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50th Anniversary of USO 4/5/91 [OA 6031]
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50th Anniversary of USO 4/5/91 [OA 6031]
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
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13561
Folder ID Number:
13561-008
Folder Title:
50th Anniversary of USO 4/5/91 [OA 6031]
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16
7
4
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO \ UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER
APRIL 5, 1991
You KNOW, JAMES MICHENER ENDS HIS WAR NOVEL THE
BRIDGES AT TOKO-RI BY ASKING: "WHERE DID WE GET SUCH
MEN?" WELL, I LOOK OUT AT THESE THOUSANDS OF FACES --
VETERANS FROM WORLD WAR II TO THE PERSIAN GULF -- AND
ALL I CAN DO IS ECHO HIS ADMIRATION AND PRIDE: "WHERE
DID WE GET SUCH MEN AND WOMEN?" 11 THE ANSWER -- FROM
THE HEART OF AMERICA. You ARE THE HEART OF AMERICA.
III
- 2 -
THAT'S WHAT THE USO HAS KNOWN ALL THESE YEARS.
FROM THE SKIES OVER PEARL HARBOR TO THE SKIES OVER
KUWAIT, THE USO HAS KNOWN WHAT HOMESICK, WEARY WARRIORS
HAVE NEEDED. SOMETHING VERY SIMPLE. A TOUCH OF HOME.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THE USO HAS DONE FOR 50
YEARS IS TO SAY TO OUR TROOPS, ON BEHALF OF AMERICA:
HEY, WE MISS YOU. WE'RE THINKING ABOUT YOU. WE CARE
ABOUT YOU.
- 3 -
You CAN'T BE HOME WITH US, SO WE'RE SENDING A LITTLE
BIT OF HOME TO YOU. MAYBE IT'S A PHONE CALL TO YOUR
FOLKS. OR A FRIENDLY STRANGER JUST TO TALK To. OR BoB
HOPE IN A VIETNAMESE HOSPITAL. BUT WHAT WE'RE REALLY
GIVING YOU IS A SMILE AND A THOUGHT FROM YOUR GRATEFUL
COUNTRY. 11
THE USO SUMS UP WHAT'S BEST ABOUT THIS NATION.
- 4 -
FOR THE USO IS MADE UP OF VOLUNTEERS -- THERE FOR THE
SIMPLEST, MOST LOVING REASON OF ALL: BECAUSE THEY SEE
A HUMAN NEED AND WANT TO HELP. 11
THE USO IS FAMILY -- THE MOST IMPORTANT WORD IN THE
AMERICAN VOCABULARY - -- OUR COUNTRY'S FAMILY CARING
ABOUT -- AND CARING FOR -- EACH MEMBER. 11
AND THE USO IS AMERICA -- SHOWING THE WORLD THE
OPTIMISM, DECENCY, AND GOOD-HEARTED GENEROSITY THAT
FILLS THIS LAND FROM COAST TO COAST.
- 5 -
FOR, AS ITS FOUNDER FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT SAID: "WHEREVER
MEN AND WOMEN OF GOOD WILL GATHER TOGETHER TO SERVE
THEIR COMMUNITY -- THERE IS AMERICA." 11 AND THE MEN
AND WOMEN OF USO BRIGHTEN THE DARK, LONELY CORNERS OF
OUR TROOPS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. THESE USO VOLUNTEERS
ARE OUR POINTS OF LIGHT. TORCHBEARERS FOR AMERICA'S
FINEST BEACON -- THE ONE OF CARING. III
WHEN OUR TROOPS WENT TO THE GULF, THE USO WENT WITH
THEM.
- 6 -
IT INSPIRED THOSE LEFT BEHIND TO JOIN IN ITS SPIRIT --
THE PROUD, YELLOW-RIBBON SPIRIT OF THINKING ABOUT EVERY
SINGLE SON, DAUGHTER, BROTHER, SISTER, FATHER, MOTHER
OVER THERE. III
EVEN THOUGH TODAY'S USO IS IMMENSE, MY FATHER WOULD
RECOGNIZE IT AS THE SAME ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT
ROOSEVELT ASKED HIM TO HELP START IN 1941. FOR 50
YEARS, THE USO HAS PROVEN THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO WEAR A
STAR TO BE A HERO.
- 7 -
ITS VOLUNTEERS HAVE LIFTED THE SPIRITS AND ENNOBLED THE
HEARTS OF GENERATIONS OF LONELY KIDS ABROAD, AND THEIR
LONELY FAMILIES HERE AT HOME. III
I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME WORDS A SOLDIER IN
THE SAUDI DESERT WROTE TO COMEDIAN STEVE MARTIN AFTER
HIS USO TOUR. CAPTAIN TODD O'BRADOVICH OF THE 82ND
AIRBORNE SAID:
- 8 -
"WE TRAIN CONTINUALLY
WE MUST BE READY TO FIGHT AND
DO OUR JOB. THANKSGIVING MADE A LOT OF US HOMESICK
(BUT) TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU BACK HOME CARE ABOUT
US MAKES ALL THE HARDSHIPS WORTHWHILE. " III
WELL, FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS THE MAN WHO HAS
SYMBOLIZED THE CARING OF PEOPLE BACK HOME HAS BEEN BoB
(MR. USO) HOPE. WEARING BAGGY CAMOUFLAGE AND SWINGING A
GOLF CLUB TO MAKE SOLDIERS LAUGH HALF A WORLD AWAY.
- 9 -
TRAVELLING ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US TO COMFORT OUR SONS
AND DAUGHTERS. BoB HAS TURNED DISTANT BATTLEFIELDS
INTO TINY PIECES OF HOME.
BEFORE WE CONCLUDE TONIGHT'S CELEBRATION, I'D LIKE
TO BRING OUT THIS MAN, WHO HAS SPENT MUCH OF HIS LIFE
SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY. LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN, BoB HOPE. 1111
BoB, IT IS MY PLEASURE TO PRESENT YOU WITH THIS
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR SERVICE TO THE USO.
- 10 -
IT IS FOR MILLIONS OF GRATEFUL AMERICANS THAT I SAY --
THANK YOU, BoB. AND CONGRATULATIONS FROM US ALL. III
Now, AS I SAY GOODNIGHT, I'M GOING TO TAKE SOME
LICENSE WITH A SONG OF LEE GREENWOOD, WHO'S MADE MANY
USO TOURS. FOR I KNOW THESE WORDS WOULD SPEAK FOR BoB
AND FOR ALL OF US: "THERE'S PRIDE IN EVERY AMERICAN
HEART AND IT'S TIME WE STAND AND SAY
GOD BLESS THE
USO."
#
#
#
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 27, 1991 10 a.m.
USO Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From the Battle of the Bulge to the skies over
Kuwait, the USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have
needed. Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. Or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. Or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese jungle. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant William Thigpen
said: "It just meant so much to me (that you came), words can't
describe how much you have helped me
may the Lord truly bless
you because the Lord has blessed me through you. "
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
God Bless the USO. "
#
#
#
#
APR-03-1991 18:40 FROM
TO
12024566218
P.02
PRESIDENT BUSH PRESENTATION TO BOB HOPE
PRESIDENT BUSH
Before we conclude tonight's celebration,
I would like. to bring out a man who has
spent much of his career in the service
of his country and in the service of
those who serve their country.
Ladies and gentlemen, Bob Hope.
(HOPE ENTERS)
Bob, I would like to present you with
this award for over fifty years of
service to the USO, the men and women
of the armed forces, and their families.
To paraphrase a man who loves his
country a great deal, George M. Cohan,
I would just like to say, "My Father
thanks you. My Mother thanks you.
My Wife thanks you. The whole nation
thanks you, and I thank you."
Congratulations.
FRI. APRIL 5th
at 1pm
Bob Hope gets award 1st time <00 luncheon at
Arr. luncheon 2:40pm
before Bush
gets there,
POTUS speaks
no presentation
Amphitheate
POTUS last, person in
show.
remarks 4 min- - goes into presentation.
act like this is the 1sth time
he's gotten the award.
224103
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
03/29/91
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
(03/28 6:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
PETERSMEYER
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
91 MAR 28 PM 6:30
March 28, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
TONY SNOW
TS
FROM:
BETH HINCHLIFFE
SUBJECT:
USO 50TH ANNIVERSARY
On Friday, April 5, you will address 6,000 attendees in the
Universal Amphitheater in a tribute to the USO, celebrating their
50th anniversary. Your remarks are 4 minutes in length, and will
be on teleprompter.
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 28, 1991 6 p.m.
USO Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From Pearl Harbor to the skies over Kuwait, the
USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have needed.
Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. Or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese hospital. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to boxer Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity uso tour a few months ago. Sergeant Thigpen of the 437
Supply Deployed wrote: "It just meant so much to me (that you
came), words can't describe how much you have helped me
may
the Lord truly bless you because the Lord has blessed me through
you. "
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
God Bless the USO. "
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 28, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: 50th Anniversary of the
USO
We have reviewed the attached draft and have no suggested
changes from a policy standpoint. We approve of the draft
remarks in their current form.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
224103SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
3/27/91
4:00PM, THURS., MARCH 28
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
APRIL 5, 1991
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER, LOS ANGELES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
A
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
>
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
>
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
SNOW
DEMAREST
A
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
no later than 4:00PM, THURSDAY, MARCH 28.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 27, 1991 10 a.m.
91 MAR 27 AM10: 55
USO Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From the Battle of the Bulge to the skies over
Kuwait, the USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have
needed. Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. Or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. Or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese jungle. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant William Thigpen
said: "It just meant so much to me (that you came), words can't
describe how much you have helped me
may the Lord truly bless
you because the Lord has blessed me through you. "
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
God Bless the USO. "
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
91 MAR 29 P6: 17
TO POTUS
March 28, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
TONY SNOW
TS
FROM:
BETH HINCHLIFFE
SUBJECT:
USO 50TH ANNIVERSARY
On Friday, April 5, you will address 6,000 attendees in the
Universal Amphitheater in a tribute to the USO, celebrating their
50th anniversary. Your remarks are 4 minutes in length, and will
be on teleprompter.
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 28, 1991 6 p.m.
USO Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From Pearl Harbor to the skies over Kuwait, the
USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have needed.
Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. Or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese hospital. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to boxer Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant Thigpen of the 437
Supply Deployed wrote: "It just meant so much to me (that you
came), words can't describe how much you have helped me
may
the Lord truly bless you because the Lord has blessed me through
you. "
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
God Bless the USO."
224103SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 MAR 28 All : 25
3/27/91
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00PM, THURS., MARCH 28
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
APRIL 5, 1991
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER, LOS ANGELES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
Mc
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
4970
SCOWCROFT
PORTER N/C
DARMAN
N/C
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS NK
SNOW
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
Raddemaker GRAY 5026 N/V
TREFRY
HOLIDAY NIC
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
no later than 4:00PM, THURSDAY, MARCH 28.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 27, 1991 10 a.m.
91 MAR 27 AM 55
USO Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From the Battle of the Bulge to the skies over
Kuwait, the USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have
needed. Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. Or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese jungle. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant William Thigpen
said: "It just meant so much to me (that you came), words can't
describe how much you have helped me
may the Lord truly bless
you because the Lord has blessed me through you. If
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
God Bless the USO. "
#
#
#
#
224103SS
Document No.
50
WHITE HOUSE 91 STAFFING MEMORANDUM
3/27/91
4:00PM, THURS. , MARCH 28
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
APRIL 5, 1991
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER, LOS ANGELES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
SNOW
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
no later than 4:00PM, THURSDAY, MARCH 28.
Thank you.
RESPONSE: Recommend the and "Tion the Battle of The Bulge apl. 2~'sentince
2ml P be changed & read "from Pearl Hacbr Reason - Peacl Harbor started
WWII for us n 7 Dec 41- - the Bulge was 16 Dec 44 7 and has tenant the end 5 mmth late.
We leave put most of WWTT when the uso contributed 20 much by starting with the
Balge rather then Peadl Habn
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Rechard & Trifay
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
h16 USA. Reb
Ext. 2702
MAP
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 27, 1991 10 a.m.
91 MAR 27 AM 10: 55
USO Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
Pearl Harbn
of our hearts. From the Battle of the Bulge to the skies over
Kuwait, the USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have
needed. Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. Or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. Or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese jungle. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
hospital
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant Villiam Thigpen
said: "It just meant so much to me (that you came), words can't
boxer
describe how much you have helped me
may the Lord truly bless
you because the Lord has blessed me through you. "
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
God Bless the USO."
#
#
#
#
of the 437 Supply Deployed wrote
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 28, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
CAROL BLYMIRE CMB
SUBJECT:
FACT-CHECKING CHANGES/SUGGESTIONS
These are the changes/suggestions incurred during fact-
checking:
Page One; para. 3: Bob Hope has not been documented as ever
having performed in a Vietnamese jungle.
He has, however, performed in a Vietnamese
hospital. They were probably very
similar, but we need to change it for
fact's sake.
Page Two; para. 2: Change the word "kids" to "soldiers".
Page Two; para. 3: Sergeant Thigpen's first name isn't
William. I called Army personnel, and
they have 9 Sgt. Thigpens who could've
been in Saudi at the time the letter was
written. The closest match we could find
was a Jesse Thigpen, but there is no way
to guarantee that. I suggest changing it
to: "Sergeant Thigpen of the 437 Supply
Deployed wrote
"
General Suggestion: I think we need a sentence about the USO's
important role during peacetime. Perhaps
on Page Two, after the part about family,
we can insert something like, "And year-
round the USO provides support for
soldiers' families, welcoming them to a
new base, and helping them get adjusted
to living in a new community."
Another possible insert -- maybe something
about the USO and the transient nature of
the military, since that's where the USO
91 MAR 29
really is a silent hero. "No matter where
a military family moves, the USO is there
to make it feel like home." "
224103SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 MAR 29 P3: 26
3/27/91
4:00PM, THURS., MARCH 28
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
APRIL 5, 1991
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER, LOS ANGELES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
no later than 4:00PM, THURSDAY, MARCH 28.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
No comments. Thanks.
HW
Holly Williamson
03/28/91
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
224103SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 MAR 29 P2: 22
3/27/91
4:00PM, THURS., MARCH 28
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
APRIL 5, 1991
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER, LOS ANGELES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
no later than 4:00PM, THURSDAY, MARCH 28.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Correct
No
OK!
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 27, 1991 10 a.m.
91 MAR 27 AH.10: 55
USO Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From the Battle of the Bulge to the skies over
Kuwait, the USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have
needed. Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. Or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese jungle. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant William Thigpen
said: "It just meant so much to me (that you came), words can't
describe how much you have helped me may the Lord truly bless
you because the Lord has blessed me through you. "
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
...
God Bless the USO. "
#
#
#
#
March 27, 1991
TO:
TONY
FROM:
BETH
SUBJECT: SIG'S COMMENTS ON USO REMARKS
I didn't recall ever having seen this quote in any previous
speeches, so I went back through all of Reagan's speeches on that
European trip -- and he doesn't use the Michener quote anywhere.
In the Pointe du Hoc speech, he quotes Stephen Spender "You are
men who in your lives fought for life" -- then he says (or
rather, Peggy Noonan says): "These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
These are the men who took the cliffs." Maybe that's what Sig
was thinking about.
I'm leaving tonight (Wednesday) after work -- I have
Thursday, Friday and Monday off (though I'm flying back in time
for Chriss' party Monday). If you want me, I'll be at:
(617) 235-2255 (my father's house in Wellesley, MA).
Happy Easter! (Does Eddie get Easter eggs? Duchess does.)
224103SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
3/27/91
4:00PM, THURS., MARCH 28
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
APRIL 5, 1991
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER, LOS ANGELES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
no later than 4:00PM, THURSDAY, MARCH 28.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
P/S note,
page
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
I
This USEd Kagan Normards
Ronald in & Reager (Hinchliffe/Blymire) 27, be willanchence 1991 10
a.m.
91 MAR 27 AM10:55
USO Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us SO far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From the Battle of the Bulge to the skies over
Kuwait, the USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have
needed. Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. Or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese jungle. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families, here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
boxer
in the Saudi desert wrote to/Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant William Thigpen
said: "It just meant so much to me (that you came), words can't
describe how much you have helped me
may the Lord truly bless
you because the Lord has blessed me through you. "
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
God Bless the USO. "
#
#
#
#
224103SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 MAR 28 P6: 05
3/27/91
4:00PM, THURS., MARCH 28
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
APRIL 5, 1991
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER, LOS ANGELES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
no later than 4:00PM, THURSDAY, MARCH 28.
Thank you.
RESPONSE: no comment
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 27, 1991 10 a.m.
91 MAR 27 AM 55
USO Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From the Battle of the Bulge to the skies over
Kuwait, the USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have
needed. Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. Or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese jungle. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant William Thigpen
said: "It just meant so much to me (that you came), words can't
describe how much you have helped me
may the Lord truly bless
you because the Lord has blessed me through you."
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
God Bless the USO."
#
#
#
#
224103SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 MAR 28 P4: 09
3/27/91
4:00PM, THURS., MARCH 28
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
APRIL 5, 1991
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER, LOS ANGELES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
Cicr
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
no later than 4:00PM, THURSDAY, MARCH 28.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 27, 1991 10 a.m.
91 MAR 27 AM 10: 55
USO Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From the Battle of the Bulge to the skies over
Kuwait, the USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have
needed. Something very simple. A touch of home.
9
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. Or a friendly stranger just to talk
to. or Bob Hope in a Vietnamese jungle. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son
The
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
1)
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
D
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant William Thigpen
said: "It just meant so much to me (that you came), words can't
describe how much you have helped me
may the Lord truly bless
you because the Lord has blessed me through you. "
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
God Bless the USO."
#
#
#
#
2257
224103SS
3030 A8: 42
Document No.
WHITE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
3/27/91
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00PM, THURS., MARCH 28
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
APRIL 5, 1991
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATER, LOS ANGELES
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
A
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
no later than 4:00PM, THURSDAY, MARCH 28.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
March 29, 1991
The NSC staff has reviewed and recommends the attached minor changes
to the draft Presidential speech.
BRENT Rates SCOWCROFT
CC: PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
RE CEIVED
91 MAR 27 P 3.49
I WVB 30 18:45
(Hinchliffe/Blymire)
March 27, 1991 10 a.m.
91 MAR 27 AM 10: 55
USO Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO
April 5, 1991
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles
You know, James Michener ends his war novel THE BRIDGES AT
TOKO-RI by asking: "Where did we get such men?" Well, I look out
at these thousands of faces -- veterans from WWII to the Persian
Gulf -- and all I can do is echo his admiration and pride: "Where
did we get such men and women?" The answer -- from the heart of
America. You are the heart of America.
That's what the USO has known all these years. That the men
and women serving for us so far away are the brothers and sisters
of our hearts. From the Battle of the Bulge to the skies over
Baghdad,
Kuwait the USO has known what homesick, weary warriors have
needed. Something very simple. A touch of home.
The most important thing the USO has done for 50 years is to
say to our troops, on behalf of America: hey, we miss you. We're
thinking about you. We care about you. You can't be home with
us, so we're sending a little bit of home to you. Maybe it's a
phone call to your folks. or a friendly stranger just to talk
an Asian
to. or Bob Hope in E Vietnamese jungle. But what we're really
giving you is a smile and a thought from your grateful country.
The USO sums up what's best about this nation. For the USO
is made up of volunteers -- there for the simplest, most loving
reason of all -- because they see a human need and want to help.
The USO is family -- the most important word in the American
2
vocabulary -- our country's family caring about and caring for
each member. And the USO is America -- showing the world the
optimism, decency, and good-hearted generosity that fills this
land from coast to coast.
When our troops went to the Gulf, the USO went with them.
It inspired those left behind to join in its spirit -- the proud,
yellow-ribbon spirit of thinking about every single son,
daughter, brother, sister, father, mother over there. Our heroes
of Desert Storm gave a country back its freedom. Together,
Americans have given a nation back its pride.
Even though today's USO is immense, my father would recognize
it as the same organization President Roosevelt asked him to help
start in 1941. Because for 50 years, the USO has proven you
don't have to wear a star to be a hero. Its volunteers have
lifted the spirits and ennobled the hearts of generations of
lonely kids abroad, and their lonely families here at home.
I thought I'd leave you with some words a homesick soldier
in the Saudi desert wrote to Tommy Hearns after he made a
celebrity USO tour a few months ago. Sergeant William Thigpen
said: "It just meant so much to me (that you came), words can't
describe how much you have helped me
may the Lord truly bless
you because the Lord has blessed me through you."
Taking some license with the words of Lee Greenwood, who's
made many USO tours: "There's pride in every American heart and
it's time we stand and say
...
God Bless the USO."
#
#
#
#