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National League of Families 7/28/89 [OA 6266]
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National League of Families 7/28/89 [OA 6266]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
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 Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13679
Folder ID Number:
13679-003
Folder Title:
National League of Families, 7/28/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
19
2
6
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
D MAIN
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER
14
DATE 7-31-89
(50)
SOUMERMUND
TO
Bob Shmurman- HHS
FAX NUMBER
245-2247-472-6929
OFFICE NUMBER 245-1850 245-6343
COMMENTS
FROM Christina Martne
FAX NUMBER 456-6218
OFFICE NUMBER 454-7750
Christina
REMARKS: NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES/J.W. MARRIOTT
JULY 28, 1989/3:20 P.M.
THANK YOU GEORGE AND ANN. IT'S AN HONOR TO BE
BACK WITH THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES.
EARLIER, I WAS REFLECTING ON THE MAGNITUDE OF WHAT
YOU HAVE ENDURED THROUGH SO MANY YEARS OF UNCERTAINTY.
DESPITE YOUR BURDENS, YOU HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT A CHANGE
IN OUR NATION THAT WILL NEVER BE REVERSED. YOUR
ORGANIZATION PROVIDES US ALL WITH A STIRRING EXAMPLE OF
HOW CITIZENS WORKING TOGETHER CAN HELP CRAFT SOUND
POLICY.
AS YOU KNOW, BARBARA AND I RETURNED FROM CENTRAL
AND EASTERN EUROPE TWO WEEKS AGO. AND IN THE FACES OF
THE BRAVE WORKERS OF GDANSK AND THE HOPEFUL STUDENTS OF
BUDAPEST, I SAW A TRUTH THAT CANNOT BE DENIED -- THE
DEMOCRATIC IDEAL IS WINNING THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE AROUND
THE WORLD.
IT IS THIS IDEAL THAT WE HONOR WHEN WE FLY THE
FLAG. AND IT IS FOR THIS IDEAL THAT SO MANY AMERICANS
WERE READY WHEN THEIR COUNTRY CALLED.
- 2 -
TODAY WE SEE THE SYMBOL OF THIS COMMITMENT, THE
LEAGUE'S POW/MIA FLAG, ON PERMANENT DISPLAY IN THE
ROTUNDA OF OUR NATION'S CAPITOL. IT STANDS IN A
POSITION OF TREMENDOUS HONOR. AND IT WILL NOT COME
DOWN UNTIL WE HAVE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING OF
YOUR MISSING LOVED ONES.
YOUR FLAG CAN BE SEEN ACROSS THIS LAND -- OVER
STATEHOUSES, FIRE STATIONS, SCHOOLS, MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS AND STADIUMS, EVEN ON SHIPS AT SEA -- A.
STIRRING REMINDER THAT AMERICA'S SONS ARE STILL
MISSING.
THE IDEALS FOR WHICH YOUR LOVED ONES FOUGHT MAY
FINALLY BE COMING TO PASS -- THE FAILURE OF
TOTALITARIAN AND REPRESSIVE COMMUNIST REGIMES. THE
EVIDENCE IS CLEAR THROUGH RECENT EVENTS IN CHINA, THE
SOVIET UNION AND EVEN IN CAMBODIA, WHERE VIETNAM
APPEARS TO BE WITHDRAWING ITS TROOPS.
- 3 -
SOME OF OUR FINEST YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WERE LOST
DURING THE MANY LONG YEARS OF THE VIETNAM WAR. AND THE
DIVISIONS THAT RESULTED FROM OUR INVOLVEMENT THERE
SHOOK OUR COUNTRY TO ITS CORE. BUT AS TRAGIC AS THE
LOSS OF A LOVED ONE IS, EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO ENDURE
IS THE UNCERTAINTY WHICH, FOR YOU, HAS EXTENDED OVER SO
MANY YEARS.
NOW WE ARE COMING TO A TIME WHEN THE DIVISIONS OF
THE VIETNAM WAR ARE HEALING; WE HAVE LET GO OF THE
BITTERNESS OF THE PAST. BUT WITH THIS RECONCILIATION
COMES A TEMPTATION TO FORGET THOSE WHO SERVED. YET WE
WILL NOT FORGET. AND WE WILL NEVER BREAK RANKS.
MY FRIEND AND PREDECESSOR, RONALD REAGAN, HAD A
PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO DETERMINE THE FATES OF YOUR
MISSING LOVED ONES. BECAUSE OF HIS COMMITMENT, AND
YOUR PERSEVERANCE, THE POLICIES OF THIS ORGANIZATION
ARE NOW THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.
- 4 -
WHEN I SOUGHT THE PRESIDENCY, I RENEWED PRESIDENT
REAGAN'S PLEDGE THAT WE WOULD WRITE NO LAST CHAPTERS,
WE WOULD CLOSE NO BOOKS, WE WOULD PUT AWAY NO FINAL
MEMORIES UNTIL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT MISSING AND
POSSIBLE PRISONERS OF WAR HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.
AND IT IS AS YOUR PRESIDENT THAT I REPEAT THIS
PLEDGE.
LET ME SIMPLY STATE THE POLICY OF THIS NEW
ADMINISTRATION. THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING
REMAINS A MATTER OF HIGHEST NATIONAL PRIORITY. WE WILL
DO EVERYTHING THAT A GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO RECOVER THE
MISSING, AND IF WE DISCOVER PROOF OF CAPTIVITY, WE WILL
TAKE ACTION TO BRING OUR MEN HOME.
AND SO LONG AS YOU MUST LIVE WITHOUT KNOWING THE
FATE OF YOUR LOVED ONES, THE UNITED STATES WILL INSIST,
IN THE NAME OF HUMANITY, THAT THE GOVERNMENTS OF
INDOCHINA GIVE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING.
- 5 -
FRUSTRATION ON THIS SENSITIVE ISSUE IS VERY
UNDERSTANDABLE. I HEAR THOSE WHO SAY MORE MUST BE
DONE. IF MORE CAN BE DONE, THEN IT WILL BE.
UNDERSTAND THIS: I DO NOT COUNSEL A TIMID PATIENCE, I
COUNSEL A BOLD PERSISTENCE. ((PAUSE))
AND OUR PERSISTENCE IS SHOWING SOME RESULTS; SINCE
THE GOVERNMENT EMBRACED THE GOALS OF THIS ORGANIZATION,
MANY MORE OF YOU HAVE FOUND ANSWERS. EACH ANSWER HAS
BEEN ANOTHER SAD TRUTH TO LEARN. BUT EVERY POW/MIA
RELATIVE THAT I MEET TELLS ME THAT TRUTH IS PREFERABLE
TO THE GREATER AGONY -- THAT OF NOT KNOWING.
THE TASK OF LEARNING MORE IS DAUNTING, BUT WE CAN
COUNT ON SOME POWERFUL ALLIES.
FIRST ARE THE NATIONAL VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS,
THOSE WHO HAVE STOOD SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH US THROUGH THE
LONG YEARS. IT WAS THESE VETERAN GROUPS, SUPPORTING
YOU, WHICH PROTESTED GOVERNMENT INDIFFERENCE TO THE
POW/MIA ISSUE IN EARLIER YEARS. THEIR CONTRIBUTION HAS
BEEN INDISPENSABLE.
- 6 -
OTHER PARTNERS IN OUR QUEST ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN
IN GOVERNMENT WHO ARE DEDICATING THEIR CAREERS TO
LEARNING THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR POWS AND MIAS. THESE
PUBLIC SERVANTS ARE NOT UNINSPIRED BUREAUCRATS JUST
GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS. THEY HAVE A DEEP AND
ABIDING COMMITMENT TO THEIR TASK. THIS IS A COMMITMENT
SHARED BY PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY SERVICES, IN THE
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY, IN EMBASSIES THROUGHOUT
THE WORLD AND AMONG THOSE AMERICAN PILOTS WHO BRING OUR
FALLEN SOLDIERS OUT OF HANOI, TO AT LONG LAST COME
HOME.
YOU ALSO HAVE MANY FRIENDS IN BOTH PARTIES IN
CONGRESS. I ESPECIALLY WANT TO COMMEND BOB DOLE, JOHN
MCCAIN, STEVE SOLARZ, BOB LAGOMARSINO AND BEN GILMAN,
FOR SHOWING THE GOVERNMENTS OF INDOCHINA THE STRENGTH
OF BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITMENT TO FIND ANSWERS.
TO KEEP THIS ISSUE AT THE FOREFRONT, THEY HAVE AGAIN
PASSED RESOLUTIONS ESTABLISHING NATIONAL POW/MIA
RECOGNITION DAY, THIS YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 15TH.
- 7 -
I MUST MENTION HOW INVALUABLE THE GUIDANCE OF ANN
MILLS GRIFFITHS HAS BEEN THROUGH THE YEARS. HER
KNOWLEDGE AND DETERMINATION ARE AN INSPIRATION, AND HER
PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERAGENCY GROUP PROVIDES
CRITICAL INSIGHTS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK TO HER FOR
ADVICE AND LEADERSHIP.
AND FINALLY, I PLEDGE TO DO ALL I CAN. I WILL
SOON ISSUE A PROCLAMATION CALLING UPON ALL AMERICANS TO
HONOR THEIR MISSING COUNTRYMEN AND THOSE WHO SERVED AS
POWS BY PARTICIPATING IN CEREMONIES ACROSS OUR NATION.
BUT THIS IS JUST A BEGINNING.
IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, THERE ARE AMERICANS WHO ARE
UNACCOUNTED FOR. AS I SAID IN MY INAUGURAL ADDRESS,
"ASSISTANCE CAN BE SHOWN HERE AND WILL BE LONG
REMEMBERED. GOODWILL BEGETS GOODWILL."
- 8 -
WE APPRECIATE VIETNAM'S INCREASED RESPONSIVENESS
TO THAT APPEAL. AN UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF JOINT
OPERATIONS HAS ALREADY BROUGHT SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS.
BUT DESPITE OUR INCREASED ACTIVITIES, MANY QUESTIONS
REMAIN. ONCE AGAIN, I CALL ON HANOI TO SWIFTLY DISPEL
THE SHADOW OF DOUBT, TO SHED LIGHT ON THE FATE OF YOUR
LOVED ONES. I CALL ON HANOI TO REMOVE THIS LAST
VESTIGE OF ARMED CONFLICT BETWEEN US.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO NORMALIZING OUR RELATIONS WITH
VIETNAM, ONCE A COMPREHENSIVE SETTLEMENT HAS BEEN
ACHIEVED IN CAMBODIA. THAT SETTLEMENT MUST INCLUDE
GENUINE POWER SHARING WITH THE NON-COMMUNIST CAMBODIANS
LED BY PRINCE SIHANOUK AND IN INTERNATIONALLY VERIFIED
TROOP WITHDRAWAL. BUT HANOI MUST CLEARLY UNDERSTAND
THAT, AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, THE PACE AND SCOPE OF THIS
PROCESS WILL BE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE SERIOUSNESS OF
THEIR COOPERATION ON POW/MIA AND OTHER HUMANITARIAN
ISSUES.
- 9 -
IN LAOS, so MANY QUESTIONS REMAIN, AND SO FEW
ANSWERS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. IN LIGHT OF THE
DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED, THEIR AGREEMENT EARLIER THIS
YEAR TO A YEAR-ROUND PROGRAM OF COOPERATION IS
ENCOURAGING. YOU CAN BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE SEEKING TO
EXPAND THIS AGREEMENT IN EVERY POSSIBLY WAY.
WE ALSO WELCOME THE LAO GOVERNMENT'S AGREEMENT TO
WORK BILATERALLY WITH US ON COMBATING THE INTERNATIONAL
SCOURGE OF NARCOTICS. IMPLEMENTING THIS AGREEMENT WILL
BE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO OUR IMPROVED BILATERAL
RELATIONSHIP, WHICH HAS EXPANDED STEADILY SINCE 1982.
WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE IN OUR RELATIONS WITH LAOS,
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF STEPS THEY ARE TAKING
TOWARD OPENING THEIR SOCIETY AND DEVELOPING THEIR
ECONOMY FOR THE GOOD OF THE LAO PEOPLE.
- 10 -
TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE MISSING IN CAMBODIA, I
MUST TELL YOU THAT OUR EFFORTS TO GAIN PHNOM PENH'S
HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION ON RESOLVING THE FATES OF YOUR
MISSING LOVED ONES HAVE THUS FAR BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.
DESPITE THEIR PUBLIC CLAIMS TO BE HOLDING REMAINS OF
SOME AMERICANS, OFFICIALS THERE HAVE BEEN DEAF TO OUR
APPEALS. I HAVE ASKED SECRETARY BAKER TO RAISE THIS
ISSUE DURING THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN CAMBODIA
BEGINNING THIS WEEKEND. I CALL ON PHNOM PENH TO ACT
RESPONSIBLY, HUMANELY, AND RETURN THESE REMAINS.
FAILURE TO DO so WILL SURELY HINDER THEIR EFFORTS TO
GAIN INTERNATIONAL RESPECT AND SUPPORT.
THE POLICIES PURSUED DURING THE PAST EIGHT YEARS
HAVE SHOWN SOME SUCCESS. INCOMPLETE? YES
BUT
PROGRESS IS BEING MADE BECAUSE OUR GOVERNMENT IS GIVING
IT HIGH PRIORITY.
AS WE PROCEED, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR WAYS
TO IMPROVE THE PROCESS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ASSEMBLE
THE BEST RESOURCES, TECHNOLOGY AND, MOST OF ALL,
QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO INTERVIEW REFUGEES, EVALUATE
INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION, AND NEGOTIATE WITH FOREIGN
GOVERNMENTS.
- 11 -
IT IS WITH THAT LAST MISSION IN MIND THAT I
REAPPOINTED A MAN OF THE HIGHEST INTEGRITY AND
QUALIFICATIONS, GENERAL JACK VESSEY, AS MY SPECIAL
POW/MIA EMISSARY TO HANOI. I KNOW THAT JACK WAS WITH
YOU THIS MORNING, AND SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE
DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND DEFENSE, AND THE NATIONAL
SECURITY COUNCIL WILL FOLLOW ME HERE. I HAVE CHARGED
THEM ALL TO DO THEIR UTMOST. THEY KNOW, AND SHARE, MY
DEEP COMMITMENT TO YOUR MISSING LOVED ONES AND TO YOU.
THE PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POW/MIA ISSUE
RESTS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. AND FOR THAT
REASON, WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A VERY TALENTED PUBLIC
SERVANT AS OUR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE. DICK CHENEY'S
YEARS IN CONGRESS AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF INTELLIGENCE
MATTERS GIVE HIM A RARE UNDERSTANDING OF, AND A DEEP
APPRECIATION FOR, YOUR CONCERNS.
- 12 -
IN CLOSING, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IN MY FREQUENT
TRAVELS TO CITIES AND TOWNS ACROSS AMERICA, I SEE MANY
HEARTFELT DEMONSTRATIONS OF SUPPORT FOR OUR CAUSE.
AMERICANS KNOW THAT ACROSS OUR LAND, EVERY
THANKSGIVING, THERE ARE FAMILIES THAT STILL SET AN
EMPTY CHAIR AT THE TABLE. WE KNOW THAT FADED
PHOTOGRAPHS AND SCHOOL MEMENTOS ARE STILL BEING
LOVINGLY KEPT IN SCRAPBOOKS. AND QUESTIONS REMAIN, AND
WILL REMAIN, UNTIL ANSWERED.
NOW THE MOTHERS, FATHERS, WIVES, CHILDREN AND
FRIENDS OF ANOTHER GREAT POWER SHARE THE SAME KIND OF
GRIEF, SHARE WITH YOU LINGERING DOUBTS ABOUT MISSING
LOVED ONES. THAT THIS POWER, THE SOVIET UNION, BACKED
THE NORTH VIETNAMESE; AND THE UNITED STATES BACKED THE
AFGHAN FREEDOM-FIGHTERS, IS AN IRONY. BUT THERE IS NO
ROOM IN THE AMERICAN HEART FOR A MEAN-SPIRITED AND
PETTY INDIFFERENCE. FAR FROM IT.
- 13 -
I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT SOVIET GENERAL-SECRETARY
MIKHAIL GORBACHEV RECENTLY MADE A HUMANITARIAN APPEAL
FOR OUR HELP IN OBTAINING THE FULLEST POSSIBLE
ACCOUNTING FOR SOVIET CITIZENS STILL PRISONER AND
MISSING IN AFGHANISTAN. LET ME ANSWER HIM TODAY: WE
WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN. AND IN RETURN, WE
CONFIDENTLY EXPECT THE SOVIETS WILL DO ALL THEY CAN DO
ENCOURAGE MORE SERIOUS AND TIMELY COOPERATION FROM
THEIR ALLIES IN INDOCHINA.
WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN RESOLVE THE ANGUISH OF
MANY FAMILIES IN TWO LANDS. AND WE CAN DO SOMETHING
MORE
WE CAN BUILD A NEW SPIRIT OF PEACE.
IN ECCLESIASTES, IT IS WRITTEN THAT THERE IS A
TIME FOR WAR, A TIME FOR PEACE AND A TIME TO HEAL. WE
WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY. AND
WHEN WE RECEIVE FINAL ANSWERS ABOUT THEIR FATE, THEN
THIS WILL TRULY BE A TIME FOR HEALING.
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1989
EVENTS:
Staff Photo with Board of Directors of the National League of
Families
Address to the National League of Families
DRESS:
Men
- Business Suit
Women
- Day Dress
CONTACT:
Office of Presidential Advance
John G. Keller, Jr.
- 202/456-7565
Trip Coordinator
Lucy Muckerman
- 202/456-7565
ADVANCE:
Gordon James
- LEAD
Steven Ross
- PRESS
Mark Camillo
- USSS
John Stufflebeem
- MIL. AIDE
John George
- WHCA
WEATHER:
Partly Cloudy/Mid 70's
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1989
3:15 pm
THE PRESIDENT departs White House en route J.W.
Marriott Hotel.
MOTORCADE ASSIGNMENTS:
Lead
J. Parmer
Spare
Doctor
T. McBride
LIMO
THE PRESIDENT
Follow Up
Control
Gov. Sununu
S. Studdert
Mil. Aide
Support
M. Fitzwater
Official Photographer
Medic
Staff I
E. Rogers
Gen. Scowcroft
Press Van I
J. Allison
Press Van II
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
3:20 pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives J.W. Marriott Hotel and
proceeds to VIP Room.
Met by:
Ms. Karen McManus
National League of Families Staff
Ms. Betsy Cox
National League of Families Staff
Mr. Stephen Mills
National League of Families Staff
EVENT:
STAFF PHOTO WITH BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES
CLOSED PRESS
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER ONLY
3:22 pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives VIP Room and begins
participation in Staff Photo.
3:27 pm
THE PRESIDENT concludes participation in Staff
Photo, departs VIP Room, and proceeds to
Off-Stage Announcement Area.
3:28 pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives Off-Stage Announcement Area
and holds briefly.
EVENT:
ADDRESS TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES
OPEN PRESS
RUFFLES AND FLOURISHES
OFF-STAGE ANNOUNCEMENT
Page Two
HAIL TO THE CHIEF
REMARKS
3:29 pm
THE PRESIDENT is announced onto Stage and proceeds
to Seat on Dais.
3:30 pm
THE PRESIDENT is introduced for Remarks by Mr.
George Brooks, Chairman of the Board, National
League of Families.
3:32 pm
THE PRESIDENT Remarks.
3:47 pm
THE PRESIDENT concludes Remarks, departs Stage,
and proceeds to Holding Room.
3:49 pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives Holding Room for a brief
hold.
3:52 pm
THE PRESIDENT departs Holding Room and proceeds to
Motorcade.
3:55 pm
THE PRESIDENT boards Motorcade and departs J.W.
Marriott en route the White House.
Page Three
MOTORCADE ASSIGNMENTS:
Same as on Arrival.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
4:00 pm
THE PRESIDENT arrives the White House.
Page Four
REMARKS: NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES/J.W. MARRIOTT
JULY 28, 1989/3:20 P.M.
THANK YOU GEORGE AND ANN. IT'S AN HONOR TO BE
BACK WITH THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES.
EARLIER, I WAS REFLECTING ON THE MAGNITUDE OF WHAT
YOU HAVE ENDURED THROUGH so MANY YEARS OF UNCERTAINTY.
DESPITE YOUR BURDENS, YOU HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT A CHANGE
IN OUR NATION THAT WILL NEVER BE REVERSED. YOUR
ORGANIZATION PROVIDES US ALL WITH A STIRRING EXAMPLE OF
HOW CITIZENS WORKING TOGETHER CAN HELP CRAFT SOUND
POLICY.
AS YOU KNOW, BARBARA AND I RETURNED FROM CENTRAL
AND EASTERN EUROPE TWO WEEKS AGO. AND IN THE FACES OF
THE BRAVE WORKERS OF GDANSK AND THE HOPEFUL STUDENTS OF
BUDAPEST, I SAW A TRUTH THAT CANNOT BE DENIED -- THE
DEMOCRATIC IDEAL IS WINNING THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE AROUND
THE WORLD.
IT IS THIS IDEAL THAT WE HONOR WHEN WE FLY THE
FLAG. AND IT IS FOR THIS IDEAL THAT so MANY AMERICANS
WERE READY WHEN THEIR COUNTRY CALLED.
- 2 -
TODAY WE SEE THE SYMBOL OF THIS COMMITMENT, THE
LEAGUE'S POW/MIA FLAG, ON PERMANENT DISPLAY IN THE
ROTUNDA OF OUR NATION'S CAPITOL. IT STANDS IN A
POSITION OF TREMENDOUS HONOR. AND IT WILL NOT COME
DOWN UNTIL WE HAVE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING OF
YOUR MISSING LOVED ONES.
YOUR FLAG CAN BE SEEN ACROSS THIS LAND -- OVER
STATEHOUSES, FIRE STATIONS, SCHOOLS, MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS AND STADIUMS, EVEN ON SHIPS AT SEA -- A
STIRRING REMINDER THAT AMERICA'S SONS ARE STILL
MISSING.
THE IDEALS FOR WHICH YOUR LOVED ONES FOUGHT MAY
FINALLY BE COMING TO PASS -- THE FAILURE OF
TOTALITARIAN AND REPRESSIVE COMMUNIST REGIMES. THE
EVIDENCE IS CLEAR THROUGH RECENT EVENTS IN CHINA, THE
SOVIET UNION AND EVEN IN CAMBODIA, WHERE VIETNAM
APPEARS TO BE WITHDRAWING ITS TROOPS.
- 3 -
SOME OF OUR FINEST YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WERE LOST
DURING THE MANY LONG YEARS OF THE VIETNAM WAR. AND THE
DIVISIONS THAT RESULTED FROM OUR INVOLVEMENT THERE
SHOOK OUR COUNTRY TO ITS CORE. BUT AS TRAGIC AS THE
LOSS OF A LOVED ONE IS, EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO ENDURE
IS THE UNCERTAINTY WHICH, FOR YOU, HAS EXTENDED OVER so
MANY YEARS.
NOW WE ARE COMING TO A TIME WHEN THE DIVISIONS OF
THE VIETNAM WAR ARE HEALING; WE HAVE LET GO OF THE
BITTERNESS OF THE PAST. BUT WITH THIS RECONCILIATION
COMES A TEMPTATION TO FORGET THOSE WHO SERVED. YET WE
WILL NOT FORGET. AND WE WILL NEVER BREAK RANKS.
MY FRIEND AND PREDECESSOR, RONALD REAGAN, HAD A
PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO DETERMINE THE FATES OF YOUR
MISSING LOVED ONES. BECAUSE OF HIS COMMITMENT, AND
YOUR PERSEVERANCE, THE POLICIES OF THIS ORGANIZATION
ARE NOW THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.
- 4 -
WHEN I SOUGHT THE PRESIDENCY, I RENEWED PRESIDENT
REAGAN'S PLEDGE THAT WE WOULD WRITE NO LAST CHAPTERS,
WE WOULD CLOSE NO BOOKS, WE WOULD PUT AWAY NO FINAL
MEMORIES UNTIL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT MISSING AND
POSSIBLE PRISONERS OF WAR HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.
AND IT IS AS YOUR PRESIDENT THAT I REPEAT THIS
PLEDGE.
LET ME SIMPLY STATE THE POLICY OF THIS NEW
ADMINISTRATION. THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING
REMAINS A MATTER OF HIGHEST NATIONAL PRIORITY. WE WILL
DO EVERYTHING THAT A GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO RECOVER THE
MISSING, AND IF WE DISCOVER PROOF OF CAPTIVITY, WE WILL
TAKE ACTION TO BRING OUR MEN HOME.
AND SO LONG AS YOU MUST LIVE WITHOUT KNOWING THE
FATE OF YOUR LOVED ONES, THE UNITED STATES WILL INSIST,
IN THE NAME OF HUMANITY, THAT THE GOVERNMENTS OF
INDOCHINA GIVE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING.
- 5 -
FRUSTRATION ON THIS SENSITIVE ISSUE IS VERY
UNDERSTANDABLE. I HEAR THOSE WHO SAY MORE MUST BE
DONE. IF MORE CAN BE DONE, THEN IT WILL BE.
UNDERSTAND THIS: I DO NOT COUNSEL A TIMID PATIENCE, I
COUNSEL A BOLD PERSISTENCE. ((PAUSE))
AND OUR PERSISTENCE IS SHOWING SOME RESULTS; SINCE
THE GOVERNMENT EMBRACED THE GOALS OF THIS ORGANIZATION,
MANY MORE OF YOU HAVE FOUND ANSWERS. EACH ANSWER HAS
BEEN ANOTHER SAD TRUTH TO LEARN. BUT EVERY POW/MIA
RELATIVE THAT I MEET TELLS ME THAT TRUTH IS PREFERABLE
TO THE GREATER AGONY -- THAT OF NOT KNOWING.
THE TASK OF LEARNING MORE IS DAUNTING, BUT WE CAN
COUNT ON SOME POWERFUL ALLIES.
FIRST ARE THE NATIONAL VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS,
THOSE WHO HAVE STOOD SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH US THROUGH THE
LONG YEARS. IT WAS THESE VETERAN GROUPS, SUPPORTING
YOU, WHICH PROTESTED GOVERNMENT INDIFFERENCE TO THE
POW/MIA ISSUE IN EARLIER YEARS. THEIR CONTRIBUTION HAS
BEEN INDISPENSABLE.
- 6 -
OTHER PARTNERS IN OUR QUEST ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN
IN GOVERNMENT WHO ARE DEDICATING THEIR CAREERS TO
LEARNING THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR POWS AND MIAS. THESE
PUBLIC SERVANTS ARE NOT UNINSPIRED BUREAUCRATS JUST
GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS. THEY HAVE A DEEP AND
ABIDING COMMITMENT TO THEIR TASK. THIS IS A COMMITMENT
SHARED BY PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY SERVICES, IN THE
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY, IN EMBASSIES THROUGHOUT
THE WORLD AND AMONG THOSE AMERICAN PILOTS WHO BRING OUR
FALLEN SOLDIERS OUT OF HANOI, TO AT LONG LAST COME
HOME.
YOU ALSO HAVE MANY FRIENDS IN BOTH PARTIES IN
CONGRESS. I ESPECIALLY WANT TO COMMEND BOB DOLE, JOHN
MCCAIN, STEVE SOLARZ, BOB LAGOMARSINO AND BEN GILMAN,
FOR SHOWING THE GOVERNMENTS OF INDOCHINA THE STRENGTH
OF BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITMENT TO FIND ANSWERS.
TO KEEP THIS ISSUE AT THE FOREFRONT, THEY HAVE AGAIN
PASSED RESOLUTIONS ESTABLISHING NATIONAL POW/MIA
RECOGNITION DAY, THIS YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 15TH.
- 7 -
I MUST MENTION HOW INVALUABLE THE GUIDANCE OF ANN
MILLS GRIFFITHS HAS BEEN THROUGH THE YEARS. HER
KNOWLEDGE AND DETERMINATION ARE AN INSPIRATION, AND HER
PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERAGENCY GROUP PROVIDES
CRITICAL INSIGHTS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK TO HER FOR
ADVICE AND LEADERSHIP.
AND FINALLY, I PLEDGE TO DO ALL I CAN.
I WILL
SOON ISSUE A PROCLAMATION CALLING UPON ALL AMERICANS TO
HONOR THEIR MISSING COUNTRYMEN AND THOSE WHO SERVED AS
POWS BY PARTICIPATING IN CEREMONIES ACROSS OUR NATION.
BUT THIS IS JUST A BEGINNING.
IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, THERE ARE AMERICANS WHO ARE
UNACCOUNTED FOR. AS I SAID IN MY INAUGURAL ADDRESS,
"ASSISTANCE CAN BE SHOWN HERE AND WILL BE LONG
REMEMBERED. GOODWILL BEGETS GOODWILL."
- 8 -
WE APPRECIATE VIETNAM'S INCREASED RESPONSIVENESS
TO THAT APPEAL. AN UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF JOINT
OPERATIONS HAS ALREADY BROUGHT SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS.
BUT DESPITE OUR INCREASED ACTIVITIES, MANY QUESTIONS
REMAIN. ONCE AGAIN, I CALL ON HANOI TO SWIFTLY DISPEL
THE SHADOW OF DOUBT, TO SHED LIGHT ON THE FATE OF YOUR
LOVED ONES. I CALL ON HANOI TO REMOVE THIS LAST
VESTIGE OF ARMED CONFLICT BETWEEN US.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO NORMALIZING OUR RELATIONS WITH
VIETNAM, ONCE A COMPREHENSIVE SETTLEMENT HAS BEEN
ACHIEVED IN CAMBODIA. THAT SETTLEMENT MUST INCLUDE
GENUINE POWER SHARING WITH THE NON-COMMUNIST CAMBODIANS
LED BY PRINCE SIHANOUK AND IN INTERNATIONALLY VERIFIED
TROOP WITHDRAWAL. BUT HANOI MUST CLEARLY UNDERSTAND
THAT, AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, THE PACE AND SCOPE OF THIS
PROCESS WILL BE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE SERIOUSNESS OF
THEIR COOPERATION ON POW/MIA AND OTHER HUMANITARIAN
ISSUES.
- 9 -
IN LAOS, SO MANY QUESTIONS REMAIN, AND so FEW
ANSWERS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. IN LIGHT OF THE
DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED, THEIR AGREEMENT EARLIER THIS
YEAR TO A YEAR-ROUND PROGRAM OF COOPERATION IS
ENCOURAGING. YOU CAN BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE SEEKING TO
EXPAND THIS AGREEMENT IN EVERY POSSIBLY WAY.
WE ALSO WELCOME THE LAO GOVERNMENT'S AGREEMENT TO
WORK BILATERALLY WITH US ON COMBATING THE INTERNATIONAL
SCOURGE OF NARCOTICS. IMPLEMENTING THIS AGREEMENT WILL
BE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO OUR IMPROVED BILATERAL
RELATIONSHIP, WHICH HAS EXPANDED STEADILY SINCE 1982.
WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE IN OUR RELATIONS WITH LAOS,
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF STEPS THEY ARE TAKING
TOWARD OPENING THEIR SOCIETY AND DEVELOPING THEIR
ECONOMY FOR THE GOOD OF THE LAO PEOPLE.
- 10 -
*JT RES 129
TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE MISSING IN CAMBODIA, I
MUST TELL YOU THAT OUR EFFORTS TO GAIN PHNOM PENH'S
HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION ON RESOLVING THE FATES OF YOUR
MISSING LOVED ONES HAVE THUS FAR BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.
DESPITE THEIR PUBLIC CLAIMS TO BE HOLDING REMAINS OF
SOME AMERICANS, OFFICIALS THERE HAVE BEEN DEAF TO OUR
APPEALS. I HAVE ASKED SECRETARY BAKER TO RAISE THIS
ISSUE DURING THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN CAMBODIA
BEGINNING THIS WEEKEND. I CALL ON PHNOM PENH TO ACT
RESPONSIBLY, HUMANELY, AND RETURN THESE REMAINS.
FAILURE TO DO SO WILL SURELY HINDER THEIR EFFORTS TO
GAIN INTERNATIONAL RESPECT AND SUPPORT.
THE POLICIES PURSUED DURING THE PAST EIGHT YEARS
HAVE SHOWN SOME SUCCESS. INCOMPLETE? YES
BUT
PROGRESS IS BEING MADE BECAUSE OUR GOVERNMENT IS GIVING
IT HIGH PRIORITY.
AS WE PROCEED, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR WAYS
TO IMPROVE THE PROCESS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ASSEMBLE
THE BEST RESOURCES, TECHNOLOGY AND, MOST OF ALL,
QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO INTERVIEW REFUGEES, EVALUATE
INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION, AND NEGOTIATE WITH FOREIGN
GOVERNMENTS.
- 11 -
IT IS WITH THAT LAST MISSION IN MIND THAT I
REAPPOINTED A MAN OF THE HIGHEST INTEGRITY AND
QUALIFICATIONS, GENERAL JACK VESSEY, AS MY SPECIAL
POW/MIA EMISSARY TO HANOI. I KNOW THAT JACK WAS WITH
YOU THIS MORNING, AND SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE
DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND DEFENSE, AND THE NATIONAL
SECURITY COUNCIL WILL FOLLOW ME HERE. I HAVE CHARGED
THEM ALL TO DO THEIR UTMOST. THEY KNOW, AND SHARE, MY
DEEP COMMITMENT TO YOUR MISSING LOVED ONES AND TO YOU.
THE PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POW/MIA ISSUE
RESTS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. AND FOR THAT
REASON, WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A VERY TALENTED PUBLIC
SERVANT AS OUR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE. DICK CHENEY'S
YEARS IN CONGRESS AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF INTELLIGENCE
MATTERS GIVE HIM A RARE UNDERSTANDING OF, AND A DEEP
APPRECIATION FOR, YOUR CONCERNS.
- 12 -
IN CLOSING, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IN MY FREQUENT
TRAVELS TO CITIES AND TOWNS ACROSS AMERICA, I SEE MANY
HEARTFELT DEMONSTRATIONS OF SUPPORT FOR OUR CAUSE.
AMERICANS KNOW THAT ACROSS OUR LAND, EVERY
THANKSGIVING, THERE ARE FAMILIES THAT STILL SET AN
EMPTY CHAIR AT THE TABLE. WE KNOW THAT FADED
PHOTOGRAPHS AND SCHOOL MEMENTOS ARE STILL BEING
LOVINGLY KEPT IN SCRAPBOOKS. AND QUESTIONS REMAIN, AND
WILL REMAIN, UNTIL ANSWERED.
NOW THE MOTHERS, FATHERS, WIVES, CHILDREN AND
FRIENDS OF ANOTHER GREAT POWER SHARE THE SAME KIND OF
GRIEF, SHARE WITH YOU LINGERING DOUBTS ABOUT MISSING
LOVED ONES. THAT THIS POWER, THE SOVIET UNION, BACKED
THE NORTH VIETNAMESE; AND THE UNITED STATES BACKED THE
AFGHAN FREEDOM-FIGHTERS, IS AN IRONY. BUT THERE IS NO
ROOM IN THE AMERICAN HEART FOR A MEAN-SPIRITED AND
PETTY INDIFFERENCE. FAR FROM IT.
- 13 -
I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT SOVIET GENERAL-SECRETARY
MIKHAIL GORBACHEV RECENTLY MADE A HUMANITARIAN APPEAL
FOR OUR HELP IN OBTAINING THE FULLEST POSSIBLE
ACCOUNTING FOR SOVIET CITIZENS STILL PRISONER AND
MISSING IN AFGHANISTAN. LET ME ANSWER HIM TODAY: WE
WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN. AND IN RETURN, WE
CONFIDENTLY EXPECT THE SOVIETS WILL DO ALL THEY CAN DO
ENCOURAGE MORE SERIOUS AND TIMELY COOPERATION FROM
THEIR ALLIES IN INDOCHINA.
WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN RESOLVE THE ANGUISH OF
MANY FAMILIES IN TWO LANDS. AND WE CAN DO SOMETHING
MORE
WE CAN BUILD A NEW SPIRIT OF PEACE.
IN ECCLESIASTES, IT IS WRITTEN THAT THERE IS A
TIME FOR WAR, A TIME FOR PEACE AND A TIME TO HEAL. WE
WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY. AND
WHEN WE RECEIVE FINAL ANSWERS ABOUT THEIR FATE, THEN
THIS WILL TRULY BE A TIME FOR HEALING.
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
###
July 26, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
MARK DAVIS
SUBJECT:
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES SPEECH
I. SUMMARY
On Friday, July 28, 1989, you will address approximately 700
people in the Grand Ballroom of the J. W. Marriott at 3:20 p.m.
Crowd will be comprised of the Board of Directors and members of
the National League of Families -- a MIA/POW organization. You
will me accompanied on stage by 10 people, introduced by George
Brooks, Head of the Board of Directors, and then deliver a 15
minute speech as prepared on the teleprompter.
II. DISCUSSION
This speech reaffirms your commitment to learn the fates of
MIA/POWs in Indochina.
Davis/Martin
July 18, 1989
Draft: One
Title: Missing
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES/J.W. MARRIOTT
July 28, 1989/10 a.m.
3:20
pm
Thank you George, Ann. It's a delight to be back before the
National League of Families. Your organization provides us all
with the most stirring example of how democracy works.
As you know, Barbara and I returned from Central and Eastern
Europe two weeks ago. And in the faces of the brave workers of
Gdansk and the hopeful students of Budapest, I saw a truth that
cannot be denied: the ideal of democracy is winning the hearts of
the peoples of the world.
It is this ideal that we honor when we fly the flag. And it
is for this ideal that so many Americans were ready when their
country called.
This wasn't always an obvious truth. In years past, those
in the American uniform were often ridiculed and attacked by some
of their own countrymen. But you did not forget. You did not
break ranks.
There was a time when your claims were ignored by your
government, when there was a move to close down the office to
investigate the fate of your loved ones. And yet you did not
forget. You did not break ranks.
Now we are coming to a time when the divisions of the
Vietnam War are healing; we have let go of the bitterness of the
2
past. But with this reconciliation comes a temptation to forget
those who served. But still, you did not forget. You did not
break ranks.
My friend and predecessor, Ronald Reagan, had a personal
commitment to determine the fates of your missing loved ones.
Because of his commitment, and your perseverance, the policies of
this organization are now the policies of the United States
government.
When I sought the presidency, I promised we will write no
last chapters, we will close no books, we will put away no final
memories until all your questions about the missing and about
possible prisoners of war are answered.
And it is as your President that I repeat that pledge
Let me simply state the policy of this new Administration.
As long as there is a possibility that Americans remain alive, we
will continue our search as a matter of the highest national
priority. If we discover proof of captivity, we will take action
-- whatever action is required -- to bring our men home.
And so long as you must live without knowledge of the fate
of your loved ones, the United States will use its power to
insist, in the name of decency, that the governments of Indochina
give the fullest possible accounting.
Of course, there is a natural frustration. I hear the
voices that say more must be done. If more can be done, then it
will be. Understand this: I do not counsel a timid patience. I
counsel a bold persistence. ((PAUSE))
3
And our persistence is showing some results; since the
government embraced the goals of this organization, many more of
you have found answers. There have been sad truths to learn.
But every POW-MIA relative that I meet tells me that truth is
preferable to the greater agony -- that of not knowing.
The task of learning more is daunting, but at least we can
count on some powerful allies in our effort.
First are the national veterans organization, those who have
stood side-by-side with us throughout the long years. It was
these groups that began the protests of growing government
indifference to MIAs. Their contribution cannot be overstated.
Another partner in our quest are the men and women in
government who have dedicated their careers to learning the truth
about POWs and MIAs. These public servants are not uninspired
bureaucrats just going through the motions. They have a deep and
abiding commitment to their task. This is a commitment felt
throughout the Defense Intelligence Agency, in the embassies and
among the American pilots -- those who bring our fallen soldiers
out of Hanoi, to come home.
You have friends in Congress too. Few concerns receive such
strong bipartisan support as yours. I especially want to commend
Bob Dole, Steve Solarz, Bob Lagomarsino and Ben Gilman, for their
leadership in showing the strength of their commitment to the
Indochinese Governments. To remind us, to keep this issue on the
frontburner, they have again passed resolutions establishing
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, this year on September 15th.
4
I must mention how invaluable Ann's guidance has been
through the years. Her knowledge and determination are an
inspiration, and her participation in the Interagency Group
provides critical insights. We will continue to look to Ann for
advice and leadership.
And finally, I pledge to do all I can. I will soon issue a
proclamation calling upon all Americans to honor their missing
countrymen and those who served as POWs by participating in
ceremonies across our nation. But this is just a beginning.
As I mentioned in my Inaugural Address, "there are today
Americans who are held against their will and Americans who are
unaccounted for. Assistance can be shown here and will be long
remembered. Goodwill begets goodwill."
We appreciate Vietnam's increased responsiveness to that
appeal. An unprecedented level of joint operations has already
brought significant progress. But despite our increased
activities, many questions remain. Once again, I call upon Hanoi
to swiftly dispel the shadow of doubt, to shed light on the fate
of your loved ones. I call on Hanoi to shed this last vestige of
armed conflict between us.
We look forward to normalizing our relations with Vietnam,
once a comprehensive settlement has been achieved in Cambodia,
one that includes a genuine share of power for the non-communist
factions led by Prince Sihanok, as well as an internationally
verified troop withdrawal. But Hanoi clearly understand that as
a practical matter, the pace and scope of this process will be
5
directly affected by the seriousness of their cooperation on
POW/MIA and other humanitarian issues.
The increased POW/MIA cooperation provided by the Lao
Government is particularly important. So many questions remain,
and so few answers have been received. In light of the
difficulties involved, their agreement earlier this year to a
year-round program of cooperation is encouraging. You can be
certain that we are seeking to expand this agreement in every
possible way.
( (We also welcome the Lao Government's agreement to work
bilaterally with us on combatting the international scourge of
narcotics. Implementing this agreement will be critically
important to our improved bilateral relations that has expanded
steadily since 1982. We look to the future in our relations with
Laos, recognizing the importance of steps they are taking toward
opening their society and developing their economy for the good
of the Lao people. ))
To the families of those missing in Cambodia, our best
efforts to gain Cambodia's humanitarian cooperation on resolving
the fates of your missing loved ones has thus far been
unsuccessful. Despite their public claims to be holding remains
of some Americans, officials in Phnom Penh has been deaf to our
appeals. I call on Phnom Penh to act responsibly, humanely, and
return these remains. Failure to do so reflects very poorly on
them. And it will surely hinder their efforts to gain
international support.
6
The policies pursued during the past eight years have shown
some success. Limited? Yes. Incomplete? Yes
but
progress is being made only because our government is now giving
it the highest priority.
As we proceed, we will continue to search for ways to
improve our investigations. We will continue to assemble the
best resources, technology and, most of all, recruit qualified
people to interview refugees, evaluate intelligence information,
and negotiate with foreign governments.
It is with that last mission in mind that I reappointed a
man of the highest integrity and qualifications, General Jack
Vessey, as my special POW/MIA emissary to Hanoi. I know that he
will be with you this afternoon, along with senior officials from
the Departments of State and Defense, and the National Security
Council. I have charged them all to do their utmost. They know,
and share, my deep commitment to your missing loved ones and to
you.
The principle responsibility for POW/MIA issues rests with
the Department of Defense. And for that reason, we are fortunate
to have a very talented public servant as our Secretary of
Defense. Dick Cheney's years in Congress and his knowledge of
intelligence matters give him a rare understanding and a deep
appreciation of your concerns.
In closing, I want you to know that in my frequent travels
to cities and towns across America, I see many heartfelt
demonstrations of support for your cause. Americans know that
7
across our land, every Thanksgiving, there are families that
still set an empty chair at the table. We know that yellowed
photographs and school mementoes are still being lovingly kept in
scrapbooks. And questions remain, and will remain until
answered.
Now you are not alone. The mothers and fathers of another
great power share your grief, share your lingering doubts. That
this power, the Soviet Union, backed the North Vietnamese; and
the United States backed the Afghan freedom-fighters, is an
irony. But there is no room in the American heart for a mean and
petty spirit. Far from it.
I am pleased to note that Soviet General-Secretary Gorbachev
recently made a humanitarian appeal for our help in obtaining the
fullest possible accounting for Soviet citizens still prisoner
and missing in Afghanistan. Let me answer him today: we will do
everything we can. And in return, we expect the Soviets to do
what they can to encourage more serious and timely cooperation
from their allies in Indochina.
Working together, we can resolve the anguish of many
families in two lands. And we can do something more
We can gradually build a spirit of trust so that American
and Soviet troops will never again fight in a Vietnam, or an
Afghanistan.
Thank you, God bless you and God bless America.
#
#
#
POW-MIA
YOU ARENO FORGUATER FORGU
Twentieth Annual Meeting
National League of Families
of
American Prisoners and Missing
in
Southeast Asia
July 28-30, 1989
JULY 28-30, 1989
J.W. MARRIOTT HOTEL
WASHINGTON, D.C.
ANNUAL MEETING CHAIRMAN
ANN MILLS GRIFFITHS
ASSISTANT CHAIRMAN
MARY C. CURRALL
COMMITTEES
NANCY NYSTROM
CREDENTIALS CHAIRMAN
BETSY COX
PRESS CHAIRMAN
KAREN McMANUS
RESOLUTIONS CHAIRMAN
BETTY BARTELS
REGISTRATION CHAIRMAN
LIZ FLICK
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS CHAIRMAN
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CASUALTY OFFICERS: Military casualty officers will be available for individual
consultation during the annual meeting. Family members who wish to set up indi-
vidual appointments with their casualty representatives should make arrangements
during the following times: Thursday, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday, 5:00 p.m. - 7:30
p.m., Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. The
Army will be located in the Treasury Room; Navy in the State Room; Marine Corps
will be in the Justice Room, and the Air Force will be located in the Commerce
Room, all on the second level.
PRESS OFFICE: A League press office will be set up on the lower level of the hotel.
Media inquiries should be directed to Press Chairman Betsy Cox.
LEAGUE INFORMATION TABLE: A table has been set up on the lower level and
will be manned by League board members, volunteers and staff before and after
scheduled sessions. League flags, logo pins, miniature commemorative coins,
note cards and Christmas cards are available. Orders for public awareness materi-
als will be accepted, and materials will be shipped following the annual meeting.
Those manning the information table will also be able to answer questions on
League matters.
EMERGENCY NUMBER: In an emergency, call the hotel operator.
MILITARY TRANSPORTATION: Families departing Andrews AFB by military air-
craft on Sunday, July 30th, must check in with AirForce transportation personnel by
10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29th, and be prepared to depart the hotel no later than
11:00 a.m. on Sunday. Check out time at the J.W. Marriott is 12:00 noon.
U.S. GOVERNMENT BRIEFINGS: Identified by asterisk (*).
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1989
9:00 AM
OPENING SESSION
GRAND BALLROOM
11:45 AM
Invocation
Nancy Nystrom
Vice Chairman of the Board
Welcoming Remarks
George L. Brooks
Chairman of the Board
Introduction of 1989/90 Board of Directors
The Honorable Stephen J. Solarz
Chairman, Subcommittee on Asian & Pacific Affairs
U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable Robert J. Lagomarsino
Chairman, Task Force on POW/MIA
U.S. House of Representatives
Veterans Group Presentations
Air Force Association
John R. Alison, Member, Board of Directors
Paralyzed Veterans of America
F. David Parker, Senior Vice President
Red River Valley Association
Patty Sheridan, Executive Secretary
The Retired Officers Association
Colonel Charles Cooper, Director of Communications
Non-Commissioned Officers Association
Chuck Jackson, Executive Officer
Remarks: The Honorable Edward J. Derwinski
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Unveiling of the 1989 National
POW/MIA Recognition Day Poster
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
12:00 PM
MILITARY LUNCHEONS *
1:30 PM
AIR FORCE
GRAND BALLROOM (4)
ARMY
CAPITOL BALLROOM (D:E)
NAVY, MARINE CORP, CIVILIANS
CAPITOL BALLROOM (F:G)
2:00 PM
GENERAL SESSION
GRAND BALLROOM
3:00 PM
Executive Director's Report
Ann Mills Griffiths
Executive Director
GENERAL JOHN W. VESSEY JR., USA-RETIRED
PRESIDENTIAL POW/MIA EMISSARY TO HANOI
3:00 PM
POW/MIA INTERAGENCY FORUM*
GRAND BALLROOM
5:00 PM
George L. Brooks,
Chairman of the Board, Presiding
Dr. Karl D. Jackson
Assistant to the President and Senior Director of Asian Affairs
National Security Council
Honorable David L. Lambertson
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Asian and Pacific Affairs
Honorable Carl W. Ford
Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia and the Pacific Region
Department. of Defense
Ann Mills Griffiths
Executive Director
National League of Families
5:00 PM
DINNER BREAK
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
9:30 PM
PRESENTATION
GRAND BALLROOM
Lt. General Ed Soyster, USA
Director
Defense Intelligence Agency
COL Joe Schlatter, USA
Chief, Special Office for POW/MIA
Defense Intelligence Agency
SATURDAY, JULY 29, 1989
9:30 AM
GENERAL SESSION
GRAND BALLROOM
11:30 AM
George L. Brooks
Chairman of the Board, Presiding
Finance Report
George W. Shine
Finance Chairman
Panel Discussion
Board of Directors
Executive Director
(Resolutions for consideration during the official business meeting
are requested by the Chair no later than the conclusion of the
POW/MIA Interagency Forum, Friday, July 28th, 5:00 pm.)
11:30 AM
LUNCH BREAK
2:00 PM
12:30 PM
Informal opportunity to meet with
CAPITOL BALLROOM
the Board and Executive Director
2:00 PM
JOINT CASUALTY RESOLUTION CENTER
4:30 PM
PRESENTATION*
GRAND BALLROOM
George L Brooks
Chairman of the Board, Presiding
LTC Joe Harvey, USA
Commanding Officer, JCRC
Mr. Bill Bell
Vietnam/Cambodia Specialist
Mr. Bill Gadoury
Lao Specialist
CENTRAL IDENTIFICATION LABORATORY PRESENTATION*
COL Mel Hoherz, USA
Chief, Casualty and Memorial Affairs
LTC Johnie Webb, USA
Commanding Officer, CILHI
Dr. William Maples
Consultant
Department of the Army
4:30 PM
NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
A special visit to the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial has been
arranged during which Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan will
address the families. Buses depart promptly at 4:45 p.m. from the
Pennsylvania Avenue entrance to the hotel, returning promptly at
5:45 p.m.
6:15 PM
NO HOST RECEPTION
CAPITOL BALLROOM
7:15 PM
7:30 PM
20TH ANNUAL DINNER
GRAND BALLROOM
10:00 PM
U.S. Marine Corps Band
MG Sgt. John D. Lee, USMC, Directing
Master of Ceremonies
George L. Brooks
Joint Armed Forces Color Guard
Military District of Washington
National Anthem
Invocation
COL Michael Ashley, USAF
Introduction of Head Table
Dinner
HONORABLE RICHARD B. CHENEY
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Presentation of League Award
Special Awards Presentation
Raffle Drawing
82nd Airborne Division
All American Chorus
Specialist Henry L. Fiske, USA, Directing
Benediction
Chaplain Ashley
SUNDAY, JULY 30, 1989
9:30 AM
COMMEMORATIVE CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY
GRAND
10:30 AM
(Seperate Program)
BALLROOM
(1 & 2)
11:00 AM FIRST DEPARTURE FOR ANDREWS AFB
PA AVENUE
ENTRANCE
LOWER LEVEL
1989/90 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joseph P. Dunn
Phillipe W. Ritter
210 Grove Street
7461 Candleridge Circle,
Randolph, MA 02368
Apt. #804
617/961-2110
Ft. Worth, TX 76133
817/346-2694
Gail V. Innes
4100 N. Marine Drive
Sue Scott
Chicago, IL 60613
2401 Chelsea Court
312/871-1846
Troy, MI 48084
313/649-2393
Mary Carol Lemon
2922 Bob-O-Link Road
George W. Shine
Flossmoor, IL 60422
654-A Heritage Village
312/798-5626
Southbury, CT 06488
203/264-5398
Barbara Lewis
303 West Martindale
Louise Van Hoozer
Marshall, TX 75670
Route 2, Box 15
214/938-1862
Savannah, MO 64485
816/324-4961
Nancy Nystrom
6938 Hanson Drive North
Jacksonville, FL 32210
904/781-7164
LEAGUE STAFF
Ann Mills Griffiths
Executive Director
Mary C. Currall
Director of Operations
Betsy Cox
Director of Public Relations
Sherri Gibson
Administrative Secretary
Melissa Glover
Executive Secretary
Cheryl Smore
Special Assistant
Doris Rogers
Shipping Clerk