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Somalia Trip 12/31/92 - 1/1/93 [OA 8485]
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Somalia Trip 12/31/92 - 1/1/93 [OA 8485]
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Speech Draft Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S; 2005-0999-F; 2006-0861-F
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13650
Folder ID Number:
13650-002
Folder Title:
Somalia Trip 12/31/92 - 1/1/93 [OA 8485]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
18
6
2
PRESIDENTIAL TALKING POINTS:
SOMALIA VISIT / 12/31/92 - 1/1/93
o I'M HERE BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN THIS
MISSION, BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN YOU.
WE'VE ALREADY MADE GREAT PROGRESS: WITHIN
36 HOURS OF MY PLEDGE OF ASSISTANCE, WE
HAD TEAMS ON THE GROUND. TODAY -- ABOUT
17,000 TROOPS ARE IN PLACE.
- 2 =
WE'VE DELIVERED ALMOST 20 THOUSAND TONS
OF FOOD, SECURED BASES FROM BAIDOA TO
BARDERA. THE PORT IS OPEN, FOOD IS
MOVING, PEOPLE ARE BEING HELPED.
- 3 -
o
OUR OBJECTIVE IS LIMITED, OUR MISSION
DEFINED: THE UNITED STATES, SHOULDER TO
SHOULDER WITH THE COALITION, WILL SECURE
THE PEACE so THAT HELP CAN GET THROUGH.
I
I
OPERATION RESTORE HOPE WILL DO JUST THAT.
- 4 -
O
No PRESIDENT IS QUICK TO ORDER AMERICAN
TROOPS ABROAD. So LET ME BE CLEAR: WE
WILL FINISH THE JOB, HAND THE SECURITY
]
MISSION BACK TO THE UN, AND WE'LL GET YOU
[
HOME.
O
YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR FAMILIES SUPPORT
YOU.
- 5 =
ONE DAD, RET. MAJOR JIMMIE RICH, OF
TENNESSEE, SENT ME A COPY OF A LETTER TO
HIS SON IN SOMALIA. HE WROTE: "TODAY
]
WHEN I WAS PUTTING THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
OUTSIDE, I REALIZED THAT BY BEING IN
SOMALIA YOU WILL HAVE THE BEST CHRISTMAS
EVER.
- 6 =
I KNOW THAT SOUNDS CRAZY, BUT IT IS TRUE
WHEN YOU THINK OF THE REAL MEANING OF
CHRISTMAS."
]
- 7 -
o "I LEARNED THE TRUE LESSON OF CHRISTMAS
WHEN I WENT TO VIET NAM ON DECEMBER 15
AND MISSED CHRISTMAS YOUR BROTHER BRYAN
LEARNED IT WHEN HE WAS IN THE PERSIAN
GULF ON CHRISTMAS, AND MISSED THE BIRTH
OF HIS SECOND CHILD
8 A a
Now YOU ARE BEING GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY
TO EXPERIENCE THE REAL MEANING OF
CHRISTMAS, TO GIVE OTHERS HOPE FOR A
I
BETTER FUTURE."
O I'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE, HERE IN SOMALIA.
ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER FAMINE.
- 9 =
I HELD ONE SPECIAL CHILD IN MY ARMS:
SEVEN YEARS OLD, AND ONLY SEVENTEEN
POUNDS.
I
I
o YOU'RE HERE ON A MANDATE FROM THE UN, A
MISSION OF A NEW WORLD ORDER.
- 10 -
BUT YOUR SACRIFICE ANSWERS AN EVEN
GREATER MANDATE, THE OLD WORDS OF A
TIMELESS ORDER: "WHEN I WAS THIRSTY, YOU
GAVE ME WATER. WHEN I WAS HUNGRY, YOU
I
I
GAVE ME FOOD." MAY GOD BLESS OUR WORK
HERE, AND OUR HOME, THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA.
(Grossman/Walters)
DEPART
Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
DEPARTURE REMARKS
MOGADISHU AIRPORT
JANUARY 1, 1993
As I was falling asleep last night, I thought about my time
aboard another carrier, the USS San Jacinto, 48 years ago. I was
young -- not much different from many of you: same hopes for the
future, same fears, same feeling about a special girl back home.
But the world we face today is different. The fatal
certainties of a Cold War have shattered into a jigsaw of
international complexity. This much is certain: America and her
partners, like the brave coalition forces here today, must come
together where we can to do what we will -- to thwart a tyrant,
to protect the peace, to feed the starving.
But make no mistake. Our objective here is limited: we come
together -- not to make Somalia safe for democracy -- but to make
it safe for survival. Our mission: to secure the peace so that
help can get through. Operation Restore Hope will do just that.
Thanks to you we're ahead of schedule: we've secured bases
from Baidoa to Bardera. The port is open, food is moving, people
are being helped.
As President, I want to send a message to the families of
America's troops: once our work is done here, we'll hand the
security mission back to the UN, and you're going home. I think
your families understand that. Military families are special
that way. Just before Christmas, I received a letter at the
White House from a military dad, Ret. Major Jimmie Rich of
2
Tennessee. He sent me a copy of a letter he wanted me to deliver
to his son in Somalia. Here's what it said:
"Today when I was putting the Christmas lights outside
I
realized that by being in Somalia you will have the best
Christmas ever. I know that sounds crazy. Christmas in the
desert and in a land of unhappiness with millions of
starving people. But it is true when you think of the REAL
meaning of Christmas. Christmas is faith, hope, love, and
giving
The greatest gift you can give is yourself
I
learned the true lesson of Christmas when I went to Viet Nam
on December 15 and missed Christmas Your brother Bryan
learned it when he was in the Persian Gulf on Christmas --
and missed the birth of his second child
Now you are being
given the opportunity to experience the real meaning of
Christmas, to give others hope for a better future. And you
are learning what it really means to be a soldier."
Now most of you probably don't know this, but I've been here
before, here in Somalia. It was another time, and yes, another
famine. I remember holding one special child in my arms: seven
years old, and only seventeen pounds. Many of you here have seen
things that could break the heart of the strongest soldier.
But in this season of peace -- your sacrifice makes peace
possible. American Pfc. Bill Davis put it this way: "It will be
kind of like a Christmas present for the kids of Somalia." He's
right. We may all come from different countries, and pray in
different ways, but when we think on these things, the sands of
Somalia seem a little closer to the places we call home. May God
bless you all, and may God bless the United States of America.
(Grossman/Walters)
DEPART. 2
Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
DEPARTURE REMARKS
MOGADISHU AIRPORT
JANUARY 1, 1993
As I was falling asleep last night, I thought about my time
aboard another carrier, the USS San Jacinto, 48 years ago. I was
young -- not much different from many of you: same hopes for the
future, same fears, same feeling about a special girl back home.
But the world we face today is different. The fatal
certainties of a Cold War have shattered into a jigsaw of
international complexity. This much is certain: America and her
partners, like the brave coalition forces here today, must come
together where we can to do what we will -- to thwart a tyrant,
to protect the peace, to feed the starving.
But make no mistake. Our objective here is limited: we come
together -- not to make Somalia safe for democracy -- but to make
it safe for survival. Our mission: to secure the peace so that
help can get through. Operation Restore Hope will do just that.
Thanks to you we're ahead of schedule: we've secured bases
from Baidoa to Bardera. The port is open, food is moving, people
are being helped.
As President, I want to send a message to the families of
America's troops: once our work is done here, we'll hand the
security mission back to the UN, and you're going home. I think
your families understand that. Military families are special
that way. I got a letter at the White House from one military
wife, Melanie Cook of Watertown, New York. I'll read a little
2
bit: "As I write this," she says, "[my husband] and his men are
preparing for their upcoming deployment to Somalia
[Kevin] and
I will celebrate our first wedding anniversary in 10 days, so I
am still fairly new to the military life
[But] I have a great
deal of respect and faith in my husband's ability as a soldier.
[And] I believe you will do all in your power to
bring our men
and women home safely." Melanie, you have my word.
Now most of you probably don't know this, but I've been here
before, here in Somalia. It was another time, and yes, another
famine. I remember holding one special child in my arms: seven
years old, and only seventeen pounds. Many of you here have seen
things that could break the heart of the strongest soldier.
But in this season of peace -- your sacrifice makes peace
possible. American Pfc. Bill Davis put it this way: "It will be
kind of like a Christmas present for the kids of Somalia." He's
right. We may all come from different countries, and pray in
different ways, but when we think on these things, the sands of
Somalia seem a little closer to the places we call home. May God
bless you all, and may God bless the United States of America.
(Grossman/Walters)
SOMALIA
Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
ABOARD USS TRIPOLI
DECEMBER 31, 1992
[[I want to congratulate you all for the way you've been
able to improvise the holidays -- I hear that one of our rifle
squads even invented their own Christmas carol: "Rudolf the Red
Nosed Camel." Not exactly Bob Hope, but what can you do. \\]]
I remember the time I spent aboard another aircraft carrier,
the USS San Jacinto, 48 years ago. I was young -- not that much
different from many of you: same hopes for the future, same
fears, same feeling about a special girl back home.
But the world we face today is different. The fatal
certainties of a Cold War have shattered into a jigsaw of
international complexity. This much is certain: American
leadership, and American troops, must put the pieces together.
I am here because I believe in this mission because I
believe in you. You are proving that if America is to lead in
great ways, we must lead in good will. The world has seen the
face of suffering in Somalia. But already, through our action,
the Somali people are being helped and healed: within 36 hours of
my pledge of assistance, we had teams on the ground. 17,000
troops are now in place. We've secured bases from Baidoa to
Bardera. The port is open and food is moving though.
We can make a difference, and so I believe we must. Our
objective is limited, our mission defined: America, shoulder to
shoulder with the coalition, will secure the peace so that help
can get through. Operation Restore Hope will do just that. 11
2
Now no President is quick to order American troops abroad -
- especially during the holidays. So let me send this message to
your families: once our work is done here, we'll hand the
security mission back to the UN, and you're coming home. I think
your families understand that -- military families are kind of
special that way. Just before Christmas, I received a letter at
the White House from a military dad, Ret. Major Jimmie Rich of
Knoxville, Tennessee. He sent me a copy of a letter he wanted me
to deliver to his son in Somalia. Here's what it said:
"Today when I was putting the Christmas lights outside
I
realized that by being in Somalia you will have the best
Christmas ever. I know that sounds crazy. Christmas in the
desert and in a land of unhappiness with millions of
starving people. But it is true when you think of the REAL
meaning of Christmas. Christmas is faith, hope, love, and
giving
The greatest gift you can give is yourself
I
learned the true lesson of Christmas when I went to Viet Nam
on December 15 and missed Christmas
Your brother Bryan
learned it when he was in the Persian Gulf on Christmas --
and missed the birth of his second child
Now you are being
given the opportunity to experience the real meaning of
Christmas, to give others hope for a better future. And you
are learning what it really means to be a soldier."
Now most of you probably don't know this, but I've been here
before, here in Somalia. It was another time, and yes, another
famine. I remember holding one special child in my arms: seven
years old, and only seventeen pounds. Many of you here have seen
things that could break the heart of the strongest soldier.
But in this season of peace -- you are helping make peace
possible. Your sacrifice echoes the words of the scriptures:
"When I was thirsty, you gave me water When I was hungry, you
gave me food. May God bless you all, and may God bless the
United States of America.
(Grossman/Walters)
SOMALIA 2
Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
ABOARD USS TRIPOLI
DECEMBER 31, 1992
[[I want to congratulate you all for the way you've been
able to improvise the holidays -- I hear that one of our rifle
squads even invented their own Christmas carol: "Rudolf the Red
Nosed Camel." Not exactly Bob Hope, but what can you do. \\]]
I remember the time I spent aboard another aircraft carrier,
the USS San Jacinto, 48 years ago. I was young -- not that much
different from many of you: same hopes for the future, same
fears, same feeling about a special girl back home.
But the world we face today is different. The fatal
certainties of a Cold War have shattered into a jigsaw of
international complexity. This much is certain: American
leadership, and American troops, must put the pieces together.
I am here because I believe in this mission. because I
believe in you. You are proving that if America is to lead in
great ways, we must lead in good will. The world has seen the
face of suffering in Somalia. But already, through our action,
the Somali people are being helped and healed: within 36 hours of
my pledge of assistance, we had teams on the ground. 17,000
troops are now in place. We've secured bases from Baidoa to
Bardera. The port is open and food is moving though.
We can make a difference, and so I believe we must. Our
objective is limited, our mission defined: America, shoulder to
shoulder with the coalition, will secure the peace so that help
can get through. Operation Restore Hope will do just that. 11
2
Now no President is quick to order American troops abroad -
- especially during the holidays. So let me send this message to
your families: once our work is done here, we'll hand the
security mission back to the UN, and you're coming home. I think
your families understand that -- military families are kind of
special that way. I got a letter at the White House from one
military wife, Melanie Cook of Watertown, New York. I'll read a
little bit: "As I write this," she says, "[my husband] and his
men are preparing for their upcoming deployment to
Somalia
[Kevin] and I will celebrate our first wedding
anniversary in 10 days, so I am still fairly new to the military
life
[But] I have a great deal of respect and faith in my
husband's ability as a soldier. [And] I believe you will do all
in your power to
bring our men and women home safely."
Melanie, you have my word.
Now most of you probably don't know this, but I've been here
before, here in Somalia. It was another time, and yes, another
famine. I remember holding one special child in my arms: seven
years old, and only seventeen pounds. Many of you here have seen
things that could break the heart of the strongest soldier.
But in this season of peace -- you are helping make peace
possible. Your sacrifice echoes the words of the scriptures:
"When I was thirsty, you gave me water
When I was hungry, you
gave me food. " May God bless you all, and may God bless the
United States of America.
(Grossman/Walters)
TP
Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL TALKING POINTS: SOMALIA VISIT
12/31/92 - 1/1/93
I'm here because I believe in this mission, because I
believe in you. We've already made great progress: within
36 hours of my pledge of assistance, we had teams on the
ground. Today about 17,000 troops are in place. We've
delivered almost 20 thousand tons of food, secured bases
from Baidoa to Bardera. The port is open, food is moving,
people are being helped.
Our objective is limited, our mission defined: The United
States, shoulder to shoulder with the coalition, will secure
the peace so that help can get through. Operation Restore
Hope will do just that.
No President is quick to order American troops abroad. So
let me be clear: we will finish the job, hand the security
mission back to the UN, and we'll get you home. 11
Your country and your families support you. One dad, Ret.
Major Jimmie Rich, of Tennessee, sent me a copy of a letter
to his son in Somalia. He wrote: "Today when I was putting
the Christmas lights outside, I realized that by being in
Somalia you will have the best Christmas ever. I know that
sounds crazy, but it is true when you think of the REAL
meaning of Christmas."
2
"I learned the true lesson of Christmas when I went to Viet
Nam on December 15 and missed Christmas
Your brother Bryan
learned it when he was in the Persian Gulf on Christmas, and
missed the birth of his second child
Now you are being
given the opportunity to experience the real meaning of
Christmas, to give others hope for a better future."
I've been here before, here in Somalia. Another time,
another famine. I held one special child in my arms: seven
years old, and only seventeen pounds.
You're here on a mandate from the UN, a mission of a new
world order. But your sacrifice answers an even greater
mandate, the old words of a timeless order: "When I was
thirsty, you gave me water When I was hungry, you gave me
food. " May God bless our work here, and our home, the
United States of America.
(Grossman/Walters)
TP.
Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL TALKING POINTS:
SOMALIA VISIT
12/31/92 - 1/1/93
I'm here because I believe in this mission, because I
believe in you. We've already made great progress: within
36 hours of my pledge of assistance, we had teams on the
ground. Today -- about 17,000 troops are in place. We've
delivered almost 20 thousand tons of food, secured bases
from Baidoa to Bardera. The port is open, food is moving,
people are being helped.
Our objective is limited, our mission defined: The United
States, shoulder to shoulder with the coalition, will secure
the peace so that help can get through. Operation Restore
Hope will do just that. 11
No President is quick to order American troops abroad. So
let me be clear: we will finish the job, hand the security
mission back to the UN, and we'll get you home. 11
Your country and your families support you. I got a letter
at the White House from one military wife, Melanie Cook of
Watertown, New York. I'll read a little bit: "As I write
this," she says, "[my husband] and his men are preparing for
their upcoming deployment to Somalia
[Kevin] and I will
celebrate our first wedding anniversary in 10 days, so I am
still fairly new to the military life
[But] I have a great
2
deal of respect and faith in my husband's ability as a
soldier. [And] I believe you will do all in your power
to
bring our men and women home safely." Melanie, you
have my word.
I've been here before, here in Somalia. Another time,
another famine. I held one special child in my arms: seven
years old, and only seventeen pounds.
You're here on a mandate from the UN, a mission of a new
world order. But your sacrifice answers an even greater
mandate, the old words of a timeless order: "When I was
thirsty, you gave me water When I was hungry, you gave me
food. " May God bless our work here, and our home, the
United States of America.
51 U.S.ARMY 80.
896465
AIRBORNE
BIGDER
BIG El DEAL 1987
December 4, 1992
Dear President & Mrs. Bush:
I have just tratched your live amouncement
on CNN regarding the decision to send troops
to Somalia on this humariztan chission.
My husband is a Staff Sergeant with
CoC 2/14 Inf Div. at fort Drum, NY. As I
write this, he and his men are preparing
[my hasband]
for their upcoming deployment to Somalia
I wanted you to know how much I
appreciate your concern for the Men and
fromen who will senle on this Jussion and
also for your recognition of the sacrifices
that Ive, as their families, also make for
our country. [Kevin]
My husband and I will celebrate our
first wedding annolersary in 10 days, so I
[BUT] I am very proud of my husband's career
am still fairly new to the military life.
Dec. 4, 1992
Page Two
and I have a great deal of respect
soldier. and faith in my hustand's ability as a
I believe you will do all in your
power to assure a successful completion
to this mission: and bring our men and
Iromen home safely.
I wish for toth of you and your-
family a very Merry Christmas and a
ironderful New year.
Respectfully,
Melanie L. Knapp~Cook ~
srife of: SSG Kevin M. Cook
Co C 2/14 Inf.
Ft. Drum, NY
224 Palmer # J908
Watertown, NY 13601