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VFW Convention 8/17/92 [OA 5811]
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VFW Convention 8/17/92 [OA 5811]
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13635
Folder ID Number:
13635-004
Folder Title:
VFW Convention 8/17/92 [OA
5811]
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G
26
18
4
1
George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Aug. 17
1449
c)(1), I hereby de-
Memorandum on Resumption of
sel, and Associate General Counsel at the
nt to the national
Foreign Air Cargo Service to
Department of Transportation, 1989-91;
00,000 be made
Lebanon
Special Counsel, Office of the Secretary of
hergency Refugee
August 17, 1992
Defense, Department of Defense, 1989; and
Fund (the Fund)
Associate Counsel to the President, 1986-89.
Presidential Determination No. 92-41
and urgent needs
Mr. McGrath began his career in public serv-
returnees. These
Memorandum for the Secretary of
ice as an attorney-advisor, Office of the Gen-
ed to the United
Transportation
eral Counsel, Department of the Treasury.
er for Refugees in
Mr. McGrath has also served as a Special
Subject: Resumption of Foreign Air Cargo
sist Angolan refu-
Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Of-
Service to Lebanon
fice, District of Columbia, 1981.
By virtue of the authority vested in me by
Mr. McGrath is a graduate of Duke Uni-
m the appropriate
section 1114(a) of the Federal Aviation Act
versity (B.A. with distinction in economics,
ess of this deter-
of 1958, as amended ("the Act") (49 U.S.C.
1975), the University of Nebraska College of
n of funds under
1514), I hereby determine that the prohibi-
Law (J.D., 1978), and the National War Col-
sh this memoran-
tion of all transportation services to Lebanon
lege (1985). He was born May 27, 1953, in
by Presidential Determination 85-14 of July
Chicago, IL, and was raised in Grand Island,
1, 1985, is hereby amended to permit the
NE. He is married, has one son, and resides
George Bush
outward carriage of cargo to Lebanon by for-
in Alexandria, VA.
eign carriers. All other prohibitions set forth
in Presidential Determination 85-14, includ-
ing the prohibition on U.S. air carriers flying
into Lebanon, remain in effect.
Remarks to the Veterans of Foreign
You are directed to bring this determina-
Wars National Convention in
rt-Import
tion immediately to the attention of all air
Indianapolis, Indiana
nia
carriers within the meaning of section 101(3)
August 17, 1992
of the Act (49 U.S.C. 1301(3)).
You are further directed to publish this de-
Thank you all so much. I'm proud to be
termination in the Federal Register.
back with you. This time I'll remember Pearl
92-40
George Bush
Harbor Day, too. [Laughter] May I salute
Bob Wallace and thank him for that warm
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register,
introduction; and salute Diane Wallace; say
'ary of State
10:38 a.m., August 20, 1992]
a special hello to a man who's doing a great
er Subsection
job for this State and for our country in the
Note: This memorandum was published in
port Bank Act of
Senate, Senator Dan Coats, and his lovely
the Federal Register on August 21.
wife, Marcia, over here who flew out with
1
us. I also want to salute our incoming chief,
2(b)(2)(D) of the
and I say "ours" because I am a member,
1945, as amend-
a courageous leader in his own right, Jack
>)], I determine
Appointment of C. Dean McGrath,
Carney. Just had the pleasure of meeting
erest for the Ex-
Jr., as Deputy Assistant to the
with Jack and Joanne and the president of
United States to
President and Deputy Staff Secretary
your ladies auxiliary who I also just met, Mary
redit, and partici-
August 17, 1992
Sears, and Mary's husband, Sam. You've got
dit in connection
a good first team.
The President today announced the ap-
There's two other true heroes I want to
of any product
pointment of C. Dean McGrath, Jr., as Dep-
for sale or lease
mention. If they haven't spoken, you're in
uty Assistant to the President and Deputy
for a treat. But General Jack Galvin is one
Staff Secretary.
of the greatest soldiers this country ever had.
Since 1991, Mr. McGrath has served as
He just finished up as head of our NATO
lirected to report
Counsel to the Director and General Coun-
forces and did a superb job. And of course,
Congress and to
sel of the Peace Corps of the United States.
next to him, or right down one from him,
(ister.
Previously, Mr. McGrath served as the Act-
you all know Senator McCain, who gave
George Bush
ing General Counsel, Deputy General Coun-
many years of his life fighting for his country,
1450
Aug. 17 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
spending several years in a prison camp, an
him. To put it real simple: We kicked a little
]
outstanding Member of the United States
Baghdad bully.
yea
Senate.
Now I have a special word for those who
Bob Wallace invited me here. He said your
served in Vietnam, and I know we have many
members wanted to hear from a leader with
here who did. That war was controversial.
clc
charisma and popularity, whose words are re-
Many refused to serve. The Government
urt
vered from coast to coast. Unfortunately,
didn't go all out to win. You were fighting
hal
Barbara wanted me to speak. But I'm de-
with one hand tied behind your back, and
it
lighted she's here with me.
still, you fought with courage and with valor.
do
Well, as you may know, I'm on my way
But your Nation, when that war ended,
of
to Houston to the Republican National Con-
never appropriately said thanks. Then 20
rifi
vention. When I saw the size of this crowd,
years later, America was called to fight again,
and
I thought about giving a dress rehearsal of
and this time we did what was needed to
in
that Houston speech, complete with a few
win. We fought quickly; we fought with pur-
afr:
partisan, political observations. But then I got
pose. And when the Desert Storm troops
to thinking about you guys. You don't need
came home, a wondrous thing happened.
pri
to hear a political speech. You've already sac-
America saluted, unanimously saluted, not
to
rificed enough for your country. [Laughter]
just those heroes but our forgotten heroes,
the
So instead, I'd like to talk a little bit about
the men and women who served in Vietnam.
We
where our Nation has been and where we're
The tribute was genuine. It was heartfelt, and
Joh
headed together.
it came from every corner of this Nation. And
itse
As we gather here today, the cold war is
so, let me say this: It was long overdue. God
duc
over. For more than 40 years, our GI Joes
bless those of you who served in that trou-
ber
and Janes hit the ground and sucked the dust
bled war.
I
in faraway places like North Africa and Nor-
As we all know, in every encounter, from
mil
mandy, Pork Chop Hill and la Drang Valley.
World War II to Desert Storm, for every one
the
Back then, we called you heroes. Today, we
of us on the front lines, there were other
du
call you winners. If anyone tells you that im-
Americans supporting us at home, fathers
boc
perial communism fell on its own, tell them
and mothers and sisters, brothers, neighbors,
get
that you helped punch it in the gut and sent
who said the prayers, sent the cookies, and
me
it tumbling back down the backstairs of his-
watched the mailbox. Over the years, to-
into
tory. Each of you who served, each of you,
gether we footed a bill of over $4 trillion to
[La
won the battle for humanity's heart and soul.
pay for all the tanks and ships and missiles.
our
What a group we've put forth, these sons
And so, let's not forget the unsung hero of
anc
and daughters of Paterson and Peoria. You
the cold war, the American taxpayer.
ing
who wrote, some of you, "Kilroy was here"
Why did we do it? Why did we make the
our
on the walls of the German stalags and left
sacrifice? If you ask me, we shed our blood
feel
signs in the Iraqi desert that said, "I saw
and spent our treasure because we believed
bat
Elvis"-[laughter]-and you who sang
enough in our American ideals to defend
]
"Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" on the
them. Today, those ideals, your ideals, are
as 1
roads outside London and listened to the
triumphant around the entire globe. In Ger-
the
Beatles with Chris Noel and Adrian
many, a wall has fallen. In Moscow, citizens
like
Cronauer in Saigon.
troop to the polls. Think about this: In just
in
Goering, Hermann Goering, thought the
the past 4 years, more people have taken the
mu
American fighting forces were a pushover.
first breath of freedom than in any time in
I m
We showed him. Kim Il Sung in Korea
all of human history. You made history, and
star
thought he could take us. Wrong again. And
you should be proud of that. This is some-
T
Saddam Hussein miscalculated. He thought
thing major and important.
eve
we'd grown soft over the years. He didn't
But there is a method to our unselfishness.
We
think we'd commit our Armed Forces. He
Calvin Coolidge defined patriotism as "stand-
/ar
misread the will of the American people, and
ing up for yourself by standing up for your
to
he didn't believe we would do what it would
country." We fought so our children don't
rec
take to win. But our men and women showed
have to fight.
coll
1452
Aug. 17 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
title that really means "Potomac pitbull for
John's or like many of yours. But after my
veterans' rights." [Laughter] If anyone tries
plane was shot down on September 2, 1944,
to forget the vet, Bob and I are going to be
at 0732-I can't remember Pearl Harbor
there to clamp down on their arm.
Day, but I can sure remember September
Now, jobs is one priority; health care, an-
2d. [Laughter] But look, I remember floating
other. Our health care system is broken
around in the Pacific. Off in the distance I
today, and we all know it. Costs are rising
could see this Japanese-held island of Chichi
too fast. Too many people can't get coverage.
Jima in the Bonin Islands. I remember wor-
Some say it's time to throw up our arms and
rying about whether anyone in my squadron
let the Government take it over. Well, I have
would find me. Then I remember thinking:
a different plan, a way to get at the real
What if the other side does?
causes of skyrocketing costs, like faulty insur-
By the grace of God, along came a sub-
ance programs, piles of paperwork, and way
marine, U.S., and by the grace of God, my
too many frivolous lawsuits. We're suing each
family never had to face the agony of a late-
a
other too much instead of caring for each
night phone call or a knock on that door.
other enough in this country.
But to those who do wait for the calls or
But let me make a commitment to you this
knocks to bring news of loved ones, let me
e
morning. I am proud of what we have accom-
simply say, we will never forget you.
plished together to strengthen our veterans
The search for answers about POW-MIA's
health care system, proud of the specialized
T
health care centers that we've created and
is a question of justice, of oaths sworn and
is
the new outpatient clinics. I am proud of our
commitments kept. For 241 families, the un-
b
new registry to track Persian Gulf veterans
certainty has already ended. I salute General
a{
and, most especially, of the billion dollars
Vessey, and I salute those in the Senate and
th
those in the White House who have worked
more every year we've invested in your
ch
health care. Every inch of the way we have
to this end. But there are still more answers
A1
had sound advice from Bob Wallace and
to find. Without further progress, my admin-
et
Larry Rivers and so many others with the
istration will not move forward with Hanoi.
VFW. But let me be very clear on a key point
We will not rest until we have received the
fullest possible accounting of every POW-
VI
here. While we must change our health care
system, we will not change our commitment
MIA.
5
to the integrity of veterans health care.
In preparing for this visit today, I ran
Ea
A couple weeks ago, I announced a new
across a quote from Daniel Bennis, a dis-
you
White House advisory panel, which will in-
abled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
clude a representative of the VFW. I want
Bennis was asked why he went to war in the
to make sure that when it comes to making
first place. He said, "I fought for the right
health care changes, the veteran's voice
to see my country in the splendor of all sea-
No
comes through loud and clear. If Congress
sons." I fought for the right to see my country
the
sends me legislation to dismantle the VA sys-
in the splendor of all seasons.
ma
tem, I will whip out that veto pen and knock
Well, Dan, America is a country of all sea-
con
down that Scud missile headed right for the
sons. But to me, America is a Nation where
Dia
well-being of every family represented here.
one season dominates, the season of spring.
mar
If anyone again suggests taxing your benefits,
Today, as we listen to all the talk of pes-
Ma
I'll say what I've said many times before,
simism and lost potential, we may think that
auxi
"Keep your hands off the veterans."
the cold winds of winter are blowing. But
Chr
Now, there's one more promise I'll make
I sense a different wind, the American wind,
com
to you. It concerns those who are not with
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth.
Adr
us today, the ones that John McCain knows
In our workplaces, our economy is being
For
so much about from his own life experience.
reborn as our companies retool for the new
Lari
I'm talking about the POW's and the MIA's.
competition. In our schools, our students are
ingto
As Bob mentioned, I did have my own ex-
being reborn as, for the first time in a cen-
Vess
perience with combat, nothing quite like
tury, we change the very way we learn. In
issar
George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Aug. 17
1451
We kicked a little
Remember that awful movie of several
this political year, some will want to go fur-
years ago-some of you may well remember
ther, a lot further. One plan offers to cut
ord for those who
t; Barbara and I do-"The Day After"? It
four times more than what our experts say
IOW we have many
brought the horror of the aftermath of a nu-
is responsible.
was controversial.
clear explosion home to a small Kansas sub-
Let me say this. In the sands of Kuwait,
The Government
urb. People gathered in churches and lecture
our sons and daughters showed that courage
You were fighting
halls to watch it in fear together. Some called
is hereditary, but courage will be of no use
d your back, and
it a documentary of the future. Today, it
if fighter planes can only be found in muse-
ge and with valor.
doesn't even belong in the science fiction bin
ums and our ships are all in mothballs. When
that war ended,
of movie rental stores. Because of your sac-
it comes to defending our country, my loyalty
thanks. Then 20
rifice, the nuclear nightmare has receded,
lies not with the Gallup polls but with our
lled to fight again,
and our kids and our grandkids now sleep
young people who must gallop in the way
it was needed to
in the sweet sunshine of peace, no longer
of danger. We simply must never go back
e fought with pur-
afraid of nuclear war. You helped do that.
to the hollow army of the late seventies. I
ert Storm troops
So this is the progress in which we take
stand with the marines, the soldiers, the sail-
thing happened.
pride. It's the progress that you've brought
ors, the airmen, the guardsmen. We can
usly saluted, not
to the world and to our children. And yet,
never ask these men and women to stand
forgotten heroes,
the question today is: What do we do next?
in harm's way and then tie one arm behind
erved in Vietnam.
We can start by remembering something
their back. As long as I am Commander in
was heartfelt, and
John Kennedy once said: "A nation reveals
Chief, I will stand for our Armed Forces, and
this Nation. And
itself not only by the men and women it pro-
I will keep the United States of America
ong overdue. God
duces, but by the men and women it remem-
strong, so I can tell the American people our
ved in that trou-
bers."
national security is second to none.
I understand right in here what makes
We owe you more than a strong America
encounter, from
military service so special. Military service is
abroad. We owe you a strong America at
rm, for every one
the great leveler. My own Navy squadron in-
home, an America that lives up to the dream
there were other
cluded farm boys and city hustlers, athletes,
that you defended, where you can get work,
at home, fathers
bookworms, preacher's kids, Army brats. To-
and protect your family's well-being. Just as
others, neighbors,
gether we experienced the tingling excite-
you can't build a home without a hammer,
the cookies, and
ment of that sport of kings when I first went
you can't build a dream without a job. Some
er the years, to-
into the service, picking up cigarette butts.
say the way to create jobs is with more taxes;
over $4 trillion to
[Laughter] Now, later we felt the knots in
I disagree. I have a plan to cut Government
iips and missiles.
our stomach from our first carrier landing
spending and use incentives to get this econ-
unsung hero of
and the heaviness in our hearts from spend-
omy moving again. So far, being very candid,
axpayer.
ing our first Hanukkah or Christmas without
that plan is blocked by the Congress. But
did we make the
our loved ones and the horrible, sickening
this fall, with your help, I intend to change
'e shed our blood
feeling of watching our buddies go down in
all of that.
ause we believed
battle, never to return.
I have a special concern for those who are
ideals to defend
These memories are etched in my mind,
caught in the transition of our economy, for
your ideals, are
as they are etched in yours. No matter that
example, veterans who once worked the tur-
re globe. In Ger-
the cold war is over, no matter how places
rets of a tank and are now getting used to
Moscow, citizens
like Guadalcanal and Hamburger Hill recede
the keyboards of a high-tech economy. So
out this: In just
in our memory, our Nation can never and
I have advanced a national strategy to retrain
le have taken the
must never forget. As long as I am President,
our workers, especially those in the defense-
n in any time in
I make this solemn promise: We will always
related industries. I have asked our leader,
ade history, and
stand by those who stood up for America.
Bob Wallace, to come to Washington and
it. This is some-
That means keeping in mind a lesson that
help lead that job training effort in the veter-
every soldier and sailor knows in his heart:
ans community. I'm asking the Senate to con-
ur unselfishness,
Weakness tempts aggression. With the cold
firm Bob as Assistant Secretary of Labor for
-iotism as "stand-
Mar over, I have put forth a responsible plan
Veterans' Employment and Training. And he
ding up for your
to cut defense spending, cut it to the level
will do a first-class job.
ir children don't
recommended by General Galvin's former
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans'
colleagues, our true military experts. But in
Employment and Training, that's just a fancy
1452
Aug. 17 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
title that really means "Potomac pitbull for
John's or like many of yours. But after my
veterans' rights." [Laughter] If anyone tries
plane was shot down on September 2, 1944,
to forget the vet, Bob and I are going to be
at 0732-I can't remember Pearl Harbor
there to clamp down on their arm.
Day, but I can sure remember September
Now, jobs is one priority; health care, an-
2d. [Laughter] But look, I remember floating
other. Our health care system is broken
around in the Pacific. Off in the distance I
today, and we all know it. Costs are rising
could see this Japanese-held island of Chichi
too fast. Too many people can't get coverage.
Jima in the Bonin Islands. I remember wor-
Some say it's time to throw up our arms and
rying about whether anyone in my squadron
let the Government take it over. Well, I have
would find me. Then I remember thinking:
a different plan, a way to get at the real
What if the other side does?
causes of skyrocketing costs, like faulty insur-
ance programs, piles of paperwork, and way
By the grace of God, along came a sub-
too many frivolous lawsuits. We're suing each
marine, U.S., and by the grace of God, my
other too much instead of caring for each
family never had to face the agony of a late-
other enough in this country.
night phone call or a knock on that door.
But to those who do wait for the calls or
But let me make a commitment to you this
knocks to bring news of loved ones, let me
morning. I am proud of what we have accom-
simply say, we will never forget you.
plished together to strengthen our veterans
health care system, proud of the specialized
The search for answers about POW-MIA's
health care centers that we've created and
is a question of justice, of oaths sworn and
the new outpatient clinics. I am proud of our
commitments kept. For 241 families, the un-
new registry to track Persian Gulf veterans
certainty has already ended. I salute General
and, most especially, of the billion dollars
Vessey, and I salute those in the Senate and
more every year we've invested in your
those in the White House who have worked
health care. Every inch of the way we have
to this end. But there are still more answers
had sound advice from Bob Wallace and
to find. Without further progress, my admin-
Larry Rivers and so many others with the
istration will not move forward with Hanoi.
VFW. But let me be very clear on a key point
We will not rest until we have received the
here. While we must change our health care
fullest possible accounting of every POW-
system, we will not change our commitment
MIA.
to the integrity of veterans health care.
In preparing for this visit today, I ran
A couple weeks ago, I announced a new
across a quote from Daniel Bennis, a dis-
White House advisory panel, which will in-
abled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
clude a representative of the VFW. I want
Bennis was asked why he went to war in the
to make sure that when it comes to making
first place. He said, "I fought for the right
health care changes, the veteran's voice
to see my country in the splendor of all sea-
comes through loud and clear. If Congress
sons." I fought for the right to see my country
sends me legislation to dismantle the VA sys-
in the splendor of all seasons.
tem, I will whip out that veto pen and knock
Well, Dan, America is a country of all sea-
down that Scud missile headed right for the
sons. But to me, America is a Nation where
well-being of every family represented here.
one season dominates, the season of spring.
If anyone again suggests taxing your benefits,
Today, as we listen to all the talk of pes-
I'll say what I've said many times before,
simism and lost potential, we may think that
"Keep your hands off the veterans."
the cold winds of winter are blowing. But
Now, there's one more promise I'll make
I sense a different wind, the American wind,
to you. It concerns those who are not with
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth.
us today, the ones that John McCain knows
In our workplaces, our economy is being
so much about from his own life experience.
reborn as our companies retool for the new
I'm talking about the POW's and the MIA's.
competition. In our schools, our students are
As Bob mentioned, I did have my own ex-
being reborn as, for the first time in a cen-
perience with combat, nothing quite like
tury, we change the very way we learn. In
George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Aug. 17
1453
urs. But after my
our homes, our families are being reborn as
Remarks at the Bush-Quayle
eptember 2, 1944,
we turn back to our moral foundations.
Welcoming Rally at the Republican
er Pearl Harbor
Some ridicule me. Some ridicule us when
National Convention in Houston,
ember September
Texas
we talk about family values. But it's the fam-
remember floating
ily that teaches us right from wrong, teaches
August 17, 1992
in the distance I
Id island of Chichi
us discipline, respect for the law. As every
The President. Thank you all very much.
vet knows, it's family that wiped the tears
What a wonderful welcome home.
I remember wor-
away when we cry. Strengthening the family
le in my squadron
is not something we ought to do; it is some-
Audience members. Four more years!
member thinking:
thing we have to do.
Four more years! Four more years!
?
Jong came a sub-
Now, some take a look at all we must do
The President. You got it.
grace of God, my
as a Nation and say, "Look, our challenges
Audience members. Four more years!
e agony of a late-
are too big, too daunting." I would remind
Four more years! Four more years!
bck on that door.
them that America is still the only place
The President. Thank you all very much.
it for the calls or
where miracles not only happen, they happen
Thank you so much. Let me just thank a cou-
oved ones, let me
every day.
ple of people at the beginning. First, let me
rget you.
This is the Nation that toppled the wall.
thank Craig Fuller, who's done a great job
.bout POW-MIA's
This is the Nation that won the war. This
as our convention chairman; Rich Bond, our
{ oaths sworn and
is the Nation that produced you. None have
national chairman; Jeanie Austin, our co-
1 families, the un-
been braver or sturdier. Through your cour-
chairman. And let me say this: What a won-
d. I salute General
age, your valor, your sacrifice, you changed
derful welcome home. It is sure great to be
in the Senate and
the course of human history. We have
back here in Texas, home again.
who have worked
changed the world, and now we will change
May I thank Ray Childress and Warren
still more answers
America because America is the land of the
Moon, great heroes right here, and deserv-
rogress, my admin-
eternal spring.
edly so, in Houston, for being with us; and
ward with Hanoi.
of course, another friend who entertained us,
have received the
Thank you very much. May God bless the
and at least I got here in time to hear him,
g of every POW-
VFW, and most of all, may God bless the
a great American and a great singer, Randy
greatest, freest country on the face of the
Travis. By golly, he was first-class.
visit today, I ran
Earth, the United States of America. Thank
iel Bennis, a dis-
you very, very much.
I'm leaving out a lot of people, but one
other person, my partner in a great adven-
1, Minnesota. Dan
ture, with me every step of the way, from
went to war in the
west Texas to the White House, Barbara
bught for the right
Bush.
splendor of all sea-
Note: The President spoke at 11:02 a.m. at
: to see my country
the Indiana Convention Center. In his re-
Let me thank our great Governor, Carroll
ns.
marks, he referred to Robert E. Wallace,
Campbell, who's given this Nation so much
country of all sea-
commander in chief, VFW, and his wife,
leadership as Governor of the State of South
is a Nation where
Diane; John M. Carney, senior vice com-
Carolina, and a special word, a special word
3 season of spring.
mander in chief, VFW, and his wife, Joanne;
about two very special friends of ours, Dan
d the talk of pes-
Mary Sears, national president of the ladies
and Marilyn Quayle, the Vice President of
auxiliary of the VFW, and her husband, Sam;
the United States.
we may think that
are blowing. But
Chris Noel, entertainer and recipient of the
Four years ago, Dan Quayle and I teamed
ne American wind,
commander in chief's Gold Medal of Merit;
up. I told him then, speaking from some per-
1 and rebirth.
Adrian Cronauer, disc jockey with the Armed
sonal experience, that the job of Vice Presi-
economy is being
Forces Network during the Vietnam war;
dent was a real character-builder. [Laughter]
retool for the new
Larry W. Rivers, executive director, Wash-
And I was not exaggerating. But look, this
is, our students are
ington, DC office, VFW; and Gen. John W.
guy stood there, and in the face of those un-
first time in a cen-
Vessey, U.S.A., ret., Special Presidential Em-
fair critics he has never wavered. He has
way we learn. In
issary to Hanoi for POW-MIA Affairs.
never wavered. He simply told the truth, and
Document No. 344756ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
8/14/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
---
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS CONVENTION
SUBJECT:
MONDAY, 8/17/92 - 11:00 a.m.
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
PROVOST
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
GAUGHAN
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
C2 AUG14 P4: 27
August 14, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
STEVE PROVOST
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED REMARKS TO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
I. SUMMARY
On Monday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m., you will deliver remarks
to an audience of 10,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
at their 93rd annual convention in the Indianapolis Convention
Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
II. DISCUSSION
Your remarks (approximately 14 minutes/teleprompter), praise
veterans for winning the Cold War, pledge your support for
Veterans' programs and remind the audience that you are the
candidate who served his country. VFW leaders specifically
requested that this not be a partisan address. The campaign
asked that we stick to Veteran's issues and refrain from
discussion of broader foreign policy and domestic themes.
Provost/Bunton
Presidential Remarks:
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Monday, August 17, 1992
11 a.m.
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I also want to salute your incoming chief -- a courageous
leader in his own right -- Jack Carney. And the President of
your ladies auxiliary -- Mary Sears.
When Bob invited me here -- he said your members wanted to
hear from a leader with charisma and popularity -- whose words
are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately, Barbara wanted
me to speak instead. //
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. When I saw the size of this
crowd, I thought about giving a dress rehearsal of my Houston
speech -- complete with a few partisan, political "observations".
But then I got to thinking -- you don't need to hear a political
speech -- you've already sacrificed enough for our country. //
So instead, I'd like to talk a little bit about where our nation
has been, and where we are headed together.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. For more
than forty years, our GI Joes and Janes hit the ground and sucked
the dust in faraway places like North Africa, Normandy, Pork Chop
Hill, and Ia Drang (Ee-Drang) Valley. Back then, we called you
"heroes." Today -- we call you "winners." If anyone tells you
that imperial communism fell on its own, tell them you helped
2
punch it in the gut, and sent it tumbling down the back stairs of
history. You won the battle for humanity's heart and soul. //
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Paterson and Peoria. You who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on the
walls of German Stalags -- and "Elvis Lives" on Iraqi tanks. You
who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" on the roads outside
London, and listened to the Beatles with Adrian Cronauer (Cron-
now-er) in Siagon.
Goerring thought the American fighting forces were a
pushover -- we showed him. Kim Il Sung in Korea thought he could
take us -- wrong again. Saddam Hussein thought we'd grown soft
over the years, but we kicked a little Baghdad (slight pause)
bully. //
And as we all know, for every one of us on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting us at home. Fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- said the prayers, baked
the cookies, and watched the mailbox. And over the years,
together we footed a bill of over $4 trillion dollars to pay for
all the tanks and ships and missiles. So let's not forget the
unsung hero of the Cold War: the American taxpayer. //
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spent our treasure
because we believed enough in our American ideals to defend them.
Today -- those ideals -- your ideals -- are triumphant around the
globe. In Germany, a wall has fallen. In Moscow -- citizens
troop to the polls. Think about this -- in just the past four
3
years -- more people have taken the first breath of freedom than
in any period in all of human history. You made history -- and
you should be proud of that. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Calvin Coolidge
defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by standing up
for your country." We fought so our children don't have to
fight. Remember that awful movie of a few years ago -- "The Day
After?" When it came out -- some called it a documentary of the
future. Today, it doesn't even belong in the science fiction bin
of movie rental stores. Because of your sacrifice, the nuclear
nightmare has receded. Our kids and our grandkids now sleep in
the sweet sunshine of peace. //
So this is the progress that you have brought to the world
and to our children. And yet the question today is: "what do we
do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy once
said: "a nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it
produces, but by the men and women it remembers." I understand
right in here (touch heart), what makes military service so
special. Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy
squadron included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and
bookworms, preacher's kids and Army brats.
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. // We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without our
4
loved ones, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching our
buddies go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in our minds. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our memory -- our nation can never and
must never forget. As long as I am President I make this solemn
promise -- we will always stand by these who stood up for our
America. //
That means keeping in mind a lesson that every soldier and
sailor knows in his heart -- weakness tempts aggression.
With the Cold War over, I have put forth a responsible plan
to cut defense spending -- to the level recommended by our
military experts. But in this political year, some will want to
go further -- a lot further.
One plan offers to cut four times more than what our experts
say is responsible. Let me say this. In the sands of Kuwait,
our sons and daughters showed that courage is hereditary -- but
courage will be of no use if fighter planes can only be found in
museums and our ships are all in mothballs. When it comes to
defending our country, my loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls,
but with our young people who must gallop in the way of danger.
I stand with the Marines, the soldiers, the sailors, the airmen,
the guardsmen. We can never ask these men and women to stand in
harm's way, then tie one arm behind their back. As long as I am
Commander in Chief, I will stand for our Armed forces, I will
keep America strong. //
5
We owe you more than a strong America abroad, we owe you a
strong America at home -- an America that lives up to the dream
that you defended -- where you can get work, and protect your
well-being.
Just as you can't build a home without a hammer, you can't
build a dream without a job. Some say the way to create jobs is
with more taxes, but I disagree. I have a plan to cut government
spending and use incentives to get this economy moving again.
I have a special concern for those who are caught in the
transition of our economy -- for example, those Veterans who once
gripped the turrets of a tank -- and are now getting used to the
keyboards of a high-tech economy.
And so I have advanced a national strategy to re-train our
workers -- especially those in defense-related industries. And I
have asked your leader -- Bob Wallace -- to come to Washington
and help lead the job training effort in the Veteran's community.
I'm asking the Senate to confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of
Labor for Veteran's Employment and Training." That's just a
fancy title that means -- "Potomac Pitbull for Veteran's Rights."
If anyone tries to forget the Vet -- Bob and I will be there to
clamp down on their arm.
Jobs is one priority, health care another.
Our health care system is broken today, we all know it.
Costs are rising too fast; too many people can't get coverage.
Some say it's time to throw up our arms and let the
government take over. I have a different plan -- a way to get at
6
the real causes of skyrocketing costs -- like faulty insurance
programs, piles of paperwork, and way too many frivolous
lawsuits.
But let me make a commitment to you this morning.
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to
strengthen our Veteran's health care system. Proud of the
specialized health care centers we have created, and the new
outpatient clinics. I am proud of our new Registry to track
Persian Gulf Veterans, and most especially, of the billion
dollars more every year we have invested in your health care. /
But let me be clear -- while we must change our health care
system, we will not change our commitment to the integrity of
Veteran's health care.
A couple weeks ago, I announced a new White House advisory
panel, including a representative of the VFW. I want to make
sure that when it comes to making health care changes, the
Veterans voice comes through loud and clear. //
If Congress sends me legislation to dismantle the VA system,
I will whip out my veto pen and knock down that SCUD missile
headed right for your well-being. //
If you ask how many VA hospitals we'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one. // And if anyone again
suggests taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many
times before -- "keep your hands off the Vets!"
There is one more pledge I will make to you. It concerns
those who are not with us today -- the POW/MIA's.
7
As Bob mentioned, I did have my own experience with combat.
When I was waiting in the Pacific that day, I remember worrying
about whether anyone in my squadron would find me. And then I
remember thinking -- what if the other side does?
By the grace of God, my family never had to face the agony
of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But to those
who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of loved ones,
let me say: we will never forget you.
The search for answers about POW-MIA's is a question of
justice, of oaths sworn, and commitments kept. For 241 families,
the uncertainty has already ended. But there are still more
answers to find. Without further progress, we will not move
forward with Hanoi. We will not rest until we have received the
fullest possible accounting of every POW-MIA. //
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a quote from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war in the first place. He said
-- "I fought for the right to see my country in the splendor of
all seasons."
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind --
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies re-tool for new
8
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn as
for the first time in a century, we change the very way they
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn as we turn
back to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
challenges are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- and
none have been sturdier or braver. Through your courage, your
valor, your sacrifice, you changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
# # #
Steve P. -
Re our discussion of VFW, I suggest something like this:
They say: We're better off defenseless. I say:
Remember the lessons of Desert Storm. Remember the Patriot
missile. When the Scuds came raining down, thank God we didn't
have to rely on some abstract theory of deterrence. Thank God we
had the technology to shoot those Scuds out of the sky.
We will not leave America defenseless against nuclear
attack. We will push forward with SDI.
I'll tell you now: We'll get a fight on this one. Liberal
Democrats in the Senate have staked out their position, and it's
the familiar one, on the far left of the party. You know the
crowd I'm talking about: the ones who opposed every weapon we
needed to win the Cold War and wage Desert Storm. And now they
want to gut SDI. //
As President, I owe it to the American people to explore
every means to provide for the common defense. As Commander in
Chief, I owe it to our troops to keep them safe. So let me send
a message to the Congress right here and now. If the liberal
Democrats send me a so-called defense bill that guts SDI --- I'll
send that bill right back. As long as I am President of the
United States, I will not let the Democrats in Congress endanger
our national security. //
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WK
Clase-
\
92 AUG 14 P12: 30
discussion Hs per our
banks-
Alaci
William Kristol
08/14/92 09:48
4 001
UNCLASSIFIED
FAX TRANSMITTAL SHEET
THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ASIAN AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE
OEOB, ROOM 493
92 AUG 14 All: 08
FROM:
LORNE CRANER
PHONE:
5054
FAX:
TO
PHONE
FAX
DAN McGROARTY
6218
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING TRANSMITTAL SHEET:
2
REMARKS: Don. - Nothing here that's original -
all drawn from P residents
July 24 spuch - but will it has
punch per a would that
want to hear it - nuc
UNCLASSIFIED
08/14/92 09:49
002
6218
FOR: Steve Provost
FROM: LORRIN CRANER, NSC
ASIANAFFS.
RE: Pow /MIA IN VFW.
The POW/MIA issue is a question of justice, of oaths sworn, of
commitments kept. It is the test of our nation's worth measured
in the life of one, lone individual. We will treat each and
every report as the breakthrough that just might end the ordeal
of an American family.
Our efforts have begun to pay off. For 241 families, the
uncertainty has ended. Our new office in Hanoi is conducting an
unprecedented level of joint investigations. But we haven't seen
the results we want, and I will never accept investigations as a
substitute for results. So let me be very clear: without further
positive movement on POWS and MIAS, we cannot and will not move
forward with Hanoi. With hope as our guide, we will not rest
until we have the fullest possible accounting of our POWS and
MIAs.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET
DATE
8/13/92
TO
Christina
FAX NUMBER 6218
OFFICE NUMBER
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER
FYF
FROM
ELiZ MUIR
COMMENTS
OFFICE NUMBER 2705
92 AUG 14 A9: 54
TRANSMISSION REPORT
THIS DOCUMENT (REDUCED SAMPLE ABOVE)
WAS SENT
** COUNT **
# 11
*** SEND ***
NO
REMOTE STATION I.D.
START TIME
DURATION
#PAGES
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1
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18:33
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11
XEROX TELECOPIER 7020
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 13, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR DAN McGROARTY
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: VFW Convention
We have reviewed the attached remarks and have noted a few
suggested changes on the draft.
Please let us know if you have any questions or if we may
help in any other way.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
Document No. 34475655
JMH
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
-BA
8/12/92
3:00 P.M. THURS. 8/:
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VFW CONVENTION
SUBJECT:
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
PROVOST
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
MCGROARTY
HOLIDAY
GAUGHAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm
122, Ext. 2930 NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. THURSDAY, AUGUST 13,
with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Provost/Bunton
2 AUG 12 P5: 38
Presidential Remarks
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I was so impressed with that introduction, that I've asked
Bob to serve beside me in Washington. I'm asking the Senate to
confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran's
Employment and Training" -- which is a fancy title that means:
"Potomac Pitbull for Veterans Rights. "// I also want to salute
your incoming chief -- a courageous leader in his own right --
Jack Carney. And the President of your ladies auxiliary --
Mary Sears.
When Bob and Jack invited me -- they said your members
wanted to hear from a leader with charisma and popularity --
whose words are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately,
HAD A PREVIOUS COMMITMENTO
Barbara said she didn want to talk.9 7 So I have to get up here
instead?
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. (I might bring Joel Antes along
with me, and see if he can give me a few speaking tips.) When I
saw the size of this crowd this morning, I thought about giving a
dress rehearsal of my Houston speech. complete with political
jibes and biting insults. But then I got to thinking you ve
already sacrificed enough for your country H So I'll spare you
2
a partisan speech this morning. Instead, I'd like to talk a
little bit about where we are going as a nation.
As we gather here today the Cold War is over. By the
grace of God, we won. For more than forty years our GI Joes and
Janes hit the ground and sucked the dust in faraway places like
Normandy, Khe San, Pork Chop Hill, and Inchon. Back then, we
you ARE
called you "heroes." Today -- we can call you "winners." If
anyone suggests that communism fell on its own, tell them you
helped knee it in the back, and kick it down the stairs. You won
the battle for humanity's heart and soul. //
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Patterson and Peoria. The ones who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on
the walls of German Stalags -- and scrawled "Elvis Lives" on
Iraqui tanks. The ones who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple
Tree," on the roads outside London, and rocked out to the Beatles
while listening to Adrian Cronauer in Siagon.
Goerring thought we were candy canes -- we showed him. Kim
Il Sung in Korea thought he could take us -- wrong again. Old
Sadam thought we'd grown soft over the years, but we kicked a
little Baghdad (slight pause) bully. //
And keep in mind, for every one of you on, the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting you at home -- fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- who footed a bill of
over $4 trillion dollars so that others may do more than simply
yearn to breathe free. Let's not forget the unsung hero of the
Cold War: the American taxpayer. //
3
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spared our dollars
because we believe enough in our American ideals to share them.
Today America's triumph is reflected everywhere -- in events
THE
momentous and mundane. In Germany, wall has fallen and in
Moscow -- citizens troop to the polls. In France, kids don't
have to fly anymore to meet Mickey and Goofey, and in Malaysia
you can get a special stamp honoring that rock-solid symbol of
American virtue -- Fred Flinstone.
If promoting American ideals and ideas sounds unselfish --
well, I guess it is. And if it sounds even a bit arrogant, I
say, "tell me whose way of life is better?" And if some say it
is corny -- nothing more than pure, patriotism, hey -- I plead
guilty. Because in my book -- no one ever got sick from too many
hot dogs and apple pies. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. old I Calvin
Coolidge defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by
standing up for your country." We fought so our children don't
have to fight. We withstood showers of mortar, so that our kids
and grandkids can live in the sunshine of peace.
A couple years ago -- about the time of Desert Storm -- I
received a poem from Mrs. P.J. Jackson of Kirbyville, Texas. She
proudly described herself as and I quote -- "a vet, the wife of a
vet, and the mother of a vet" -- (you can bet that there are no
unmade beds in the Jackson household.) P.J.'s poem had a special
message for those who would allow desecration of our flag. (As
4
you know, this has always been a special concern of mine. I
always liked the approach taken by a Vet in Queens one Memorial
Day a couple years ago. He had a t-shirt with a flag on it. The
t-shirt read: "let's see you try to burn this one."//)
P.J. Jackson's poem made a similar point, a little more
subtlely. (take letter) She wrote: "I pray that they' 11 see for
this peaceful sleep, the credit to Old Glory they owe, a sleep
undisturbed from exploding bombs, or having to hide from the
foe."
Well, P.J., I wish you could be here with the men and women
P.J.
of the VFW. Because you stood up for Old Glory -- because many
of our friends fell for Old Glory -- our children today fear no
foe, they can sleep undisturbed from the threat of nuclear
missiles -- and dream the sweet dreams of peace. //
So this is the progress we have brought to the world, and
REMAINS
for our children. And yet the question is: "what do we do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy said: "a
nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces,
but by the men and women it remembers." I understand right in
here (touch heart), what makes military service so special.
Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy squadron
included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and bookworms,
preacher's kids and Army brats.
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
5
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without
family, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching our
friends go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in my mind. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our consciousness -- our nation can
never and must never forget. As long as I am Commander in Chief
I make this solemn promise -- we will always stand by those who
stood up for our America. / /
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to repay
our debt to Veterans. Proud of the specialized health care
centers we have created, the new outpatient clinics, and the
billion dollars more we have invested in Veterans health care
every year. But there is still more to do.
STET
We must change our health care system in this nation, and we
will. But let me be clear -- we will not change our commitment
to the integrity of Veterans health care. If Congress sends me
legislation to dismantle the VA system, I will whip out my veto
pen and knock down that SCUD missile headed right for your
wellbeing. / /
If you ask how many VA hospitals I'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one.// And if anyone again suggests
taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many times before
-- "keep your hands off the Vets!"
One more thing. From my own experience, I know firsthand
what it means to know that America will never abandon its
6
fighting men, whatever their fate. My family never had to face
the agony of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But
to those who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of
loved ones, let me say: we will never forget you.
I am pleased that the League of Families recently reaffirmed
their support for my administration's efforts. But though
dramatic progress has been made, all are not accounted for. I
will fight to make sure that every American stands with you,
until the fate of every POW and MIA is known. / /
But just as we must never forget the sacrifices you have
made, we must not forget why so many wars have been fought --
because weakness tempts aggression.
Let's
not
kid
ourselves.
Although the Soviet Bear is
extinct, there are still plenty of wolves in the woods. In the
sands of Kuwait our sons and daughters showed that courage is
hereditary -- but courage will be of no use, if fighter planes
can only be found in museums and our ships are all in mothballs.
I have put forth responsible cuts in national defense, but I
will go no further. When it comes to defending our country, my
loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls, but with our young people
who must gallop in the way of danger. As long as I am President,
I will not allow a madman to get his finger on the nuclear
trigger. // As long as I am Commander in Chief, I will keep
America strong. //
This is what it is all about -- a strong America -- but our
strength is measured not just by the power of our missiles, but
7
by the power of our minds. Not just by our ability to win wars,
but our children's ability to earn decent wages.
And if you'll excuse one political observation, I am on my
way to Houston to accept my party's nomination for President,
because I believe that now that we have changed the world, we can
change America.
I am not afraid of the new world before us, I believe it
offers unprecedented opportunity if we have a plan of action.
In the war with Iraq, the world marveled at the capabilities
of our Patriot Missiles. And yet, by the turn of the century, I
want the whole world to marvel at our leadership in
supercomputers, and biotechnology, and material sciences -- new
industries that will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs
for our kids and their kids. I have the plan to keep America
working. //
In Barcelona this month, I was proud of our athletes'
domination on the basketball court and the swimming pool. And
yet by the end of this decade, don't you want to see our kids
lead the way in trigonometry and biology? I have a plan to make
our schools number one. / /
We should be flattered to see ideas like personal
responsibility and respect for work take hold in Moscow and
Potsdam. And yet, I want to see those moral values restored in
our own suburbs and cities. I have a plan to restore America's
moral fiber.
9
AS
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn we turn back
to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
problems are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- the
men and women who through your courage, your valor, your
sacrifice, changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
8-13-92
NOTICE:
Enclosed are comments from staff members of the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). Such comments do not necessarily
represent the official position of the Director of OMB or of the
Office of Management and Budget. If you wish to have the
Director's personal comments, please let me know -- and contact
me if you have any questions.
James C. Murr
Associate Director for
Legislative Reference
and Administration
Document No. 34475655
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/12/92
3:00 P.M. THURS. 8/13
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VFW CONVENTION
SUBJECT:
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
PROVOST
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
GAUGHAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm
122, Ext. 2930 NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. THURSDAY, AUGUST 13,
with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Su comments
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
R. Grady may respond
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
at a later time
Provost/Bunton
.2 AUG 12 P5: 38
Presidential Remarks
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I was so impressed with that introduction, that I've asked
Bob to serve beside me in Washington. I'm asking the Senate to
confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran's
Employment and Training" -- which is a fancy title that means:
"Potomac Pitbull for Veterans Rights." // I also want to salute
your incoming chief -- a courageous leader in his own right --
Jack Carney. And the President of your ladies auxiliary --
Mary Sears.
When Bob and Jack invited me -- they said your members
wanted to hear from a leader with charisma and popularity --
whose words are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately,
Barbara said she didn't want to talk.// So I have to get up here
instead.
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. (I might bring Joel Antes along
with me, and see if he can give me a few speaking tips.) When I
saw the size of this crowd this morning, I thought about giving a
dress rehearsal of my Houston speech -- complete with political
jibes and biting insults. But then I got to thinking -- you've
already sacrificed enough for your country./ So I'll spare you
2
a partisan speech this morning. Instead, I'd like to talk a
little bit about where we are going as a nation.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. By the
grace of God, we won. For more than forty years our GI Joes and
Janes hit the ground and sucked the dust in faraway places like
Normandy, Khe San, Pork Chop Hill, and Inchon. Back then, we
called you "heroes." Today -- we can call you "winners." If
anyone suggests that communism fell on its own, tell them you
helped knee it in the back, and kick it down the stairs. You won
the battle for humanity's heart and soul. / /
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Patterson and Peoria. The ones who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on
the walls of German Stalags -- and scrawled "Elvis Lives" on
Iraqui tanks. The ones who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple
Tree," on the roads outside London, and rocked out to the Beatles
while listening to Adrian Cronauer in Siagon.
Goerring thought we were candy canes -- we showed him. Kim
Il Sung in Korea thought he could take us -- wrong again. Old
Sadam thought we'd grown soft over the years, but we kicked a
little Baghdad (slight pause) bully./
And keep in mind, for every one of you on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting you at home -- fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- who footed a bill of
over $4 trillion dollars so that others may do more than simply
yearn to breathe free. Let's not forget the unsung hero of the
Cold War: the American taxpayer. / /
3
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spared our dollars
because we believe enough in our American ideals to share them.
Today America's triumph is reflected everywhere -- in events
momentous and mundane. In Germany, a wall has fallen and in
Moscow -- citizens troop to the polls. In France, kids don't
have to fly anymore to meet Mickey and Goofey, and in Malaysia
you can get a special stamp honoring that rock-solid symbol of
American virtue -- Fred Flinstone.
If promoting American ideals and ideas sounds unselfish --
well, I guess it is. And if it sounds even a bit arrogant, I
say, "tell me whose way of life is better?" And if some say it
is corny -- nothing more than pure, patriotism, hey -- I plead
guilty. Because in my book -- no one ever got sick from too many
hot dogs and apple pies. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Old Calvin
Coolidge defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by
standing up for your country." We fought so our children don't
have to fight. We withstood showers of mortar, so that our kids
and grandkids can live in the sunshine of peace.
A couple years ago -- about the time of Desert Storm -- I
received a poem from Mrs. P.J. Jackson of Kirbyville, Texas. She
proudly described herself as and I quote -- "a vet, the wife of a
vet, and the mother of a vet" -- (you can bet that there are no
unmade beds in the Jackson household.) P.J.'s poem had a special
message for those who would allow desecration of our flag. (As
4
you know, this has always been a special concern of mine. I
always liked the approach taken by a Vet in Queens one Memorial
Day a couple years ago. He had a t-shirt with a flag on it. The
t-shirt read: "let's see you try to burn this one."//)
P.J. Jackson's poem made a similar point, a little more
subtlely. (take letter) She wrote: "I pray that they' 11 see for
this peaceful sleep, the credit to Old Glory they owe, a sleep
undisturbed from exploding bombs, or having to hide from the
foe. "
Well, P.J., I wish you could be here with the men and women
of the VFW. Because you stood up for Old Glory -- because many
of our friends fell for Old Glory -- our children today fear no
foe, they can sleep undisturbed from the threat of nuclear
missiles -- and dream the sweet dreams of peace. //
So this is the progress we have brought to the world, and
for our children. And yet the question is: "what do we do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy said: "a
nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces,
but by the men and women it remembers." I understand right in
here (touch heart), what makes military service so special.
Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy squadron
included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and bookworms,
preacher's kids and Army brats.
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
5
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without
family, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching our
friends go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in my mind. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our consciousness -- our nation can
never and must never forget. As long as I am Commander in Chief
I make this solemn promise -- we will always stand by those who
stood up for our America. //
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to repay
our debt to Veterans. Proud of the specialized health care
centers we have created, the new outpatient clinics, and the
billion dollars more we have invested in Veterans health care
every year. But there is still more to do.
We must change our health care system in this nation, and we
will. But let me be clear -- we will not change our commitment
to the integrity of Veterans health care. If Congress sends me
legislation to dismantle the VA system, I will whip out my veto
650
pen and knock down that SCUD missile headed right for your
Selfridge
wellbeing. / /
If you ask how many VA hospitals I'll close -- I'll tell
attached
you: not three, not two, not one. // And if anyone again suggests
note
neplipoge
taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many times before
"keep your hands off the Vets!"
One more thing. From my own experience, I know firsthand
what it means to know that America will never abandon its
ATTACHMENT
Other speeches have effectively dealt with these two issues by
talking about what the President has done to date -- not by
making such bold promises about the future.
The VA is heavily overbedded, and in the future it may in fact be
desirable to replace a hospital with a nursing home or outpatient
clinic. Similarly if there is an entitlement cap, some benefits
might be taxes.
It would be preferable to put references to hospital closures and
benefit taxability in the " I am proud of what we have
accomplished" paragraph.
(Selfridge 6150)
$ 3957289:
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7021 ; 8-13-92 ; 1:22PM ;
6
fighting men, whatever their fate. My family never had to face
the agony of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But
to those who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of
loved ones, let me say: we will never forget you.
I am pleased that the League of Families recently reaffirmed
their support for my administration's efforts. But though
dramatic progress has been made, all are not accounted for. I
will fight to make sure that every American stands with you,
until the fate of every POW and MIA is known. / /
But just as we must never forget the sacrifices you have
made, we must not forget why so many wars have been fought --
because weakness tempts aggression.
Let's not kid ourselves. Although the Soviet Bear is
extinct, there are still plenty of wolves in the woods. In the
sands of Kuwait our sons and daughters showed that courage is
hereditary -- but courage will be of no use, if fighter planes
*would savings. rule out
can only be found in museums and our ships are all in mothballs.
I have put forth responsible cuts in national defense, but
I
will go no further. When it comes to defending our country, my
loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls, but with our young people
Tions
spera
request
who must gallup in the way of danger. As long as I am President,
I will not allow a madman to get his finger on the nuclear
Ebrer
trigger // As long as I am Commander in Chief, I will keep
(4734)
America strong. / /
This is what it is all about -- a strong America -- but our
strength is measured not just by the power of our missiles, but
7
by the power of our minds. Not just by our ability to win wars,
but our children's ability to earn decent wages.
And if you'll excuse one political observation, I am on my
way to Houston to accept my party's nomination for President,
because I believe that now that we have changed the world, we can
change America.
I am not afraid of the new world before us, I believe it
offers unprecedented opportunity, if we have a plan of action.
In the war with Iraq, the world marveled at the capabilities
of our Patriot Missiles. And yet, by the turn of the century, I
want the whole world to marvel at our leadership in
supercomputers, and biotechnology, and material sciences -- new
industries that will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs
for our kids and their kids. I have the plan to keep America
working. //
In Barcelona this month, I was proud of our athletes'
domination on the basketball court and the swimming pool. And
yet by the end of this decade, don't you want to see our kids
lead the way in trigonometry and biology? I have a plan to make
our schools number one.//
We should be flattered to see ideas like personal
responsibility and respect for work take hold in Moscow and
Potsdam. And yet, I want to see those moral values restored in
our own suburbs and cities. I have a plan to restore America's
moral fiber.
8
While our children can rest safer from the threat of nuclear
missiles, our victory is for naught if we cannot walk the streets
without being preyed upon by crack addicts and pushers. I have a
plan to take back the streets of America.
This is why I am running for re-election. Because new
battles lie before us -- in our schools, our workplaces, our
families, and our streets.
We cannot all serve and sacrifice the way you did. We
cannot all be Minutemen, but we can help seize the moment -- and
change America to take advantage of the opportunity that is
before us.
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a quote from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war, why he put himself in harm's
way for his country. He said -- "I fought for the right to see
my country in the splendor of all seasons."
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind --
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies retool for new
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn as
for the first time in a century, we change the very way they
9
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn we turn back
to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
problems are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- the
men and women who through your courage, your valor, your
sacrifice, changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 13, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR DANIEL B. MCGROARTY
FROM:
STEPHEN G. RADEMAKER SR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: VFW Convention,
Indianapolis, Indiana
Pursuant to Phil Brady's request, Counsel's Office has reviewed
the above-referenced matter and has no objection, subject the
comments noted on the attached text.
Attachment
CC: Phillip D. Brady
Provost/Bunton
02 AUG 12 P5: 38
Presidential Remarks
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I was so impressed with that introduction, that I've asked
Bob to serve beside me in Washington. I'm asking the Senate to
confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran's
Employment and Training" -- which is a fancy title that means:
"Potomac Pitbull for Veterans Rights. // I also want to salute
your incoming chief -- a courageous leader in his own right --
Jack Carney. And the President of your ladies auxiliary --
Mary Sears.
When Bob and Jack invited me -- they said your members
wanted to hear from a leader with charisma and popularity --
whose words are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately,
Barbara said she didn't want to talk. // So I have to get up here
instead.
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. (I might bring Joel Antes along
with me, and see if he can give me a few speaking tips.) When I
saw the size of this crowd this morning, I thought about giving a
dress rehearsal of my Houston speech -- complete with political
jibes and biting insults. But then I got to thinking -- you've
already sacrificed enough for your country. // So I'll spare you
2
a partisan speech this morning. Instead, I'd like to talk a
little bit about where we are going as a nation.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. By the
grace of God, we won. For more than forty years our GI Joes and
Janes hit the ground and sucked the dust in faraway places like
Normandy, Khe San, Pork Chop Hill, and Inchon. Back then, we
called you "heroes." Today -- we can call you "winners." If
anyone suggests that communism fell on its own, tell them you
helped knee it in the back, and kick it down the stairs. You won
the battle for humanity's heart and soul. / /
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Patterson and Peoria. The ones who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on
the walls of German Stalags -- and scrawled "Elvis Lives" on
Iraqui X tanks. The ones who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple
Tree," on the roads outside London, and rocked out to the Beatles
while listening to Adrian Cronauer in Siagon.
Goerring thought we were candy canes -- we showed him. Kim
Il Sung in Korea thought he could take us -- wrong again. Old
Sadam thought we'd grown soft over the years, but we kicked a
little Baghdad (slight pause) bully. //
And keep in mind, for every one of you on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting you at home -- fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- who footed a bill of
over $4 trillion dollars so that others may do more than simply
yearn to breathe free. Let's not forget the unsung hero of the
Cold War: the American taxpayer. / /
3
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spent spared our dollars
because we believe enough in our American ideals to share them.
Today America's triumph is reflected everywhere -- in events
momentous and mundane. In Germany, a wall has fallen and in
Moscow -- citizens troop to the polls. In France, kids don't
have to fly anymore to meet Mickey and Goofey, and in Malaysia
you can get a special stamp honoring that rock-solid symbol of
American virtue -- Fred Flinstone.
trividayes
If promoting American ideals and ideas sounds unselfish
the
signifies
well, I guess it is. And if it sounds even a bit arrogant, I
say, "tell me whose way of life is better?" And if some say it
veterans
is corny -- nothing more than pure, patriotism, hey -- I plead
guilty. Because in my book -- no one ever got sick from too many
hot dogs and apple pies. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Old Calvin
Coolidge defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by
standing up for your country." We fought so our children don't
have to fight. We withstood showers of mortar, so that our kids
and grandkids can live in the sunshine of peace.
A couple years ago -- about the time of Desert Storm -- I
received a poem from Mrs. P.J. Jackson of Kirbyville, Texas. She
proudly described herself as and I quote -- "a vet, the wife of a
vet, and the mother of a vet" -- (you can bet that there are no
unmade beds in the Jackson household.) P.J.'s poem had a special
message for those who would allow desecration of our flag. (As
4
you know, this has always been a special concern of mine. I
always liked the approach taken by a Vet in Queens one Memorial
Day a couple years ago. He had a t-shirt with a flag on it. The
t-shirt read: "let's see you try to burn this one."//)
P.J. Jackson's poem made a similar point, a little more
subtlely. (take letter) She wrote: "I pray that they' 11 see for
this peaceful sleep, the credit to Old Glory they owe, a sleep
undisturbed from exploding bombs, or having to hide from the
foe."
Well, P.J., I wish you could be here with the men and women
of the VFW. Because you stood up for Old Glory -- because many
of our friends fell for Old Glory -- our children today fear no
foe, they can sleep undisturbed from the threat of nuclear
missiles -- and dream the sweet dreams of peace. 11
So this is the progress we have brought to the world, and
for our children. And yet the question is: "what do we do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy said: "a
nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces,
but by the men and women it remembers." I understand right in
here (touch heart), what makes military service so special.
Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy squadron
included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and bookworms,
preacher's kids and Army brats.
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
5
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without
family, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching our
friends go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in my mind. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our consciousness -- our nation can
never and must never forget. As long as I am Commander in Chief
I make this solemn promise -- we will always stand by those who
stood up for our America. / /
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to repay
our debt to Veterans. Proud of the specialized health care
centers we have created, the new outpatient clinics, and the
billion dollars more we have invested in Veterans health care
every year. But there is still more to do.
We must change our health care system in this nation, and we
will. But let me be clear -- we will not change our commitment
to the integrity of Veterans health care. If Congress sends me
legislation to dismantle the VA system, I will whip out my veto
pen and knock down that SCUD missile headed right for your
wellbeing. //
If you ask how many VA hospitals I'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one. // And if anyone again suggests
taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many times before
-- "keep your hands off the Vets!"
One more thing. From my own experience, I know firsthand
what it means to know that America will never abandon its
6
fighting men, whatever their fate. My family never had to face
the agony of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But
to those who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of
loved ones, let me say: we will never forget you.
I am pleased that the League of Families recently reaffirmed
their support for my administration's efforts. But though
dramatic progress has been made, all are not accounted for. I
will fight to make sure that every American stands with you,
until the fate of every POW and MIA is known. //
But just as we must never forget the sacrifices you have
made, we must not forget why so many wars have been fought --
because weakness tempts aggression.
Let's not kid ourselves. Although the Soviet Bear is
extinct, there are still plenty of wolves in the woods. In the
sands of Kuwait our sons and daughters showed that courage is
hereditary -- but courage will be of no use, if fighter planes
can only be found in museums and our ships are all in mothballs.
I have put forth responsible cuts in national defense, but I
will go no further. When it comes to defending our country, my
loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls, but with our young people
who must gallup in the way of danger. As long as I am President,
I will not allow a madman to get his finger on the nuclear
trigger. // As long as I am Commander in Chief, I will keep
America strong. / /
This is what it is all about -- a strong America -- but our
strength is measured not just by the power of our missiles, but
7
by the power of our minds. Not just by our ability to win wars,
but our children's ability to earn decent wages.
And if you'll excuse one political observation, I am on my
way to Houston to accept my party's nomination for President,
because I believe that now that we have changed the world, we can
change America.
I am not afraid of the new world before us, I believe it
offers unprecedented opportunity, if we have a plan of action.
In the war with Iraq, the world marveled at the capabilities
of our Patriot Missiles. And yet, by the turn of the century, I
want the whole world to marvel at our leadership in
supercomputers, and biotechnology, and material sciences -- new
industries that will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs
for our kids and their kids. I have the plan to keep America
working. //
In Barcelona this month, I was proud of our athletes'
domination on the basketball court and the swimming pool. And
yet by the end of this decade, don't you want to see our kids
lead the way in trigonometry and biology? I have a plan to make
our schools number one.//
We should be flattered to see ideas like personal
responsibility and respect for work take hold in Moscow and
Potsdam. And yet, I want to see those moral values restored in
our own suburbs and cities. I have a plan to restore America's
moral fiber.
8
While our children can rest safer from the threat of nuclear
missiles, our victory is for naught if we cannot walk the streets
without being preyed upon by crack addicts and pushers. I have a
plan to take back the streets of America.
This is why I am running for re-election. Because new
battles lie before us -- in our schools, our workplaces, our
families, and our streets.
We cannot all serve and sacrifice the way you did. We
cannot all be Minutemen, but we can help seize the moment -- and
change America to take advantage of the opportunity that is
before us.
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a quote from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war, why he put himself in harm's
way for his country. He said -- "I fought for the right to see
my country in the splendor of all seasons."
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind --
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies retool for new
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn as
for the first time in a century, we change the very way they
9
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn we turn back
to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
problems are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- the
men and women who through your courage, your valor, your
sacrifice, changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
13-Aug-1992 05:45pm
TO:
Christina M. Martin
FROM:
John A. Gaughan
Military Office
SUBJECT: VFW SPEECH
Christina, as I related on the phone, I have serious concerns
about the draft remarks as presently written. These concerns
relate to the tone and content of the speech. First of all I found
its tone to be too"folksy" for lack of a better
description Iwould not refer to "Old" Calvin Coolidge, E.G
On
page one para three, line six we use the term
"insults" Presidents do not "insult"
Pg2 para1 " By the
grace of God, we won (the cold war)
It
wasn't
the
"grace
of
God" but our policies and fortitude which did it
Pg3 refers to
American ideals then talks about "mickey and Goofy and Fred
Flintstone"
Those aren't typical Ideals!!! Maybe I'm reading
the speech wrong ( after all there have been better days around
here) but I found the humor misplaced, a number of the lines ( "no
one ever got sick from too many hot dogs and apple pies" ) too
hokey
I have not redrafted the remarks but wanted to raise my
concerns. If I can help let me know
I'll await your call
JG
MEMO COMING
Gaught
TONE is WRONG
-Prez don't insult
-We didn't win by grace
of god
-Apple ple won't make
you sick?
- Micky, Gootey+ Fled
Flinstone- ~ these
aren't the Am. ideals.
STAFFED
FOR
Provost/Bunton
Presidential Remarks
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I was so impressed with that introduction, that I've asked
Bob to serve beside me in Washington. I'm asking the Senate to
confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran's
Employment and Training" -- which is a fancy title that means:
"Potomac Pitbull for Veterans Rights. "// I also want to salute
your incoming chief ---- a courageous leader in his own right --
Jack Carney. And the President of your ladies auxiliary --
Mary Sears.
When Bob and Jack invited me -- they said your members
wanted to hear from a leader with charisma and popularity --
whose words are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately,
Barbara said she didn't want to talk. // So I have to get up here
instead.
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. (I might bring Joel Antes along
with me, and see if he can give me a few speaking tips.) When I
saw the size of this crowd this morning, I thought about giving a
dress rehearsal of my Houston speech -- complete with political
jibes and biting insults. But then I got to thinking -- you've
already sacrificed enough for your country // So I'll spare you
2
a partisan speech this morning. Instead, I'd like to talk a
little bit about where we are going as a nation.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. By the
grace of God, we won. For more than forty years our GI Joes and
Janes hit the ground and sucked the dust in faraway places like
Normandy, Khe San, Pork Chop Hill, and Inchon. Back then, we
called you "heroes." Today -- we can call you "winners." If
anyone suggests that communism fell on its own, tell them you
helped knee it in the back, and kick it down the stairs. You won
the battle for humanity's heart and soul. / /
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Patterson and Peoria. The ones who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on
the walls of German Stalags -- and scrawled "Elvis Lives" on
Iraqui tanks. The ones who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple
Tree," on the roads outside London, and rocked out to the Beatles
while listening to Adrian Cronauer in Siagon.
Goerring thought we were candy canes -- we showed him. Kim
Il Sung in Korea thought he could take us -- wrong again. Old
Sadam thought we'd grown soft over the years, but we kicked a
little Baghdad (slight pause) bully. //
And keep in mind, for every one of you on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting you at home -- fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- who footed a bill of
over $4 trillion dollars so that others may do more than simply
yearn to breathe free. Let's not forget the unsung hero of the
Cold War: the American taxpayer. //
3
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spared our dollars
because we believe enough in our American ideals to share them.
Today America's triumph is reflected everywhere -- in events
momentous and mundane. In Germany, a wall has fallen and in
Moscow -- citizens troop to the polls. In France, kids don't
have to fly anymore to meet Mickey and Goofey, and in Malaysia
you can get a special stamp honoring that rock-solid symbol of
American virtue -- Fred Flinstone.
If promoting American ideals and ideas sounds unselfish --
well, I guess it is. And if it sounds even a bit arrogant, I
say, "tell me whose way of life is better?" And if some say it
is corny -- nothing more than pure, patriotism, hey -- I plead
guilty. Because in my book -- no one ever got sick from too many
hot dogs and apple pies. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Old Calvin
Coolidge defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by
standing up for your country." We fought so our children don't
have to fight. We withstood showers of mortar, so that our kids
and grandkids can live in the sunshine of peace.
A couple years ago -- about the time of Desert Storm -- I
received a poem from Mrs. P.J. Jackson of Kirbyville, Texas. She
proudly described herself as and I quote -- "a vet, the wife of a
vet, and the mother of a vet" -- (you can bet that there are no
unmade beds in the Jackson household.) P.J.'s poem had a special
message for those who would allow desecration of our flag. (As
4
you know, this has always been a special concern of mine. I
always liked the approach taken by a Vet in Queens one Memorial
Day a couple years ago. He had a t-shirt with a flag on it. The
t-shirt read: "let's see you try to burn this one."//)
P.J. Jackson's poem made a similar point, a little more
subtlely. (take letter) She wrote: "I pray that they'll see for
this peaceful sleep, the credit to Old Glory they owe, a sleep
undisturbed from exploding bombs, or having to hide from the
foe."
Well, P.J., I wish you could be here with the men and women
of the VFW. Because you stood up for Old Glory -- because many
of our friends fell for Old Glory -- our children today fear no
foe, they can sleep undisturbed from the threat of nuclear
missiles -- and dream the sweet dreams of peace. //
So this is the progress we have brought to the world, and
for our children. And yet the question is: "what do we do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy said: "a
nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces,
but by the men and women it remembers." I understand right in
here (touch heart), what makes military service so special.
Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy squadron
included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and bookworms,
preacher's kids and Army brats.
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
5
hearts from spending our first, Hanukkah or Christmas without
family, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching our
friends go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in my mind. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our consciousness -- our nation can
never and must never forget. As long as I am Commander in Chief
I make this solemn promise -- we will always stand by those who
stood up for our America. / /
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to repay
our debt to Veterans. Proud of the specialized health care
centers we have created, the new outpatient clinics, and the
billion dollars more we have invested in Veterans health care
every year. But there is still more to do.
We must change our health care system in this nation, and we
will. But let me be clear -- we will not change our commitment
to the integrity of Veterans health care. If Congress sends me
legislation to dismantle the VA system, I will whip out my veto
pen and knock down that SCUD missile headed right for your
wellbeing. / /
If you ask how many VA hospitals I'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one. // And if anyone again suggests
taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many times before
-- "keep your hands off the Vets!"
One more thing. From my own experience, I know firsthand
what it means to know that America will never abandon its
6
fighting men, whatever their fate. My family never had to face
the agony of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But
to those who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of
loved ones, let me say: we will never forget you.
I am pleased that the League of Families recently reaffirmed
their support for my administration's efforts. But though
dramatic progress has been made, all are not accounted for. I
will fight to make sure that every American stands with you,
until the fate of every POW and MIA is known. / /
But just as we must never forget the sacrifices you have
made, we must not forget why so many wars have been fought --
because weakness tempts aggression.
Let's not kid ourselves. Although the Soviet Bear is
extinct, there are still plenty of wolves in the woods. In the
sands of Kuwait our sons and daughters showed that courage is
hereditary -- but courage will be of no use, if fighter planes
can only be found in museums and our ships are all in mothballs.
I have put forth responsible cuts in national defense, but I
will go no further. When it comes to defending our country, my
loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls, but with our young people
who must gallup in the way of danger. As long as I am President,
I will not allow a madman to get his finger on the nuclear
trigger // As long as I am Commander in Chief, I will keep
America strong. //
This is what it is all about -- a strong America -- but our
strength is measured not just by the power of our missiles, but
7
by the power of our minds. Not just by our ability to win wars,
but our children's ability to earn decent wages.
And if you'll excuse one political observation, I am on my
way to Houston to accept my party's nomination for President,
because I believe that now that we have changed the world, we can
change America.
I am not afraid of the new world before us, I believe it
offers unprecedented opportunity, - if we have a plan of action.
In the war with Iraq, the world marveled at the capabilities
of our Patriot Missiles. And yet, by the turn of the century, I
want the whole world to marvel at our leadership in
supercomputers, and biotechnology, and material sciences -- new
industries that will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs
for our kids and their kids. I have the plan to keep America
working. //
In Barcelona this month, I was proud of our athletes'
domination on the basketball court and the swimming pool. And
yet by the end of this decade, don't you want to see our kids
lead the way in trigonometry and biology? I have a plan to make
our schools number one. / /
We should be flattered to see ideas like personal
responsibility and respect for work take hold in Moscow and
Potsdam. And yet, I want to see those moral values restored in
our own suburbs and cities. I have a plan to restore America's
moral fiber.
8
While our children can rest safer from the threat of nuclear
missiles, our victory is for naught. if we cannot walk the streets
without being preyed upon by crack addicts and pushers. I have a
plan to take back the streets of America.
This is why I am running for re-election. Because new
battles lie before us -- in our schools, our workplaces, our
families, and our streets.
We cannot all serve and sacrifice the way you did. We
cannot all be Minutemen, but we can help seize the moment -- and
change America to take advantage of the opportunity that is
before us.
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a quote from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war, why he put himself in harm's
way for his country. He said -- "I fought for the right to see
my country in the splendor of all seasons. "
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind --
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies retool for new
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn as
for the first time in a century, we change the very way they
9
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn we turn back
to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
problems are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- the
men and women who through your courage, your valor, your
sacrifice, changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
26
URGENT
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT STAFFING DOCUMENT
TIME STAMP
32 AUG 13 P | : 0 | SYSTEM LOG NUMBER: 6237
ACTION OFFICER:
JONES
DUE:
/ PM THURS
Prepare Memo For Scowcroft/Howe
Appropriate Action 13 AUG
Prepare Memo For Brady
Prepare Memo For Sittmann
Prepare Memo
SCOWCROFT
to
McGroarty CC: Brady
CONCURRENCES/COMMENTS*
PHONE* to action officer at ext.
49 10
Concur
FYI
Concur
FYI
Concur FYI
Andricos
Jones
Patterson
Barth
Kansteiner
Pavitt
Beers
Keith
Poneman
Burns
Koch
Primosch
Canas
Lampley
Pryce
Chellis
Leary
Rademaker
Davis
Linhares
Riedel
Dyke
Lowenkron
X
Rostow come,
Fry
McNamara
Stettner
Gompert
McShane
Tilley
Gordon
Melby
Tobey
Haass
Menan
Van Eron
Hahn comes
Morley
Waguespack
Hewett
Needles
Wayne
Holl
O'Leary
Whitley
Hull
Ordway
Hutchings
*
Paal comes
INFORMATION
Sittmann
Hill
Exec Sec Desk
Scowcroft (advance)
Howe (advance)
Records Mgmt.
COMMENTS
URGENT
Logged By
this
Return to Records Mgmt.
379 OEOB
Document No. 34475655
6237
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/12/92
3:00 P.M. THURS. 8/1
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VFW CONVENTION
SUBJECT:
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROF
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
PROVOST
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
A
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
GAUGHAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm
122, Ext. 2930 NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. THURSDAY, AUGUST 13,
with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Memo for signature is attached.
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20506
6237
MEMORANDUM FOR PHILLIP D. BRADY
FROM:
WILLIAM F. SITTMANN
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: VFW Convention
The National Security Council staff has reviewed the draft
Presidential remarks and have the following general comments:
This draft is inadequate. It does not sound like the
Commander-in-Chief addressing his former troops. It also
needs to be reordered so as to look backward to the
achievements of our Armed Forces and the President over the
past four years and then look forward by describing the new
foreign challenges and the top four points of the domestic
agenda for the next four years that will mean the most to
the VFW: health care, full employment program, end to
discrimination on grounds of race and disability, and
POWs/MIAs. In addition to the annotations on other pages,
attached is a recommended replacement for page 2.
Attachment
Tab I
Recommended Replacement for Page 2
NEW PAGE 2
I'd like to talk now about where we are going as a nation. You
know where we have been. Throughout our history, our sons and
daughters in the Armed Forces have secured our freedom. For over
forty years, they bore the brunt of the Cold War -- from Central
Europe to Khe Sahn. If anyone suggests that Communism fell of
its own weight, then that person speaks only part of the truth.
The truth is you met the challenge. You helped put Communism
into the dustbin of history.
Of course, the whole country -- those unsung heroes, the American
taxpayers -- and all the people of the western democracies helped
bring about the end of the Cold War. But your role was special.
But there are other victories as well. Our Armed Forces helped
free Panama from the grips of a tyrant during Operation JUST
CAUSE. And in the Gulf, as so often before, they again answered
the call from endangered liberty and brought independence and
peace to little Kuwait.
The world we grew up with is no more. The simple truths of the
Cold Ward no longer describe reality at home or abroad. But some
things don't change: American ideals and values. We shed our
blood and spent our treasure because we believed enough in our
ideals to defend them. And today America's triumph is reflected
everywhere -- in events momentous and mundane.
Provost/Bunton
2 AUG 12 P5: 38
Presidential Remarks
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I was so impressed with that introduction, that I've asked
Bob to serve beside me in Washington. I'm asking the Senate to
confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran's
Employment and Training" -- which is a fancy title that means:
"Potomac Pitbull for Veterans Rights. '// I also want to salute
your incoming chief -- a courageous leader in his own right --
Jack Carney. And the President of your ladies auxiliary --
Mary Sears.
When Bob and Jack invited me -- they said your members
wanted to hear, from a leader with charisma and popularity --
whose words are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately,
Barbara said she didn't want to talk. // So I have to get up here
instead.
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. (I might bring Joel Antes along
with me, and see if he can give me a few speaking tips.) When I
saw the size of this crowd this morning, I thought about giving a
dress rehearsal of my Houston speech -- complete with political
jibes and biting insults. But then I got to thinking -- you've
already sacrificed enough for your country. // So I'll spare you
sailed the seas and 2
a partisan speech this morning. Instead, I'd like to talk a
little bit about where we are going as a nation.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. By the
grace of God, we won. For more than forty years our GI Joes and
Janes hit the ground and sucked the dust in faraway places like
Normandy, Khe San, Pork Chop Hill, and Inchon. Back then, we
called you "heroes." Today -- we can call you "winners." If
anyone suggests that communism fell on its own, tell them you
helped knee it in the back, and kick it down the stairs. You won
the battle for humanity's heart and soul. 11
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Patterson and Peoria. The ones who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on
the walls of German Stalags -- and scrawled "Elvis Lives" on
Iraqui tanks. The ones who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple
Tree," on the roads outside London, and rocked out to the Beatles
while listening to Adrian Cronauer in Siagon.
Goerring thought we were candy canes -- we showed him. Kim
Il Sung in Korea thought he could take us -- wrong again. Old
Sadam thought we'd grown soft over the years, but we kicked a
little Baghdad (slight pause) bully. //
And keep in mind, for every one of you on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting you at home -- fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- who footed a bill of
over $4 trillion dollars so that others may do more than simply
yearn to breathe free. Let's not forget the unsung hero of the
Cold War: the American taxpayer //
3
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spared our dollars
you to
if
because we believe enough in our American ideals to share them.
share prepor
Today America's triumph is reflected everywhere -- in events
you are to to
protect them
momentous and mundane. In Germany, a wall has fallen and in
first
Moscow -- citizens troop to the polls.
In France, kids don't
have to fly anymore to meet Mickey and Goofey, and in Malaysia
and
you can get a special stamp honoring that rock-solid symbol of
addetionate. &
else
American virtue -- Fred Flinstone
If promoting American ideals and ideas sounds unselfish --
well, I guess it is. And if it sounds even a bit arrogant, I
say, "tell me whose way of life is better?" And if some say it
is corny -- nothing more than pure, patriotism, hey -- I plead
guilty. Because in my book -- no one ever got sick from too many
hot dogs and apple pies. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Old Calvin
Coolidge defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by
standing up for your country." We fought so our children don't
have to fight. We withstood showers of mortar, so that our kids
and grandkids can live in the sunshine of peace.
A couple years ago -- about the time of Desert Storm -- I
received a poem from Mrs. P.J. Jackson of Kirbyville, Texas. She
proudly described herself as and I quote -- "a vet, the wife of a
vet, and the mother of a vet" -- (you can bet that there are no
unmade beds in the Jackson household.) P.J.'s poem had a special
message for those who would allow desecration of our flag. (As
4
you know, this has always been a special concern of mine. I
always liked the approach taken by a Vet in Queens one Memorial
Day a couple years ago. He had a t-shirt with a flag on it. The
t-shirt read: "let's see you try to burn this one."//)
P.J. Jackson's poem made a similar point, a little more
subtlely. (take letter) She wrote: "I pray that they'll see for
this peaceful sleep, the credit to Old Glory they owe, a sleep
undisturbed from exploding bombs, or having to hide from the
foe."
Well, P.J., I wish you could be here with the men and women
of the VFW. Because you stood up for Old Glory -- because many
of our friends fell for Old Glory -- our children today fear no
foe, they can sleep undisturbed from the threat of nuclear
missiles -- and dream the sweet dreams of peace. //
So this is the progress we have brought to the world, and
for our children. And yet the question is: "what do we do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy said: "a
nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces,
but by the men and women it remembers." I understand right in
here (touch heart), what makes military service so special.
Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy squadron
included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and bookworms,
preacher's kids and Army brats.
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
5
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without
family, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching our
friends go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in my mind. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our consciousness -- our nation can
never and must never forget. As long as I am Commander in Chief
I make this solemn promise -- we will always stand by those who
stood up for our America. //
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to repay
our debt to Veterans. Proud of the specialized health care
centers we have created, the new outpatient clinics, and the
billion dollars more we have invested in Veterans health care
every year. But there is still more to do.
We must change our health care system in this nation, and we
will. But let me be clear -- we will not change our commitment
to the integrity of Veterans health care. If Congress sends me
legislation to: dismantle the VA system, I will whip out my veto
pen and knock down that SCUD missile headed right for your
wellbeing. //
If you ask how many VA hospitals I'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one. / / And if anyone again suggests
taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many times before
-- "keep your hands off the Vets!"
One more thing. From my own experience, I know firsthand
what it means to know that America will never abandon its
my administration has worked losely with
the families of us. MIAS me the years to
perret-ont the truth from the
6
mountains erroners of conflicting and often.
fighting men, whatever their fate. My family never had to face
the agony of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But
to those who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of
loved ones, let me say: we will never forget you.
I am pleased that the League of Families recently reaffirmed
their support for my administration's efforts. ^ But though
dramatic progress has been made, all are not accounted for. I
will fight to make sure that every American stands with you,
until the fate of every POW and MIA is known. //
But just as we must never forget the sacrifices you have
made, we must not forget why so many wars have been fought --
because weakness tempts aggression.
Let's not kid ourselves. Although the Soviet Bear is
extinct, there are still plenty of wolves in the woods. In the
sands of Kuwait our sons and daughters showed that courage is
hereditary -- but courage will be of no use, if fighter planes
can only be found in museums and our ships are all in mothballs.
proposal
I have put forth responsible cuts in national defense, but I
will go no further. When it comes to defending our country, my
loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls, but with our young people
who must gallup in the way of danger. As long as I am President,
I will not allow a madman to get his finger on the nuclear
trigger. // As long as I am Commander in Chief, I will keep
America strong. //
This is what it is all about -- a strong America -- but our
strength is measured not just by the power of our missiles, but
7
by the power of our minds. Not just by our ability to win wars,
but our children's ability to earn decent wages.
handle challenges
And if you'll excuse one political observation, I am on my
way to Houston to accept my party's nomination for President,
because I believe that now that we have changed the world, we can
change America.
I am not afraid of the new world before us, I believe it
offers unprecedented opportunity, if we have a plan of action.
In the war with Iraq, the world marveled at the capabilities
of our Patriot Missiles. And yet, by the turn of the century, I
want the whole world to marvel at our leadership in
supercomputers, and biotechnology, and material sciences -- new
industries that will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs
for our kids and their kids. I have the plan to keep America
working. //
In Barcelona this month, I was proud of our athletes' preeminence.
domination on the basketball court and the swimming pool.
And
yet by the end of this decade, don't you want to see our kids
lead the way in trigonometry and biology? I have a plan to make
our schools number one. //
We should be flattered to see ideas like personal
responsibility and respect for work take hold in Moscow and
Potsdam. And yet, I want to see those moral values restored in
our own suburbs and cities. I have a plan to restore America's
moral fiber.
8
While our children can rest safer from the threat of nuclear
missiles, our victory is for naught if we cannot walk the streets
without being preyed upon by crack addicts and pushers. I have a
plan to take back the streets of America.
This is why I am running for re-election. Because new
battles lie before us -- in our schools, our workplaces, our
families, and our streets.
We cannot all serve and sacrifice the way you did. We
cannot all be Minutemen, but we can help seize the moment -- and
change America to take advantage of the opportunity that is
before us.
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a quote from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war, why he put himself in harm's
way for his country. He said -- "I fought for the right to see
my country in the splendor of all seasons."
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind --
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies retool for new
academic
is
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn [as]
?
are
Ng
for the first time in a century. we change the very way they
1
9
as
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn we turn back
to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
problems are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- the
men and women who through your courage, your valor, your
sacrifice, changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
DM. A
&
Provost/Bunton
Presidential Remarks
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I was so impressed with that introduction, that I've asked
Bob to serve beside me in Washington. I'm asking the Senate to
confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran's
Employment and Training" -- which is a fancy title that means:
"Potomac Pitbull for Veterans Rights. // I also want to salute
your incoming chief -- a courageous leader in his own right --
Jack Carney. And the President of your ladies auxiliary --
Mary Sears.
When Bob and Jack invited me -- they said your members
wanted to hear from a leader with charisma and popularity --
whose words are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately,
Barbara said she didn't want to talk. // So I have to get up here
instead.
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. (I might bring Joel Antes along
with me, and see if he can give me a few speaking tips.) When I
saw the size of this crowd this morning, I thought about giving a
dress rehearsal of my Houston speech -- complete with political
jibes and biting insults. But then I got to thinking -- you've
already sacrificed enough for your country.// So I'll spare you
2
a partisan speech this morning. Instead, I'd like to talk a
little bit about where we are going as a nation.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. By the
Janes hit the ground and sucked the dust in faraway places like Peggy!
grace of God, we won. For more than forty years our GI Joes and
Normandy, Khe San, Pork Chop Hill, and Inchon. Back then, we
called you "heroes." Today -- we can call you "winners. If
anyone suggests that communism fell on its own, tell them you
helped knee it in the back, and kick it down the stairs. You won
the battle for humanity's heart and soul. //
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Patterson and Peoria. The ones who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on
the walls of German Stalags and scrawled Elvis Lives' on
Iraqui tanks. The ones who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple
Regay!
Tree," on the roads outside London, and rocked out to the Beatles
while listening to Adrian Cronauer in Siagon.
Goerring thought we were candy canes -- we showed him. Kim
Il Sung in Korea thought he could take us -- wrong again. Old
Sadam thought we'd grown soft over the years, but we kicked a
little Baghdad (slight pause) bully. //
And keep in mind, for every one of you on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting you at home -- fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- who footed a bill of
over $4 trillion dollars so that others may do more than simply
yearn to breathe free. Let's not forget the unsung hero of the
Cold War: the American taxpayer. //
3
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spared our dollars
because we believe enough in our American ideals to share them.
Today America's triumph is reflected everywhere -- in events
momentous and mundane. In Germany, a wall has fallen and in
Moscow -- citizens troop to the polls. In France, kids don't
have to fly anymore to meet Mickey and Goofey, and in Malaysia
you can get a special stamp honoring that rock-solid symbol of
American virtue -- Fred Flinstone.
If promoting American ideals and ideas sounds unselfish --
well, I guess it is. And if it sounds even a bit arrogant, I
say, "tell me whose way of life is better?" And if some say it
is corny -- nothing more than pure, patriotism, hey -- I plead
guilty. Because in my book -- no one ever got sick from too many
hot dogs and apple pies. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Old Calvin
Coolidge defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by
standing up for your country." We fought so our children don't
have to fight. We withstood showers of mortar, SO that our kids
and grandkids can live in the sunshine of peace.
A couple years ago -- about the time of Desert Storm -- I
received a poem from Mrs. P.J. Jackson of Kirbyville, Texas. She
proudly described herself as and I quote -- "a vet, the wife of a
vet, and the mother of a vet" -- (you can bet that there are no
unmade beds in the Jackson household.) P.J.'s poem had a special
message for those who would allow desecration of our flag. (As
4
you know, this has always been a special concern of mine. I
always liked the approach taken by a Vet in Queens one Memorial
Day a couple years ago. He had a t-shirt with a flag on it. The
t-shirt read: "let's see you try to burn this one."//)
P.J. Jackson's poem made a similar point, a little more
subtlely. (take letter) She wrote: "I pray that they'll see for
this peaceful sleep, the credit to Old Glory they owe, a sleep
undisturbed from exploding bombs, or having to hide from the
foe. "
Well, P.J., I wish you could be here with the men and women
of the VFW. Because you stood up for Old Glory -- because many
of our friends fell for Old Glory -- our children today fear no
foe, they can sleep undisturbed from the threat of nuclear
missiles -- and dream the sweet dreams of peace. //
So this is the progress we have brought to the world, and
for our children. And yet the question is: "what do we do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy said: "a
nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces,
but by the men and women it remembers." I understand right in
here (touch heart), what makes military service so special.
Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy squadron
included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and bookworms,
preacher's kids and Army brats.
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
5
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without
family, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching our
friends go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in my mind. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our consciousness -- our nation can
never and must never forget. As long as I am Commander in Chief
I make this solemn promise -- we will always stand by those who
stood up for our America. //
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to repay
our debt to Veterans. Proud of the specialized health care
centers we have created, the new outpatient clinics, and the
billion dollars more we have invested in Veterans health care
every year. But there is still more to do.
We must change our health care system in this nation, and we
will. But let me be clear -- we will not change our commitment
to the integrity of Veterans health care. If Congress sends me
legislation to dismantle the VA system, I will whip out my veto
pen and knock down that SCUD missile headed right for your
wellbeing. //
If you ask how many VA hospitals I'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one.// And if anyone again suggests
taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many times before
-- "keep your hands off the Vets!"
One more thing. From my own experience, I know firsthand
what it means to know that America will never abandon its
6
fighting men, whatever their fate. My family never had to face
the agony of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But
to those who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of
loved ones, let me say: we will never forget you.
I am pleased that the League of Families recently reaffirmed
their support for my administration's efforts. But though
dramatic progress has been made, all are not accounted for. I
will fight to make sure that every American stands with you,
until the fate of every POW and MIA is known. //
But just as we must never forget the sacrifices you have
made, we must not forget why so many wars have been fought --
because weakness tempts aggression.
Let's not kid ourselves. Although the Soviet Bear is
extinct, there are still plenty of wolves in the woods. In the
sands of Kuwait our sons and daughters showed that courage is
hereditary -- but courage will be of no use, if fighter planes
can only be found in museums and our ships are all in mothballs.
I have put forth responsible cuts in national defense, but I
will go no further. When it comes to defending our country, my
loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls, but with our young people
who must gallup in the way of danger. As long as I am President,
I will not allow a madman to get his finger on the nuclear
trigger. // As long as I am Commander in Chief, I will keep
America strong. //
This is what it is all about -- a strong America -- but our
strength is measured not just by the power of our missiles, but
7
by the power of our minds. Not just by our ability to win wars,
but our children's ability to earn decent wages.
And if you'll excuse one political observation, I am on my
way to Houston to accept my party's nomination for President,
because I believe that now that we have changed the world, we can
change America.
I am not afraid of the new world before us, I believe it
offers unprecedented opportunity, if we have a plan of action.
In the war with Iraq, the world marveled at the capabilities
of our Patriot Missiles. And yet, by the turn of the century, I
want the whole world to marvel at our leadership in
supercomputers, and biotechnology, and material sciences -- new
industries that will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs
for our kids and their kids. I have the plan to keep America
working./ /
In Barcelona this month, I was proud of our athletes'
domination on the basketball court and the swimming pool. And
yet by the end of this decade, don't you want to see our kids
lead the way in trigonometry and biology? I have a plan to make
our schools number one.//
We should be flattered to see ideas like personal
responsibility and respect for work take hold in Moscow and
Potsdam. And yet, I want to see those moral values restored in
our own suburbs and cities. I have a plan to restore America's
moral fiber.
8
While our children can rest safer from the threat of nuclear
missiles, our victory is for naught if we cannot walk the streets
without being preyed upon by crack addicts and pushers. I have a
plan to take back the streets of America.
This is why I am running for re-election. Because new
battles lie before us -- in our schools, our workplaces, our
families, and our streets.
We cannot all serve and sacrifice the way you did. We
cannot all be Minutemen, but we can help seize the moment -- and
change America to take advantage of the opportunity that is
before us.
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a quote from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war, why he put himself in harm's
way for his country. He said -- "I fought for the right to see
my country in the splendor of all seasons."
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind --
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies retool for new
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn as
for the first time in a century, we change the very way they
9
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn we turn back
to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
problems are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- the
men and women who through your courage, your valor, your
sacrifice, changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
VFW CONVENTION
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1992
11 A.M.
THANK YOU BOB (WALLACE) FOR THAT GENEROUS
INTRODUCTION.
I ALSO WANT TO SALUTE YOUR INCOMING CHIEF -- A
COURAGEOUS LEADER IN HIS OWN RIGHT -- JACK CARNEY. AND
THE PRESIDENT OF YOUR LADIES AUXILIARY -- MARY SEARS.
WHEN BOB INVITED ME HERE -- HE SAID YOUR MEMBERS
WANTED TO HEAR FROM A LEADER WITH CHARISMA AND
POPULARITY -- WHOSE WORDS ARE REVERED FROM COAST TO
COAST. UNFORTUNATELY, BARBARA WANTED ME TO SPEAK
INSTEAD. //
- 2 -
AS YOU MAY KNOW, I'M ON MY WAY TO HOUSTON -- TO THE
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION. WHEN I SAW THE SIZE OF
THIS CROWD, I THOUGHT ABOUT GIVING A DRESS REHEARSAL OF
MY HOUSTON SPEECH -- COMPLETE WITH A FEW PARTISAN,
POLITICAL "OBSERVATIONS". BUT THEN I GOT TO THINKING -
- YOU DON'T NEED TO HEAR A POLITICAL SPEECH -- YOU'VE
ALREADY SACRIFICED ENOUGH FOR OUR COUNTRY. // SO
INSTEAD, I'D LIKE TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHERE OUR
NATION HAS BEEN, AND WHERE WE ARE HEADED TOGETHER.
AS WE GATHER HERE TODAY -- THE COLD WAR IS OVER.
FOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS, OUR G.I. JOES AND JANES HIT
THE GROUND AND SUCKED THE DUST IN FARAWAY PLACES LIKE
NORTH AFRICA, NORMANDY, PORK CHOP HILL, AND IA DRANG
(EE-DRANG) VALLEY. BACK THEN, WE CALLED YOU "HEROES."
TODAY -- WE CALL YOU "WINNERS." IF ANYONE TELLS YOU
THAT IMPERIAL COMMUNISM FELL ON ITS OWN, TELL THEM YOU
HELPED PUNCH IT IN THE GUT, AND SENT IT TUMBLING DOWN
THE BACK STAIRS OF HISTORY. YOU WON THE BATTLE FOR
HUMANITY'S HEART AND SOUL. //
- 3 -
WHAT A GROUP WE'VE PUT FORTH, THESE SONS AND
DAUGHTERS OF PATERSON AND PEORIA. YOU WHO WROTE
"KILROY WAS HERE" ON THE WALLS OF GERMAN STALAGS -- AND
LEFT SIGNS IN THE IRAQI DESERT THAT SAID -- "I SAW
ELVIS." YOU WHO SANG "DON'T SIT UNDER THE APPLE TREE"
ON THE ROADS OUTSIDE LONDON, AND LISTENED TO THE
BEATLES WITH ADRIAN CRONAUER (CRON-NOW-ER) IN SIAGON.
GOERRING THOUGHT THE AMERICAN FIGHTING FORCES WERE
A PUSHOVER -- WE SHOWED HIM. KIM IL SUNG IN KOREA
THOUGHT HE COULD TAKE US -- WRONG AGAIN.
SADDAM HUSSEIN MISCALCULATED. HE THOUGHT WE'D
GROWN SOFT OVER THE YEARS. HE DIDN'T THINK WE'D COMMIT
OUR ARMED FORCES. HE MISREAD AMERICA'S WILL. HE
DIDN'T BELIEVE WE WOULD DO WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO WIN.
BUT OUR MEN AND WOMEN SHOWED HIM. TO PUT IT REAL
SIMPLE -- WE KICKED A LITTLE BAGHDAD (SLIGHT PAUSE)
BULLY. //
- 4 -
AND AS WE ALL KNOW, IN EVERY ENCOUNTER, FOR EVERY
ONE OF US ON THE FRONT-LINES -- THERE WERE OTHER
AMERICANS SUPPORTING US AT HOME. FATHERS, MOTHERS,
SISTERS, BROTHERS, NEIGHBORS -- WHO SAID THE PRAYERS,
BAKED THE COOKIES, AND WATCHED THE MAILBOX. AND OVER
THE YEARS, TOGETHER WE FOOTED A BILL OF OVER $4
TRILLION DOLLARS TO PAY FOR ALL THE TANKS AND SHIPS AND
MISSILES. SO LET'S NOT FORGET THE UNSUNG HERO OF THE
COLD WAR: THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER. //
WHY DID WE DO IT -- WHY DID WE MAKE THE SACRIFICE?
IF YOU ASK ME -- WE SHED OUR BLOOD AND SPENT OUR
TREASURE BECAUSE WE BELIEVED ENOUGH IN OUR AMERICAN
IDEALS TO DEFEND THEM. TODAY -- THOSE IDEALS -- YOUR
IDEALS -- ARE TRIUMPHANT AROUND THE GLOBE. IN GERMANY,
A WALL HAS FALLEN. IN MOSCOW -- CITIZENS TROOP TO THE
POLLS. THINK ABOUT THIS -- IN JUST THE PAST FOUR YEARS
-- MORE PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST BREATH OF FREEDOM
THAN IN ANY TIME IN ALL OF HUMAN HISTORY. YOU MADE
HISTORY -- AND YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF THAT. //
- 5 -
BUT THERE IS A METHOD TO OUR UNSELFISHNESS. CALVIN
COOLIDGE DEFINED PATRIOTISM AS "STANDING UP FOR
YOURSELF BY STANDING UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY." WE FOUGHT
SO OUR CHILDREN DON'T HAVE TO FIGHT.
REMEMBER THAT AWFUL MOVIE OF SEVERAL YEARS AGO --
"THE DAY AFTER?" IT BROUGHT THE HORROR OF THE
AFTERMATH OF A NUCLEAR EXPLOSION HOME TO A SMALL KANSAS
SUBURB. PEOPLE GATHERED IN CHURCHES AND LECTURE HALLS
TO WATCH IT IN FEAR TOGETHER. SOME CALLED IT A
DOCUMENTARY OF THE FUTURE. TODAY, IT DOESN'T EVEN
BELONG IN THE SCIENCE FICTION BIN OF MOVIE RENTAL
STORES. BECAUSE OF YOUR SACRIFICE, THE NUCLEAR
NIGHTMARE HAS RECEDED. OUR KIDS AND OUR GRANDKIDS NOW
SLEEP IN THE SWEET SUNSHINE OF PEACE. //
SO THIS IS THE PROGRESS THAT YOU HAVE BROUGHT TO
THE WORLD AND TO OUR CHILDREN. AND YET THE QUESTION
TODAY IS: "WHAT DO WE DO NEXT?"
- 6 -
WE CAN START BY REMEMBERING SOMETHING JOHN KENNEDY
ONCE SAID: "A NATION REVEALS ITSELF NOT ONLY BY THE MEN
AND WOMEN IT PRODUCES, BUT BY THE MEN AND WOMEN IT
REMEMBERS." I UNDERSTAND RIGHT IN HERE (TOUCH HEART),
WHAT MAKES MILITARY SERVICE so SPECIAL. MILITARY
SERVICE IS THE GREAT LEVELER. MY OWN NAVY SQUADRON
INCLUDED FARM BOYS AND CITY HUSTLERS, ATHLETES AND
BOOKWORMS, PREACHER'S KIDS AND ARMY BRATS.
TOGETHER WE EXPERIENCED THE TINGLING EXCITEMENT OF
THAT SPORT OF KINGS -- PICKING UP CIGARETTE BUTTS. //
WE FELT THE KNOTS IN OUR STOMACHS FROM OUR FIRST
CARRIER LANDING, THE HEAVINESS IN OUR HEARTS FROM
SPENDING OUR FIRST HANUKKAH OR CHRISTMAS WITHOUT OUR
LOVED ONES, AND THE HORRIBLE, SICKENING FEELING OF
WATCHING OUR BUDDIES GO DOWN IN BATTLE -- NEVER TO
RETURN.
- 7 -
THESE MEMORIES ARE ETCHED IN MY MIND -- AS THEY ARE
ETCHED IN YOURS. NO MATTER THAT THE COLD WAR IS OVER -
- NO MATTER HOW PLACES LIKE GUADALCANAL AND HAMBURGER
HILL RECEDE IN OUR MEMORY -- OUR NATION CAN NEVER AND
MUST NEVER FORGET. AS LONG AS I AM PRESIDENT I MAKE
THIS SOLEMN PROMISE -- WE WILL ALWAYS STAND BY THOSE
WHO STOOD UP FOR OUR AMERICA. //
THAT MEANS KEEPING IN MIND A LESSON THAT EVERY
SOLDIER AND SAILOR KNOWS IN HIS HEART -- WEAKNESS
TEMPTS AGGRESSION.
WITH THE COLD WAR OVER, I HAVE PUT FORTH A
RESPONSIBLE PLAN TO CUT DEFENSE SPENDING -- TO THE
LEVEL RECOMMENDED BY OUR MILITARY EXPERTS. BUT IN THIS
POLITICAL YEAR, SOME WILL WANT TO GO FURTHER -- A LOT
FURTHER.
- 8 -
ONE PLAN OFFERS TO CUT FOUR TIMES MORE THAN WHAT
OUR EXPERTS SAY IS RESPONSIBLE. LET ME SAY THIS. IN
THE SANDS OF KUWAIT, OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS SHOWED THAT
COURAGE IS HEREDITARY -- BUT COURAGE WILL BE OF NO USE
IF FIGHTER PLANES CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN MUSEUMS AND OUR
SHIPS ARE ALL IN MOTHBALLS. WHEN IT COMES TO DEFENDING
OUR COUNTRY, MY LOYALTY LIES NOT WITH THE GALLUP POLLS,
BUT WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MUST GALLOP IN THE WAY OF
DANGER. WE MUST NEVER GO BACK TO THE HOLLOW ARMY OF
THE LATE 70'S. I STAND WITH THE MARINES, THE SOLDIERS,
THE SAILORS, THE AIRMEN, THE GUARDSMEN. WE CAN NEVER
ASK THESE MEN AND WOMEN TO STAND IN HARM'S WAY, THEN
TIE ONE ARM BEHIND THEIR BACK. AS LONG AS I AM
COMMANDER IN CHIEF, I WILL STAND FOR OUR ARMED FORCES -
- I WILL KEEP AMERICA STRONG. //
WE OWE YOU MORE THAN A STRONG AMERICA ABROAD, WE
OWE YOU A STRONG AMERICA AT HOME -- AN AMERICA THAT
LIVES UP TO THE DREAM THAT YOU DEFENDED -- WHERE YOU
CAN GET WORK, AND PROTECT YOUR FAMILY'S WELL-BEING.
- 9 -
JUST AS YOU CAN'T BUILD A HOME WITHOUT A HAMMER,
YOU CAN'T BUILD A DREAM WITHOUT A JOB. SOME SAY THE
WAY TO CREATE JOBS IS WITH MORE TAXES, BUT I DISAGREE.
I HAVE A PLAN TO CUT GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND USE
INCENTIVES TO GET THIS ECONOMY MOVING AGAIN. so FAR
THE PLAN HAS BEEN BLOCKED BY CONGRESS, BUT THIS FALL,
WITH YOUR HELP, I INTEND TO CHANGE ALL THAT.
I HAVE A SPECIAL CONCERN FOR THOSE WHO ARE CAUGHT
IN THE TRANSITION OF OUR ECONOMY -- FOR EXAMPLE,
VETERANS WHO ONCE GRIPPED THE TURRETS OF A TANK -- AND
ARE NOW GETTING USED TO THE KEYBOARDS OF A HIGH-TECH
ECONOMY.
- 10 -
AND SO I HAVE ADVANCED A NATIONAL STRATEGY TO RE-
TRAIN OUR WORKERS -- ESPECIALLY THOSE IN DEFENSE-
RELATED INDUSTRIES. AND I HAVE ASKED YOUR LEADER --
BOB WALLACE -- TO COME TO WASHINGTON AND HELP LEAD THE
JOB TRAINING EFFORT IN THE VETERAN'S COMMUNITY. I'M
ASKING THE SENATE TO CONFIRM BOB AS "ASSISTANT
SECRETARY OF LABOR FOR VETERAN'S EMPLOYMENT AND
TRAINING.' THAT'S JUST A FANCY TITLE THAT REALLY MEANS
-- "POTOMAC PITBULL FOR VETERAN'S RIGHTS." IF ANYONE
TRIES TO FORGET THE VET -- BOB AND I WILL BE THERE TO
CLAMP DOWN ON THEIR ARM. //
JOBS IS ONE PRIORITY; HEALTH CARE ANOTHER.
OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS BROKEN TODAY; WE ALL KNOW
IT. COSTS ARE RISING TOO FAST; TOO MANY PEOPLE CAN'T
GET COVERAGE.
- 11 -
SOME SAY IT'S TIME TO THROW UP OUR ARMS AND LET THE
GOVERNMENT TAKE OVER. I HAVE A DIFFERENT PLAN -- A WAY
TO GET AT THE REAL CAUSES OF SKYROCKETING COSTS -- LIKE
FAULTY INSURANCE PROGRAMS, PILES OF PAPERWORK, AND WAY
TOO MANY FRIVOLOUS LAWSUITS.
BUT LET ME MAKE A COMMITMENT TO YOU THIS MORNING.
I AM PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED TOGETHER TO
STRENGTHEN OUR VETERAN'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. PROUD OF
THE SPECIALIZED HEALTH CARE CENTERS WE HAVE CREATED,
AND THE NEW OUTPATIENT CLINICS. I AM PROUD OF OUR NEW
REGISTRY TO TRACK PERSIAN GULF VETERANS, AND MOST
ESPECIALLY, OF THE BILLION DOLLARS MORE EVERY YEAR WE
HAVE INVESTED IN YOUR HEALTH CARE. /
BUT LET ME BE CLEAR -- WHILE WE MUST CHANGE OUR
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, WE WILL NOT CHANGE OUR COMMITMENT
TO THE INTEGRITY OF VETERAN'S HEALTH CARE.
- 12 -
A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, I ANNOUNCED A NEW WHITE HOUSE
ADVISORY PANEL, INCLUDING A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE VFW.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING HEALTH
CARE CHANGES, THE VETERAN'S VOICE COMES THROUGH -- LOUD
AND CLEAR. //
IF CONGRESS SENDS ME LEGISLATION TO DISMANTLE THE
VA SYSTEM, I WILL WHIP OUT MY VETO PEN AND KNOCK DOWN
THAT SCUD MISSILE HEADED RIGHT FOR YOUR WELL-BEING. //
IF YOU ASK HOW MANY VA HOSPITALS WE'LL CLOSE --
I'LL TELL YOU: NOT THREE, NOT TWO, NOT ONE. // AND IF
ANYONE AGAIN SUGGESTS TAXING YOUR BENEFITS, I'LL SAY
WHAT I HAVE SAID MANY TIMES BEFORE -- "KEEP YOUR HANDS
OFF THE VETS!"
THERE IS ONE MORE PLEDGE I WILL MAKE TO YOU. IT
CONCERNS THOSE WHO ARE NOT WITH US TODAY -- THE
POW/MIA'S.
- 13 -
AS BOB MENTIONED, I DID HAVE MY OWN EXPERIENCE WITH
COMBAT. AFTER MY PLANE WAS SHOT DOWN, I REMEMBER
FLOATING IN THE PACIFIC. OFF IN THE DISTANCE I COULD
SEE THE JAPANESE-HELD ISLAND OF CHI CHI JIMA. I
REMEMBER WORRYING ABOUT WHETHER ANYONE IN MY SQUADRON
WOULD FIND ME. AND THEN I REMEMBER THINKING -- WHAT IF
THE OTHER SIDE DOES?
BY THE GRACE OF GOD, MY FAMILY NEVER HAD TO FACE
THE AGONY OF A LATE NIGHT PHONE CALL OR A KNOCK ON THE
DOOR. BUT TO THOSE WHO DO WAIT FOR THE CALLS OR KNOCKS
TO BRING NEWS OF LOVED ONES, LET ME SAY: WE WILL NEVER
FORGET YOU.
THE SEARCH FOR ANSWERS ABOUT POW-MIA'S IS A
QUESTION OF JUSTICE, OF OATHS SWORN, AND COMMITMENTS
KEPT. FOR 241 FAMILIES, THE UNCERTAINTY HAS ALREADY
ENDED. BUT THERE ARE STILL MORE ANSWERS TO FIND.
WITHOUT FURTHER PROGRESS, WE WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH
HANOI. WE WILL NOT REST UNTIL WE HAVE RECEIVED THE
FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING OF EVERY POW-MIA. //
- 14 -
IN PREPARING FOR MY VISIT TODAY, I RAN ACROSS A
QUOTE FROM DANIEL BENNIS, A DISABLED VETERAN FROM
HAMEL, MINNESOTA. DAN BENNIS WAS ASKED WHY HE WENT TO
WAR IN THE FIRST PLACE. HE SAID -- "I FOUGHT FOR THE
RIGHT TO SEE MY COUNTRY IN THE SPLENDOR OF ALL
SEASONS."
WELL, DAN, AMERICA IS A COUNTRY OF ALL SEASONS.
BUT TO ME, AMERICA IS A NATION WHERE ONE SEASON
DOMINATES -- THE SEASON OF SPRING. TODAY, AS WE LISTEN
TO ALL THE TALK OF PESSIMISM AND LOST POTENTIAL, WE MAY
THINK THAT THE COLD WINDS OF WINTER ARE BLOWING. BUT I
SENSE A DIFFERENT WIND -- THE AMERICAN WIND -- THE WARM
BREEZE OF RENEWAL AND REBIRTH.
IN OUR WORKPLACES, OUR ECONOMY IS BEING REBORN AS
OUR COMPANIES RE-TOOL FOR NEW COMPETITION. IN OUR
SCHOOLS, OUR STUDENTS ARE BEING REBORN AS -- FOR THE
FIRST TIME IN A CENTURY -- WE CHANGE THE VERY WAY THEY
LEARN. IN OUR HOMES, OUR FAMILIES ARE BEING REBORN AS
WE TURN BACK TO OUR MORAL FOUNDATIONS.
- 15 -
SOME LOOK AT ALL WE MUST DO AS A NATION AND SAY -- --
"OUR CHALLENGES ARE TOO BIG -- -- TOO DAUNTING." I WOULD
REMIND THEM - -THAT AMERICA IS STILL THE ONLY PLACE
WHERE MIRACLES NOT ONLY HAPPEN -- THEY HAPPEN EVERY
DAY. //
THIS IS THE NATION THAT TOPPLED THE WALL. THIS IS
THE NATION THAT WON THE WAR. THIS IS THE NATION THAT
PRODUCED YOU NONE HAVE BEEN BRAVER OR STURDIER.
THROUGH YOUR COURAGE, YOUR VALOR, YOUR SACRIFICE, YOU
CHANGED THE COURSE OF HUMAN HISTORY.
WE HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD, AND NOW WE WILL CHANGE
AMERICA. BECAUSE AMERICA IS THE LAND OF THE ETERNAL
SPRING.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. GOD BLESS THE VFW, AND GOD
BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
# # #
Provost/Bunton
Presidential Remarks:
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Monday, August 17, 1992
11 a.m.
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I also want to salute your incoming chief -- a courageous
leader in his own right -- Jack Carney. And the President of
your ladies auxiliary -- Mary Sears.
When Bob invited me here -- he said your members wanted to
hear from a leader with charisma and popularity -- whose words
are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately, Barbara wanted
me to speak instead. 11
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention.
When I saw the size of this
crowd, I thought about giving a dress rehearsal of my Houston
speech -- complete with a few partisan, political "observations".
But then I got to thinking -- you don't need to hear a political
speech -- you've already sacrificed enough for your country
511
So instead, I'd like to talk a little bit about where our nation
has been, and where we are headed together.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. For more
than forty years, our GI Joes and Janes hit the ground and sucked
the dust in faraway places like North Africa, Normandy, Pork Chop
2
Hill, and Ia Drang (Ee-Drang) Valley. Back then, we called you
"heroes. " Today -fwe call you "winners." If anyone tells you
imperia!
that communism fell on its own, tell them you helped punch it in
the gut, and sent it tumbling down the back stairs of history.
You won the battle for humanity's heart and soul soul!
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Paterson and Peoria. You who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on the
walls of German Stalags -- and "Elvis Lives" on Iraqi tanks. You
who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" on the roads outside
London, and listened to the Beatles with Adrian Cronauer (Cron-
how-er) in Siagon.
Goerring thought the American fighting forces were candy
canes -- we showed him. Kim Il Sung in Korea thought he could
take us -- wrong again. Saddam Hussein thought we'd grown soft
over the years, but we kicked a little Baghdad (slight pause)
bully
bully!!
And as we all know, for every one of us on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting us at home. Fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- they said the prayers,
baked the cookies, and watched the mailbox. And over the years,
together we footed a bill of over $4 trillion dollars to pay for
all the tanks and ships and missiles. So let's not forget the
unsung hero of the Cold War: the American taxpayer
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me --- we shed our blood and spent our treasure
because we believed enough in our American ideals to defend them.
3
Today -- those ideals -- your ideals -- are triumphant around the
globe. In Germany, a wall has fallen. In Moscow -- citizens
troop to the polls. Think about this -- in just the past four
years -- more people have taken the first breath of freedom than
in any period in all of human history. You made history -- and
you should be proud of that
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Calvin Coolidge
defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by standing up
for your country." We fought so our children don't have to
fight. Remember that awful movie of a few years ago -- "The Day
After?" When it came out -- some called it a documentary of the
future. Today, it doesn't even belong in the science fiction bin
of movie rental stores. Because of your sacrifice, the nuclear
nightmare has receded. Our kids and our grandkids now sleep in
the sweet sunshine of peace e.[1
So this is the progress that you have brought to the world
and to our children. And yet the question today is: "what do we
do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy once
said: "a nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it
produces, but by the men and women it remembers." I understand
right in here (touch heart), what makes military service so
special. Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy
squadron included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and
bookworms, preacher's kids and Army brats.
4
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without
our loved ones, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching
our buddies go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in our minds. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our memory -- our nation can never and
must never forget. As long as I am President I make this solemn
promise -- we will always stand by those who stood up for our
America
That means keeping in mind a lesson that every soldier and
sailor knows in his heart -- weakness tempts aggression.
With the Cold War over, I have put forth a responsible plan
to cut defense spending -- to the level recommended by our
military experts. But in this political year, some will want to
go further -- alot further.
One plan offers to cut four times more than what our experts
say is responsible. Let me say this. In the sands of Kuwait,
our sons and daughters showed that courage is hereditary -- but
courage will be of no use if fighter planes can only be found in
museums and our ships are all in mothballs. When it comes to
defending our country, my loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls,
but with our young people who must gallop in the way of danger.
I stand with the marines, the soldiers, the sailors, the airman,
5
the guardsman. We can never ask these men and women to stand in
harms way, then tie one arm behind their back. As long as I am
Commander in Chief, I will stand for our Armed forces, I will
keep America strong
We owe you more than a strong America abroad, we owe you a
strong America at home -- an America that lives up to the dream
that you defended -- where you can get work, and protect your
well-being.
Just as you can't build a home without a hammer, you can't
build a dream without a job. Some say the way to create jobs is
with more taxes, but I disagree. I have a plan to cut government
spending and use incentives to get this economy moving again.
I have a special concern for those who are caught in the
transition of our econony -- for example, those Veterans who once
gripped the turrets of a tank -- and are now struggling to getting gett
used to the keyboards of a high-tech economy.
re-train
And so I have advanced a national strategy to retrain our
workers -- especially those in defense-related industries. And I
have asked your leader -- Bob Wallace -- to come to Washington
and help lead the job training effort in the Veteran's community.
I'm asking the Senate to confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of
Labor for Veteran's Employment and Training." That's just a
Will remind
fancy title that means -- "Potomac Pitbull for / Veteran's Rights.' "
comes after
and I them.
If anyone tries to forget the Vet -- Bob will be there to clamp'
down on their arm
Jobs is one priority; health care another.
6
Our health care system is broken today, we all know it.
Costs are rising too fast; too many people can't get coverage.
Some say it's time to throw up our arms and let the
to
government take over. I have a different plan -- a wayvget at
the real causes of skyrocketing costs -- like faulty insurance
programs, piles of paperwork, and way too many frivolous
lawsuits.
But let me make a commitment to you this morning.
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to
strengthen our Veteran's health care system. Proud of the
double
specialized health care centers we have created, and the new
Check
outpatient clinics. I am proud of our new Registry to track
Persian Gulf Veterans, and most especially, of the billion
ser
dollars more we have invested in your health care\ the past few
years
But let me be clear -- while we must change our health care
system, we will not change our commitment to the integrity of
Tom
Veteran's health care.
Aug.5th
1992
Suily
white House panel advisory
A couple weeks ago, I announced a new advisory counsel,
Bill coldwell
including a representative of the VFW. I want to make sure that
when it comes to making health care changes, the Veterans voice
comes through loud and clear.
If Congress sends me legislation to dismantle the VA system,
I will whip out my veto pen and knock down that SCUD missile
headed right for your well-being.[I]
7
If you ask how many VA hospitals we'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one.// And if anyone again suggests
taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many times before
-- "keep your hands off the Vets!"
There is one more pledge I will make to you. It concerns
those who are not with us today -- the POW/MIA's.
As Bob mentioned, I did have my own experience with combat.
When I was waiting in the Pacific that day, I remember worrying
in
about whether anyone my squadron would find me. And then I
remember thinking -- what if the other side does?
By the grace of god, my family never had to face the agony
of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But to those
who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of loved ones,
let me say: we will never forget you.
The search for answers about POW-MIA's is a question of
justice, of oaths sworn, and commitments kept. For 241 families,
Familie
League
the uncertainty has already ended. But there are still more
24 Juy
answers to find. Without further progress, we will not move
forward with Hanoi. We will not rest until we recieve we find an
ge:
the
fullest
answer for every soldier 511
of our Fows, accountic M.AS.
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a quote from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war in the first place.
&
He said
-- "I fought for the right to see my country in the splendor of
all seasons."
8
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind --
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies retool for new
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn as
for the first time in a century, we change the very way they
as
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn'we turn back
to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
challenges are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- and
Solders / Patriots
none have sturdier and braver. Through your courage, your valor,
your sacrifice, you changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 14, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
STEVE PROVOST
sp
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED REMARKS TO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
I. SUMMARY
On Monday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m., you will deliver remarks
to an audience of 10,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
at their 93rd annual convention in the Indianapolis Convention
Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
II. DISCUSSION
Your remarks (approximately 14 minutes/teleprompter), praise
veterans for winning the Cold War, pledge your support for
Veterans' programs and remind the audience that you are the
candidate who served his country. VFW leaders specifically
requested that this not be a partisan address. The campaign
asked that we stick to Veteran's issues and refrain from
discussion of broader foreign policy and domestic themes.
Provost/Bunton
Presidential Remarks:
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Monday, August 17, 1992
11 a.m.
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I also want to salute your incoming chief -- a courageous
leader in his own right -- Jack Carney. And the President of
your ladies auxiliary -- Mary Sears.
When Bob invited me here -- he said your members wanted to
hear
from a leader with charisma and popularity -- whose words
are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately, Barbara wanted
me to speak instead. //
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. When I saw the size of this
crowd, I thought about giving a dress rehearsal of my Houston
speech -- complete with a few partisan, political "observations".
But then I got to thinking -- you don't need to hear a political
speech -- you've already sacrificed enough for our country. //
So instead, I'd like to talk a little bit about where our nation
has been, and where we are headed together.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. For more
than forty years, our GI Joes and Janes hit the ground and sucked
the dust in faraway places like North Africa, Normandy, Pork Chop
Hill, and Ia Drang (Ee-Drang) Valley. Back then, we called you
"heroes." Today -- we call you "winners." If anyone tells you
that imperial communism fell on its own, tell them you helped
2
punch it in the gut, and sent it tumbling down the back stairs of
history. You won the battle for humanity's heart and soul. 11
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Paterson and Peoria. You who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on the
walls of German Stalags -- and "Elvis Lives" on Iraqi tanks. You
who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" on the roads outside
London, and listened to the Beatles with Adrian Cronauer (Cron-
now-er) in Siagon.
Goerring thought the American fighting forces were a
pushover -- we showed him. Kim Il Sung in Korea thought he could
take us -- wrong again. Saddam Hussein thought we'd grown soft
over the years, but we kicked a little Baghdad (slight pause)
bully. //
And as we all know, for every one of us on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting us at home. Fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- said the prayers, baked
the cookies, and watched the mailbox. And over the years,
together we footed a bill of over $4 trillion dollars to pay for
all the tanks and ships and missiles. So let's not forget the
unsung hero of the Cold War: the American taxpayer. //
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spent our treasure
because we believed enough in our American ideals to defend them.
Today -- those ideals -- your ideals -- are triumphant around the
globe. In Germany, a wall has fallen. In Moscow -- citizens
troop to the polls. Think about this -- in just the past four
3
years -- more people have taken the first breath of freedom than
in any period in all of human history. You made\history -- and
you should be proud of that. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Calvin Coolidge
defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by standing up
for your country." We fought so our children don't have to
fight. Remember that awful movie of a few years ago -- "The Day
After?" When it came out -- some called it a documentary of the
future. Today, it doesn't even belong in the science fiction bin
of movie rental stores. Because of your sacrifice, the nuclear
nightmare has receded. Our kids and our grandkids now sleep in
the sweet sunshine of peace. //
So this is the progress that you have brought to the world
and to our children. And yet the question today is: "what do we
do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy once
said: "a nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it
produces, but by the men and women it remembers." I understand
right in here (touch heart), what makes military service so
special. Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy
squadron included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and
bookworms, preacher's kids and Army brats.
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. // We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without our
4
loved ones, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching our
buddies go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in our minds. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our memory -- our nation can never and
must never forget. As long as I am President I make this solemn
promise -- we will always stand by these who stood up for our
America. //
That means keeping in mind a lesson that every soldier and
sailor knows in his heart -- weakness tempts aggression.
With the Cold War over, I have put forth a responsible plan
to cut defense spending -- to the level recommended by our
military experts. But in this political year, some will want to
go further -- a lot further.
One plan offers to cut four times more than what our experts
say is responsible. Let me say this. In the sands of Kuwait,
our sons and daughters showed that courage is hereditary -- but
courage will be of no use if fighter planes can only be found in
museums and our ships are all in mothballs. When it comes to
defending our country, my loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls,
but with our young people who must gallop in the way of danger.
I stand with the Marines, the soldiers, the sailors, the airmen,
the guardsmen. We can never ask these men and women to stand in
harm's way, then tie one arm behind their back. As long as I am
Commander in Chief, I will stand for our Armed forces, I will
keep America strong. //
5
We owe you more than a strong America abroad, we owe you a
strong America at home -- an America that lives up to the dream
that you defended -- where you can get work, and protect your
well-being.
Just as you can't build a home without a hammer, you can't
build a dream without a job. Some say the way to create jobs is
with more taxes, but I disagree. I have a plan to cut government
spending and use incentives to get this economy moving again.
I have a special concern for those who are caught in the
transition of our economy -- for example, those Veterans who once
gripped the turrets of a tank -- and are now getting used to the
keyboards of a high-tech economy.
And so I have advanced a national strategy to re-train our
workers -- especially those in defense-related industries. And I
have asked your leader -- Bob Wallace -- to come to Washington
and help lead the job training effort in the Veteran's community.
I'm asking the Senate to confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of
Labor for Veteran's Employment and Training." That's just a
fancy title that means -- "Potomac Pitbull for Veteran's Rights."
If anyone tries to forget the Vet -- Bob and I will be there to
clamp down on their arm.
Jobs is one priority, health care another.
Our health care system is broken today, we all know it.
Costs are rising too fast; too many people can't get coverage.
Some say it's time to throw up our arms and let the
government take over. I have a different plan -- a way to get at
6
the real causes of skyrocketing costs -- like faulty insurance
programs, piles of paperwork, and way too many frivolous
lawsuits.
But let me make a commitment to you this morning.
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to
strengthen our Veteran's health care system. Proud of the
specialized health care centers we have created, and the new
outpatient clinics. I am proud of our new Registry to track
Persian Gulf Veterans, and most especially, of the billion
dollars more every year we have invested in your health care.
/
But let me be clear -- while we must change our health care
system, we will not change our commitment to the integrity of
Veteran's health care.
A couple weeks ago, I announced a new White House advisory
panel, including a representative of the VFW. I want to make
sure that when it comes to making health care changes, the
Veterans voice comes through loud and clear. //
If Congress sends me legislation to dismantle the VA system,
I will whip out my veto pen and knock down that SCUD missile
headed right for your well-being. //
If you ask how many VA hospitals we'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one. // And if anyone again
suggests taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many
times before -- "keep your hands off the Vets!"
There is one more pledge I will make to you. It concerns
those who are not with us today -- the POW/MIA's.
7
As Bob mentioned, I did have my own experience with combat.
When I was waiting in the Pacific that day, I remember worrying
about whether anyone in my squadron would find me. And then I
remember thinking -- what if the other side does?
By the grace of God, my family never had to face the agony
of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But to those
who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of loved ones,
let me say: we will never forget you.
The search for answers about POW-MIA's is a question of
justice, of oaths sworn, and commitments kept. For 241 families,
the uncertainty has already ended. But there are still more
answers to find. Without further progress, we will not move
forward with Hanoi. We will not rest until we have received the
fullest possible accounting of every POW-MIA. //
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a quote from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war in the first place. He said
-- "I fought for the right to see my country in the splendor of
all seasons."
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies re-tool for new
8
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn as
for the first time in a century, we change the very way they
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn as we turn
back to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
challenges are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- and
none have been sturdier or braver. Through your courage, your
valor, your sacrifice, you changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
# # #
Some
Comments
from
General
Scowcreft
Provost/Bunton
:
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Monday, August 17, 1992
11 a.m.
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I also want to salute your incoming chief -- a courageous
leader in his own right -- Jack Carney. And the President of
your ladies auxiliary -- Mary Sears.
When Bob invited me here -- he said your members wanted to
hear from a leader with charisma and popularity -- whose words
are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately, Barbara wanted
me to speak instead.
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. When I saw the size of this
crowd, I thought about giving a dress rehearsal of my Houston
speech -- complete with a few partisan political "observations".
But then I got to thinking -- you don't need to hear a political
speech -- you've already sacrificed enough for your country. //
So instead, I'd like to talk a little bit about where our nation
has been, and where we are headed together.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. For more
than forty years, our GI Joes and Janes hit the ground and sucked
the dust in faraway places like North Africa, Normandy, Pork Chop
2
Hill, and Ia Drang (Ee-Drang) Valley. Back then, we called you
"heroes." Today --we call you "winners." If anyone tells you
that communism fell on its own, tell them you helped punch it in
the gut, and sent it tumbling down the back stairs of history.
You won the battle for humanity's heart and soul. //
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Paterson and Peoria. You who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on the
walls of German Stalags -- and "Elvis Lives" on Iraqi tanks. You
who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" on the roads outside
London, and listened to the Beatles with Adrian Cronauer (Cron-
how-er) in Siagon.
Poor
Goerring thought the American fighting forces were candy
plenosing
canes we showed him. Kim Il Sung in Korea thought he could
take us -- wrong again. Saddam Hussein thought we'd grown soft
over the years, but we kicked a little Baghdad (slight pause)
bully. //
And as we all know, for every one of us on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting us at home. Fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- they said the prayers,
baked the cookies, and watched the mailbox. And over the years,
together we footed a bill of over $4 trillion dollars to pay for
all the tanks and ships and missiles. So let's not forget the
unsung hero of the Cold War: the American taxpayer. //
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spent our treasure
because we believed enough in our American ideals to defend them.
3
Today -- those ideals -- your ideals -- are triumphant around the
globe. In Germany, a wall has fallen. In Moscow -- citizens
troop to the polls. Think about this -- in just the past four
years -- more people have taken the first breath of freedom than
in any period in all of human history. You made history -- and
you should be proud of that. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Calvin Coolidge
defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by standing up
for your country." We fought so our children don't have to
fight. Remember that awful movie of a few years ago -- "The Day
After?" When it came out -- some called it a documentary of the
future. Today, it doesn't even belong in the science fiction bin
of movie rental stores. Because of your sacrifice, the nuclear
nightmare has receded. Our kids and our grandkids now sleep in
the sweet sunshine of peace. //
So this is the progress that you have brought to the world
and to our children. And yet the question today is: "what do we
do next?"
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy once
said: "a nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it
produces, but by the men and women it remembers." I understand
right in here (touch heart), what makes military service so
special. Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy
squadron included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and
bookworms, preacher's kids and Army brats.
4
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. // We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without
our loved ones, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching
our buddies go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in our minds. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our memory -- our nation can never and
must never forget. As long as I am President I make this solemn
promise -- we will always stand by those who stood up for our
America. //
That means keeping in mind a lesson that every soldier and
sailor knows in his heart -- weakness tempts aggression.
With the Cold War over, I have put forth a responsible plan
to cut defense spending -- to the level recommended by our
military experts. But in this political year, some will want to
go further -- alot further.
One plan offers to cut four times more than what our experts
say is responsible. Let me say this. In the sands of Kuwait,
our sons and daughters showed that courage is hereditary -- but
courage will be of no use if fighter planes can only be found in
museums and our ships are all in mothballs. When it comes to
defending our country, my loyalty lies not with the Gallup polls,
but with our young people who must gallop in the way of danger.
I stand with the marines, the soldiers, the sailors, the airman,
5
the guardsman. We can never ask these men and women to stand in
harms way, then tie one arm behind their back. As long as I am
Commander in Chief, I will stand for our Armed forces, I will
keep America strong. / /
We owe you more than a strong America abroad, we owe you a
strong America at home -- an America that lives up to the dream
that you defended -- where you can get work, and protect your
well-being.
Just as you can't build a home without a hammer, you can't
build a dream without a job. Some say the way to create jobs is
with more taxes, but I disagree. I have a plan to cut government
spending and use incentives to get this economy moving again.
I have a special concern for those who are caught in the
transition of our econony -- for example, those Veterans who once
gripped the turrets of a tank -- and are now struggling to get
used to the keyboards of a high-tech economy.
And so I have advanced a national strategy to retrain our
workers -- especially those in defense-related industries. And I
have asked your leader -- Bob Wallace -- to come to Washington
and help lead the job training effort in the Veteran's community.
I'm asking the Senate to confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of
Labor for Veteran's Employment and Training." That's just a
fancy title that means -- "Potomac Pitbull for Veteran's Rights.'
If anyone tries to forget the Vet -- Bob will be there to clamp
down on their arm.
Jobs is one priority, health care another.
6
Our health care system is broken today, we all know it.
Costs are rising too fast, too many people can't get coverage.
Some say it's time to throw up our arms and let the
government take over. I have a different plan -- a way get at
the real causes of skyrocketing costs -- like faulty insurance
programs, piles of paperwork, and way too many frivolous
lawsuits.
But let me make a commitment to you this morning.
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to
strengthen our Veteran's health care system. Proud of the
specialized health care centers we have created, and the new
outpatient clinics. I am proud of our new Registry to track
Persian Gulf Veterans, and most especially, of the billion
dollars more we have invested in your health care the past few
years. /
But let me be clear -- while we must change our health care
system, we will not change our commitment to the integrity of
Veteran's health care.
A couple weeks ago, I announced a new advisory counsel,
including a representative of the VFW. I want to make sure that
when it comes to making health care changes, the Veterans voice
comes through loud and clear. //
If Congress sends me legislation to dismantle the VA system,
I will whip out my veto pen and knock down that SCUD missile
headed right for your well-being. //
7
If you ask how many VA hospitals we'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one. // And if anyone again suggests
taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many times before
"keep your hands off the Vets!"
There is one more pledge I will make to you. It concerns
those who are not with us today -- the POW/MIA's.
As Bob mentioned, I did have my own experience with combat.
When I was waiting in the Pacific that day, I remember worrying
about whether anyone my squadron would find me. And then I
remember thinking -- what if the other side does?
By the grace of god, my family never had to face the agony
of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But to those
who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of loved ones,
let me say: we will never forget you.
The search for answers about POW-MIA's is a question of
justice, of oaths sworn, and commitments kept. For 241 families,
the uncertainty has already ended. But there are still more
answers to find. Without further progress, we will not move
forward with Hanoi. We will not rest until we recieve we find an
answer for every soldier. .17] have received the fullest
possible
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war in the first place. He said
-- "I fought for the right to see my country in the splendor of
all seasons."
8
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind --
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies retool for new
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn as
for the first time in a century, we change the very way they
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn we turn back
to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
challenges are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- and
none have sturdier and braver. Through your courage, your valor,
your sacrifice, changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20506
6237
August 14, 1992
Phil This is
MEMORANDUM FOR PHILLIP D. BRADY
FROM:
Presidential Remarks: Jane VFW Convention
WILLIAM F. SITTMANN
It is filed will
SUBJECT:
a
The National Security Council staff has reviewed the draft
clectro, thing of Thoughts.
Presidential remarks and have the following general comments:
This draft is inadequate. It does not sound like the
my
Commander-in-Chief addressing his former troops. It also
needs to be reordered so as to look backward to the
achievements of our Armed Forces and the President over the
past four years and then look forward by describing the new
foreign challenges and the top four points of the domestic
agenda for the next four years that will mean the most to
the VFW: health care, full employment program, end to
discrimination on grounds of race and disability, and
POWs/MIAs. In addition to the annotations on other pages,
attached is a recommended replacement for page 2.
Attachment
Tab I
Recommended Replacement for Page 2
so many develop some personable
Instandable of goteng begdat don't
we quotes
NEW PAGE 2 (if youse Tho)
I'd like to talk now about where we are going as a nation. You
know where we have been. Throughout our history, our sons and
daughters in the Armed Forces have secured our freedom. For over
forty years, they bore the brunt of the Cold War -- from Central
Europe to Khe Sahn. If anyone suggests that Communism fell of
its own weight, then that person speaks only part of the truth.
The truth is you met the challenge. You helped put Communism
into the dustbin of history.
Of course, the whole country those unsung heroes, the American
taxpayers -- and all the people of the western democracies helped
bring about the end of the Cold War. But your role was special.
But there are other victories as well. Our Armed Forces helped
free Panama from the grips of a tyrant during Operation JUST
CAUSE. And in the Gulf, as so often before, they again answered
the call from endangered liberty and brought independence and
peace to little Kuwait.
The world we grew up with is no more. The simple truths of the
Cold War no longer describe reality at home or abroad. But some
things don't change: American ideals and values. We shed our
blood and spent our treasure because we believed enough in our
ideals to defend them. And today America's triumph is reflected
everywhere -- in events momentous and mundane.
Document No. 34475655
6237
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
8/12/92
DATE:
3:00 P.M. THURS. 8/
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VFW CONVENTION
SUBJECT:
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROF
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
PROVOST
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
GAUGHAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm
122, Ext. 2930 NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. THURSDAY, AUGUST 13,
with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Memo for signature is attached.
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Provost/Bunton
2 AUG 12 P5: 38
Presidential Remarks
VFW Convention
Indianapolis, IN
Thank you Bob (Wallace) for that generous introduction.
I was so impressed with that introduction, that I've asked
Bob to serve beside me in Washington. I'm asking the Senate to
confirm Bob as "Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran's
Employment and Training" -- which is a fancy title that means:
"Potomac Pitbull for Veterans Rights. // I also want to salute
your incoming chief -- a courageous leader in his own right --
Jack Carney. And the President of your ladies auxiliary --
Mary Sears.
When Bob and Jack invited me -- they said your members
wanted to hear from a leader with charisma and popularity --
whose words are revered from coast to coast. Unfortunately,
Barbara said she didn't want to talk. // So I have to get up here
instead.
As you may know, I'm on my way to Houston -- to the
Republican National Convention. (I might bring Joel Antes along
with me, and see if he can give me a few speaking tips.) When I
saw the size of this crowd this morning, I thought about giving a
dress rehearsal of my Houston speech -- complete with political
jibes and biting insults. But then I got to thinking -- you've
already sacrificed enough for your country./ / So I'll spare you
sailed the was and
2
a partisan speech this morning. Instead, I'd like to talk a
little bit about where we are going as a nation.
As we gather here today -- the Cold War is over. By the
grace of God, we won. For more than forty years our GI Joes and
Janes 1 hit the ground and sucked the dust in faraway places like
Normandy, Khe San, Pork Chop Hill, and Inchon. Back then, we
called you "heroes." Today -- we can call you "winners." If
anyone suggests that communism fell on its own, tell them you
helped knee it in the back, and kick it down the stairs. You won
the battle for humanity's heart and soul. / /
What a group we've put forth, these sons and daughters of
Patterson and Peoria. The ones who wrote "Kilroy was Here" on
the walls of German Stalags -- and scrawled "Elvis Lives" on
Iraqui tanks. The ones who sang "Don't Sit Under The Apple
Tree," on the roads outside London, and rocked out to the Beatles
while listening to Adrian Cronauer in Siagon.
Goefring thought we were candy canes -- we showed him. Kim
Il Sung in Korea thought he could take us -- wrong again. Old
Sadam 1 thought we'd grown soft over the years, but we kicked a
little Baghdad (slight pause) bully. //
And keep in mind, for every one of you on the front-lines -
- there were other Americans supporting you at home -- fathers,
mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors -- who footed a bill of
over $4 trillion dollars so that others may do more than simply
yearn to breathe free. Let's not forget the unsung hero of the
Cold War: the American taxpayer. //
3
Why did we do it -- why did we make the sacrifice?
If you ask me -- we shed our blood and spared our dollars
you to
because we believe enough in our American ideals to share them.
share
Today America's triumph is reflected everywhere -- in events
to
momentous and mundane. In Germany, a wall has fallen and in
protect first. them
Moscow -- citizens troop to the polls.
In
France,
kids
don't
have to fly anymore to meet Mickey and Goofey and in Malaysia
townilf
you can get a special stamp honoring that rock-solid symbol of
add sets and
else &
American virtue -- Fred Flinstone
If promoting American ideals and ideas sounds unselfish --
well, I guess it is. And if it sounds even a bit arrogant, I
say, "tell me whose way of life is better?" And if some say it
is corny -- nothing more than pure, patriotism, hey -- I plead
guilty. Because in my book -- no one ever got sick from too many
hot dogs and apple pies. //
But there is a method to our unselfishness. Old Calvin
Coolidge defined patriotism as "standing up for yourself by
standing up for your country." We fought so our children don't
have to fight. We withstood showers of mortar, so that our kids
and grandkids can live in the sunshine of peace.
A couple years ago -- about the time of Desert Storm -- I
received a poem from Mrs. P.J. Jackson of Kirbyville, Texas. She
proudly described herself as and I quote -- "a vet, the wife of a
vet, and the mother of a vet" -- (you can bet that there are no
unmade beds in the Jackson household.) P.J.'s poem had a special
message for those who would allow desecration of our flag. (As
4
you know, this has always been a special concern of mine. I
always liked the approach taken by a Vet in Queens one Memorial
Day a couple years ago. He had a t-shirt with a flag on it. The
t-shirt read: "let's see you try to burn this one. '//)
P.J. Jackson's poem made a similar point, a little more
subtlely. (take letter) She wrote: "I pray that they'll see for
this peaceful sleep, the credit to Old Glory they owe, a sleep
undisturbed from exploding bombs, or having to hide from the
foe." "
Well, P.J., I wish you could be here with the men and women
of the VFW. Because you stood up for Old Glory -- because many
of our friends fell for Old Glory -- our children today fear no
foe, they can sleep undisturbed from the threat of
we no larger
missiles -- and dream the sweet dreams of peace. //
In Part
So this is the progress we have brought to the world,
and greping
for our children. And yet the question is: "what do we do next?
Engoy
We can start by remembering something John Kennedy said: "a
nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces,
but by the men and women it remembers." I understand right in
here (touch heart), what makes military service so special.
Military service is the great leveler. My own Navy squadron
included farm boys and city hustlers, athletes and bookworms,
preacher's kids and Army brats.
Together we experienced the wonderful excitement of that
sport of kings -- potato peeling. We felt the knots in our
stomachs from our first carrier landing, the heaviness in our
5
hearts from spending our first Hanukkah or Christmas without
family, and the horrible, sickening feeling of watching our
friends go down in battle -- never to return.
These memories are etched in my mind. No matter that the
Cold War is over -- no matter how places like Guadalcanal and
Hamburger Hill recede in our consciousness -- our nation can
never and must never forget. As long as I am Commander in Chief
I make this solemn promise -- we will always stand by those who
stood up for our America. //
I am proud of what we have accomplished together to repay
our debt to Veterans. Proud of the specialized health care
centers we have created, the new outpatient clinics, and the
billion dollars more we have invested in Veterans health care
every year. But there is still more to do.
We must change our health care system in this nation, and we
will. But let me be clear -- we will not change our commitment
to the integrity of Veterans health care. If Congress sends me
legislation to dismantle the VA system, I will whip out my veto
pen and knock down that SCUD missile headed right for your
wellbeing. //
If you ask how many VA hospitals I'll close -- I'll tell
you: not three, not two, not one.// And if anyone again suggests
taxing your benefits, I'll say what I have said many times before
-- "keep your hands off the Vets!"
One more thing. From my own experience, I know firsthand
what it means to know that America will never abandon its
my administration has worked losely with
the families of us. MIAS over the jeanto
ferret-out the truth from the
6
mountains erroners of complicting and often
fighting men, whatever their fate. My family never had to face
the agony of a late night phone call or a knock on the door. But
to those who do wait for the calls or knocks to bring news of
loved ones, let me say: we will never forget you.
I am pleased that the League of Families recently reaffirmed
their support for my administration's efforts. But though
dramatic progress has been made, all are not accounted for.
H
will fight to make sure that every American stands with you,
until the fate of every POW and MIA is known. H
We will
But just as we must never forget the sacrifices you have
Vall
made, we must not forget why so many wars have been fought --
because weakness tempts aggression.
to contine give
Let's not kid ourselves. Although the Soviet Bear is
night
prints
extinct, there are still plenty of wolves in the woods. In the
the
sands of Kuwait our sons and daughters showed that courage is
recold again
hereditary -- but courage will be of no use, if fighter planes
can only be found in museums and our ships are all in mothballs.
satesfact
proposal
I have put forth responsible cuts in national defense, but
of
I
will go no further. When it comes to defending our country, my
loyalty Dies not with the Gallup polls, but with our young people
who must gallup in the way of danger. As long as I am President,
?
I will not allow a madman to get his finger on the nuclear
trigger. // As long as I am Commander in Chief, I will keep
America strong. // Day why.
This is what it is all about -- a strong America -- but our
strength is measured not just by the power of our missiles, but
7
by the power of our minds. Not just by our ability to win wars,
but our children's ability to earn decent wages
handle challenger
And if you'll excuse one political observation, I am on my
way to Houston to accept my party's nomination for President,
because I believe that now that we have changed the world, we can
change America.
I am not afraid of the new world before us, I believe it
offers unprecedented opportunity, if we have a plan of action.
In the war with Iraq, the world marveled at the capabilities
VOT
of our Patriot Missiles And yet, by the turn of the century,
I
really
want the whole world to marvel at our leadership in
supercomputers, and biotechnology, and material sciences -- new
industries that will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs
for our kids and their kids. I have the plan to keep America
working. //
In Barcelona this month, I was proud of our athletes' preeminence.
domination on the basketball court and the swimming pool.
And
yet by the end of this decade, don't you want to see our kids
lead the way in trigonometry and biology? I have a plan to make
our schools number one. //
tweget modersigats more
We should be flattered to see ideas like personal
-coparter lgin
responsibility and respect for work take hold in Moscow and
Prochamsty
pattenders
Potsdam. And yet, I want to see those moral values restored in
our own suburbs and cities. I have a plan to restore America's
moral fiber.
8
While our children can rest safer from the threat of nuclear
missiles, our victory is for naught if we cannot walk the streets
without being preyed upon by crack addicts and pushers. I have a
plan to take back the streets of America.
This is why I am running for re-election. Because new
battles lie before us -- in our schools, our workplaces, our
families, and our streets.
We cannot all serve and sacrifice the way you did. We
cannot all be Minutemen, but we can help seize the moment -- and
change America to take advantage of the opportunity that is
before us.
In preparing for my visit today, I ran across a quote from
Daniel Bennis, a disabled veteran from Hamel, Minnesota. Dan
Bennis was asked why he went to war, why he put himself in harm's
way for his country. He said -- "I fought for the right to see
my country in the splendor of all seasons."
Well, Dan, America is a country of all seasons. But to me,
America is a nation where one season dominates -- the season of
spring. Today, as we listen to all the talk of pessimism and
lost potential, we may think that the cold winds of winter are
blowing. But I sense a different wind -- the American wind --
the warm breeze of renewal and rebirth. In our workplaces, our
economy is being reborn as our companies retool for new
academic
system
is
competition. In our schools, our students are being reborn [as]
for the first time in a century. we change ing the very way they
are
1
9
as
learn. In our homes, our families are being reborn we turn back
to our moral foundations.
Some look at all we must do as a nation and say -- our
problems are too big -- too daunting. I would remind them --
this is the nation that toppled the wall. This is the nation
that won the War. This is the nation that produced you -- the
men and women who through your courage, your valor, your
sacrifice, changed the course of human history.
We have changed the world, and now we will change America.
Because this is the land of the eternal spring. Thank you very
much. God bless the VFW, and God bless the United States of
America.