their
historic struggle,
two generations. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
Garbed wire on the
the ^ Austrian-Hungarian border had come down. And we were deeply
these changes
reach the vision of
moved as this historic vision swept across a continent, that will
bringing within
some day be a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the gray drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
some of the young people whose
special way. With us today are children from Hungary, Poland,
Czechoslovakia and other countries which were a part of the Revo-
presence tells us that they
lution of '89. Their eager eyes and bright smiles tell us: "We
themselves
their
for a bold and
believe in ourselves and in our homelands. We can now dare to
brilliant light illuminates their new horizons,
dream for the rainbows just beyond our bright new horizons
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, on behalf
of the peoples of the free world, I dedicate this day to the new
generation Children of of Freedom freedom- - and to future generations who will
III never have to bear the burden of tyranny.
These little ones are the future generation of the newly
freed lands that were, only a year ago, still held in regimented
gray captivity. We celebrate that they are now free to paint the
(too
purple, repetitive)
futures of their countries in the broad, colorful strokes of
childhood' limitless imagination
In America, if a child is afraid of the dark, he can be
comforted by a simple nightlight. But the Children of Captivity
lived in fear day and night. Now a bold and brilliant light has
been turned on, to chase away the nightmares of the unknown.
For some children, this light of freedom means actual
deliverance from death. Those like tiny Joshua Laine. For seven
months, this abandoned Romanian baby, like 40,000 others, had
3
lain in one of Ceausescu's unthinkable warehouse orphanages.
(conveys Sunk in a hole in his mattress, his physical world was as limited
wrong
image)
and hopeless as his future. When change and reform came to
Romania, an American couple was allowed to adopt him. Now Joshua
has love freedom a future
Some of this new generation
For other children, this new freedom means a whole new world
in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning when the
East German borders fell, parents scooped up their children and
brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final symbol of tyranny
in Berlin. Still in their nightclothes, these children on their
first day of new freedom, were passed up from friendly hand to
friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on top of the wall
INSERT
-- looking across at the endless horizons those of their new world. III
But while we celebrate those for the children who are now free, we
must also still remember the children who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
individual story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape from the
politics of repression. [In Asia, where iron tanks were met by
the iron will of a lone man. In Africa, where a proud leader
(South
ended 10,000 days of prison and took the final steps on his walk
Africe
not a
to freedom. 11)
captive
nation.)
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
4
desperate people we must never forget.
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? III
a
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two mementos
with me
at all times.
One is a tiny American flag, given to me
(Paname
in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded fighting to free our
not C
Captive
friends in Panama. It represents America's commitment to freedom Nation,
and to proud people, wherever they may be, who seek that freedom J
It
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it always, as a reminder of the miracle which courage,
strength and unity can achieve. 11
several generations
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are children from
including the new generation
these nations of miracles our Children of Freedom. 11
But there are also some empty chairs out there. They, too,
Countries where the new generations are still weiting.
are reminders. Reminders of countries where children are even
now growing up with only bleak tyranny in their futures.
Let us all work together so that next year those empty
this gathering
(The dream of freedom
extends to all those
countries where it is
now denied.
5
chairs will be filled with children whose countries are finally
free. III
[ILm a traditionalist. But this ceremony is one tradition
I'd like to break.] Let us pray together that when we gather
again, the light of liberty will shine across our entire planet.
And that the next Captive Nations Day will be the last. III
God bless you, and L áll the children of our world.)
God bless Hee men and women everywhere
who are striving for freedom.
SUBJECT:
captive nations insert
INSERT (PAGE 3)
Now, a new generation is coming of age -- in freedom. In the
audience today are a group of young interns from Poland, Hungary,
and Czechoslovakia. Supported by funding from private American
organizations, they are spending the summer working and learning
in the United States. One is working with the Speaker of North
Carolina's House of Delegates, another with a television station
in Washington, a third with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. They
are here learning how a free society works, and they will return
to contribute to the building of a free Poland, a free Hungary, a
free Czechoslovakia.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TIME STAMPE CEIVED
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT STAFFING DOCUMEN
90 JUL24 A8. 31
SYSTEM LOG NUMBER:
5926
ACTION OFFICER:
DUE: Noon 7/24
Prepare Memo For Scowcroft/Gates
Appropriate Action
Prepare Memo For Cicconi
Prepare Memo for Sittmann
Prepare Memo Scowcroft
to Chriss Winston cc:Cicconi
CONCURRENCES/COMMENTS*
PHONE* to action officer at ext. X 5732
FYI
FYI
FYI
Barth
Johnson
Pryce
Basora
Kaeuper
Rademaker
Beers
Kanter
Rice
Blackwill
Kitchen
Rodman
Broome
LaMagna
Rostow
Burns
Lampley
Salvetti
Chamberlin
Levin
Tilley
Charles
Lundsager
Tobey
Coulson
Mandel
Van Eron
Davis
Melby
Watson
Deal
Menan
Welch
Dorminey
Merchant
Whitley
Dyke
Miller
Wilson
Fry
Needels
Working
Gaughan
O'Leary
Zelikow
Gordon
Ordway
Haass
Paal
Hayden
Pacelli
Hutchings
Pilling
Jackson
Popadiuk
INFORMATION
Sittmann
Deputy Exec. Sec.
Exec. Sec. Desk
Scowcroft (advance)
Gates (advance)
Secretariat
COMMENTS
CRW#:
Logged By DAd
Return to Secretariat
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
90 JUL 25 P12 : 11
7/25/90
---
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
CAPTIVE NATIONS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
PINKERTON
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
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
1990 JUL 24 PM 8: 44
JULY 24, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
BETH HINCHLIFFE
BH
SUBJECT:
REMARKS CELEBRATING CAPTIVE NATIONS WEEK
I. SUMMARY
On Wednesday, July 25, 1990, at 1:30 PM, you will address
approximately 200 guests in the Rose Garden. Among those attending
will be the Vice President, Secretary Derwinski, Deputy Secretary
Eagleburger, approximately twenty Congressmen and Senators, and
various dignitaries from "captive nation" countries.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks (8 minutes, cards) focus on the changing
complexion of the 32 year old captive nations week: from a
traditionally sad event into one of celebration. While
highlighting the recent liberation of several Eastern European
nations, the remarks also emphasize the need to remember those
people in the world who are still without freedom.
(Hinchliffe/Garmey)
July 23, 1990 8:00 p.m.
NATIONS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAPTIVE NATIONS WEEK
Rose Garden
July 25, 1990
Welcome to every one of you able to be here for this extra-
ordinary event. 11 For the last 32 years, presidents from
Eisenhower to Reagan have commemorated Captive Nations Week. It
has been a ceremony to bear witness to the struggling and
suffering of millions. A ceremony to honor courage. A ceremony
to tell everyone still in captivity that they were not forgotten.
These previous Captive Nations Week have not been moments of joy,
but of serious rededication -- and of sadness that so many in our
world lived in the throes of tyranny. 111
The Revolution of '89 was a stunning -- thrilling --
historic time. At this ceremony last year, we told the world
that we would keep faith with those who were oppressed. And we
did. Then, taking their lives into their own hands, the very
people who were in our hearts crafted an unforgettable year of
triumph. The triumph of brave hearts. The triumph of people
declaring they would control their own destinies. 11
Last summer, while we were in Eastern Europe, Barbara and I
sensed excitement in the air. In meetings with the people of
Poland and Hungary, I pledged America's strong support for their
historic struggle. Like most Americans, we had watched in joy as
the barbed wire on the Austrian-Hungarian border came down. And
we were deeply moved as these changes swept across a continent
bringing within reach the vision of a Europe whole and free.
For four long decades, America and her allies have remained
2
united and strong in our mission for peace and freedom. That
strength has at long last borne fruit. What an amazing year this
has been. A year of technicolor glory in lands that had been
defined by black watchtowers and walls, and the drab emptiness of
lost dreams.
But we are gathered here today not just to celebrate the
joyous change of this past year, but to celebrate it in a very
special way. With us today are some of the young people whose
countries were a part of the Revolution of '89. Each is proud of
their country and it's easy to understand why they believe in
themselves and in their homelands. For the bold and brilliant
light of freedom now illuminates their world.
And so, to honor that shining faith in the future, I
dedicate this day to these new generation of freedom and to
future generations who will never have to bear the burden of
tyranny. III
For some of this new generation, this freedom means a whole
new world in their own backyard. On that unforgettable morning
when the East German borders fell, parents gathered up their
children and brought them to the Brandenburg Gate, the final
symbol of tyranny in Berlin. Still in their pajamas, these
children on their first day of new freedom, were passed up from
friendly hand to friendly hand to have the thrill of sitting on
top of the wall -- looking across at the endless horizons of
their dreams. 111
Now, a new generation is coming of age -- in freedom. In
the audience today are a group of young interns from Poland,
3
Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. Supported by funding from private
American organizations, they are spending the summer working and
learning in the United States. One is working with the Speaker
of North Carolina's House of Delegates, another with a television
station in Washington, a third with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
They are here learning how a free society works, and they will
return to build a free Poland, a free Hungary, a free
Czechoslovakia.
But while we celebrate for those who are now free, we must
also remember those who are not. 11
I continue to be moved by what I see and hear throughout the
rest of the world, where unfinished revolutions continue one
heroic story at a time. In the Americas, where a boy with
nothing but a board and a sail windsurfed to escape the politics
of repression. In Asia, where iron tanks were met by the iron
will of a lone man. 111
Today, I also want to remember especially the people of
Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia and renew our support for their
long quest for national self-determination. The road ahead will
be difficult, but we can now join them in looking with hope that
their long-cherished dreams will become reality. 111
Alongside the success stories of nations, we also hear quiet
stories of individuals who, even in darkness, could see the
vision of liberty. Those who have risked everything in countries
not yet free. The countries we must still remember today. The
desperate people we must never forget.
Boys like Quang Trinh. A young Vietnamese teenager, he
4
almost died escaping from the shattered life of a country where
he had seen his mother killed, his father jailed, his brothers'
spirits broken. Quang fled the only life he had known
for
freedom. He jumped into shark-infested waters
for freedom.
He starved in delirium
for freedom. After he was finally
rescued and told he could enter the U.S., he wept all night long.
When did something touch our lives so completely that we
cried for joy through the night? Quang calls America "freedom
country." How many of us have stopped to think of our homeland
in those terms? III
You know, on my desk in the Oval Office I have two special
mementos with me at all times. One is a small American flag,
given to me in an Army hospital by a soldier wounded while
fighting to free our friends in Panama. It represents America's
commitment to freedom and to proud people, wherever they may be,
who seek that freedom.
The other souvenir is a piece of the Berlin Wall -- one of
the very first chiseled from that horrifying affront to humanity.
I keep it as a reminder of the miracle which courage, strength
and unity can achieve. 11
Sitting in this peaceful Rose Garden today are several
generations from these nations of miracles -- including the new
generation. But there are also countries still waiting to be
free. 11
Let us all work together so that next year this dream of
freedom extends to all those countries where it is now denied.
Let us pray together that the light of liberty will shine
)
5
across our entire planet. And that the next Captive Nations Week
will be the last. III
Thank you and God bless America.
* * * * *