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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 Files, 1989-1993 OA/ID Number: 13752 Folder ID Number: 13752-010 Folder Title: Kennedy Center Musicale 4/22/91 [OA 6897] [2] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: G 26 21 3 5 Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 4/19/91 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: --- SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER RECEPTION ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU PETERSMEYER SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY SMITH BROMLEY UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS DEMAREST SNOW FITZWATER PORTER ROSE GRAY FIRESTONE HOLIDAY REMARKS: The attached has been forwarded to the President. RESPONSE: PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 91 APR 18 PM 7: 06 April 18, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: TONY SNOW TS FROM: BETH HINCHLIFFE BH SUBJECT: KENNEDY CENTER RECEPTION On Monday, April 22, at 5:45 p.m., you will address 200 attendees at a reception following a performance by Sara Wolfensohn and Maestro Rostropovich. Your remarks, 4-6 minutes in length, will be on cards. Your remarks serve as a "thank you" to the Congressional Trustees, as well as the public/private funding that has enabled the Kennedy Center to bring art, entertainment, and cultural enrichment to this country. Hinchliffe/Blymire April 18, 1991 7 p.m. Draft Three A:KENNEDY.TS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 East Room [Chairman Wolfensohn; Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch, William Schreyer; Dina Merrill Hartley, and the Trustee Development Committee; Congressional Trustees. ]] It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's. JFK yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: " Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization.' " Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in The Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets, art can touch us -- can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience, in 2 all its wonderful diversity, to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. As we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st Century, we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, The Kennedy Center reaches across America -- and into the future. Last year its education and public service programs reached over 6 million people, many of them children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. But the Kennedy Center will not rest on such laurels. You have begun exploring new ways to bring art to even more people, making full use of television, radio -- technologies that can turn homes into theaters. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostropovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not 3 only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And Jim Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. Jim and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: " Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish!" Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. # # # KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION \ EAST ROOM MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991 \ 5:45 P.M. CHAIRMAN WOLFENSOHN AND ELAINE; CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATE FUND, WILLIAM SCHREYER; DINA MERRILL HARTLEY, AND THE TRUSTEE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE; CONGRESSIONAL TRUSTEES; MEMBERS OF THE TRUSTEES CIRCLE; AND THE NEW 100 CLUB OF THE CORPORATE FUND. It's A PLEASURE FOR US TO BE HERE TONIGHT, SHARING IN A DREAM OF PRESIDENT JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY'S. JFK YEARNED TO SEE AN AMERICA THAT VALUED THE ARTS AS MUCH AS BUSINESS OR SCIENCE OR POLITICS. - 2 - HE ONCE SAID: II ROOSEVELT AND LINCOLN UNDERSTOOD THAT THE LIFE OF THE ARTS IS VERY CLOSE TO THE CENTER OF A NATION'S PURPOSE -- AND IS A TEST OF THE QUALITY OF A NATION'S CIVILIZATION." TONIGHT WE PAY TRIBUTE To HIS VISION. AND TO YOURS. You're HERE BECAUSE YOU CARE DEEPLY ABOUT THIS COUNTRY'S NEED TO NOURISH ITS SPIRIT. You're HERE BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE IN THE KENNEDY CENTER'S VITAL, EXCITING, ENJOYABLE WORK. - 3 - You've GIVEN OF YOURSELVES TO ENDOW ITS FUTURE AND THE NATION'S. THIS IS IMPORTANT WORK. IT IS GREAT WORK. It's ESSENTIAL WORK BECAUSE ART STRIKES A CHORD WITHIN OUR HEARTS. THE KENNEDY CENTER BRINGS THAT EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE, IN ALL ITS WONDERFUL DIVERSITY, TO MILLIONS. BUT IT DOES SOMETHING ELSE REMARKABLE, TOO. IT HAS CHARGED INTO A LEADERSHIP POSITION IN OUR SOCIETY BY BROADENING AND DEEPENING ITS EDUCATION PROGRAM. - 4 - FOR ITS DIRECTORS UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TEACHING OUR YOUTH. As WE EQUIP KIDS WITH THE SKILLS TO COMPETE IN THE 21st CENTURY, WE MUST ALSO HELP THEM DEVELOP AS COMPLETE HUMAN BEINGS. ONE WAY TO DO THIS IS THROUGH THE ARTS. WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF THE BEAUTY AND DEPTH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT -- OUR LIVES AND SUCCESSES CAN BECOME DULL AND JOYLESS. - 5 - As OUR NATIONAL CENTER FOR THE ARTS, THE KENNEDY CENTER REACHES ACROSS AMERICA -- AND INTO THE FUTURE. LAST YEAR ITS EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS REACHED OVER 6 MILLION PEOPLE, MANY OF THEM CHILDREN. THINK OF IT. THINK OF HOW YOUR GIFTS TODAY ARE INSURING THE FUTURE OF THE ARTS FOR THE AUDIENCES OF TOMORROW. BUT THE KENNEDY CENTER WILL NOT REST ON SUCH LAURELS. II - 6 - You HAVE BEGUN EXPLORING NEW WAYS TO BRING ART TO EVEN MORE PEOPLE, MAKING FULL USE OF TELEVISION, RADIO -- TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN TURN HOMES INTO THEATERS. YOUR GIFTS ARE PART OF A UNIQUE PRIVATE/PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP, BEGUN LAST YEAR BY THE CONGRESSIONAL TRUSTEES WHO ARE HERE TONIGHT. THEY ENCOURAGED CONGRESS, WHICH ANSWERED MY CALL FOR THE FUNDING NEEDED TO RESCUE THE CENTER. THEY HELPED INSPIRE YOU, THE DONORS WE SALUTE THIS EVENING. - 7 - TONIGHT, WE ALSO SALUTE TWO DAZZLING PERFORMERS. MAESTRO ROSTROPOVICH -- YOU HONOR US WITH YOUR PRESENCE. WE'RE MOVED NOT ONLY BY YOUR ARTISTRY BUT ALSO BY YOUR COMPASSION AS AN INEXHAUSTIBLE DEFENDER OF HUMAN RIGHTS. AND JIM WOLFENSOHN HAS GIVEN MANY GIFTS TO THE ARTISTIC HEART OF THIS NATION -- SARA MAY BE THE MOST REMARKABLE. JIM AND SARA, THANK YOU FOR SHOWING US THE IMPORTANCE OF PASSING ON THE LEGACY OF OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE. - 8 - You REMIND US OF WILLIAM BLAKE'S WORDS: " NATIONS ARE DESTROYED, OR FLOURISH, IN PROPORTION AS THEIR POETRY, PAINTING, AND MUSIC ARE DESTROYED OR FLOURISH!" THROUGH THE KENNEDY CENTER, WE RESOLVE THAT OUR ARTS -- AND OUR NATION -- WILL, INDEED, FLOURISH FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. # # # KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION \ EAST ROOM MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991 \ 5:45 P.M. CHAIRMAN WOLFENSOHN AND ELAINE; CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATE FUND, WILLIAM SCHREYER; DINA MERRILL HARTLEY, AND THE TRUSTEE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE; CONGRESSIONAL TRUSTEES; MEMBERS OF THE TRUSTEES CIRCLE; AND THE NEW 100 CLUB OF THE CORPORATE FUND. IT'S A PLEASURE FOR US To BE HERE TONIGHT, SHARING IN A DREAM OF PRESIDENT JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY'S. JFK YEARNED TO SEE AN AMERICA THAT VALUED THE ARTS AS MUCH AS BUSINESS OR SCIENCE OR POLITICS. - 2 - HE ONCE SAID: If ROOSEVELT AND LINCOLN UNDERSTOOD THAT THE LIFE OF THE ARTS IS VERY CLOSE To THE CENTER OF A NATION'S PURPOSE -- AND IS A TEST OF THE QUALITY OF A NATION'S CIVILIZATION." TONIGHT WE PAY TRIBUTE TO HIS VISION. AND TO YOURS. You're HERE BECAUSE YOU CARE DEEPLY ABOUT THIS COUNTRY'S NEED TO NOURISH ITS SPIRIT. You're HERE BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE IN THE KENNEDY CENTER'S VITAL, EXCITING, ENJOYABLE WORK. - 3 - You've GIVEN OF YOURSELVES TO ENDOW ITS FUTURE AND THE NATION'S. THIS IS IMPORTANT WORK. IT IS GREAT WORK. It's ESSENTIAL WORK BECAUSE ART STRIKES A CHORD WITHIN OUR HEARTS. THE KENNEDY CENTER BRINGS THAT EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE, IN ALL ITS WONDERFUL DIVERSITY, TO MILLIONS. BUT IT DOES SOMETHING ELSE REMARKABLE, TOO. IT HAS CHARGED INTO A LEADERSHIP POSITION IN OUR SOCIETY BY BROADENING AND DEEPENING ITS EDUCATION PROGRAM. - 4 - FOR ITS DIRECTORS UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TEACHING OUR YOUTH. As WE EQUIP KIDS WITH THE SKILLS TO COMPETE IN THE 21st CENTURY, WE MUST ALSO HELP THEM DEVELOP AS COMPLETE HUMAN BEINGS. ONE WAY TO DO THIS IS THROUGH THE ARTS. WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF THE BEAUTY AND DEPTH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT -- OUR LIVES AND SUCCESSES CAN BECOME DULL AND JOYLESS. - 5 - As OUR NATIONAL CENTER FOR THE ARTS, THE KENNEDY CENTER REACHES ACROSS AMERICA -- AND INTO THE FUTURE. LAST YEAR ITS EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS REACHED OVER 6 MILLION PEOPLE, MANY OF THEM CHILDREN. THINK OF IT. THINK OF HOW YOUR GIFTS TODAY ARE INSURING THE FUTURE OF THE ARTS FOR THE AUDIENCES OF TOMORROW. BUT THE KENNEDY CENTER WILL NOT REST ON SUCH LAURELS. II - 6 - You HAVE BEGUN EXPLORING NEW WAYS TO BRING ART To EVEN MORE PEOPLE, MAKING FULL USE OF TELEVISION, RADIO -- TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN TURN HOMES INTO THEATERS. YOUR GIFTS ARE PART OF A UNIQUE PRIVATE/PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP, BEGUN LAST YEAR BY THE CONGRESSIONAL TRUSTEES WHO ARE HERE TONIGHT. THEY ENCOURAGED CONGRESS, WHICH ANSWERED MY CALL FOR THE FUNDING NEEDED TO RESCUE THE CENTER. THEY HELPED INSPIRE YOU, THE DONORS WE SALUTE THIS EVENING. - 7 - TONIGHT, WE ALSO SALUTE TWO DAZZLING PERFORMERS. MAESTRO ROSTROPOVICH -- YOU HONOR US WITH YOUR PRESENCE. WE'RE MOVED NOT ONLY BY YOUR ARTISTRY BUT ALSO BY YOUR COMPASSION AS AN INEXHAUSTIBLE DEFENDER OF HUMAN RIGHTS. AND JIM WOLFENSOHN HAS GIVEN MANY GIFTS TO THE ARTISTIC HEART OF THIS NATION -- SARA MAY BE THE MOST REMARKABLE. JIM AND SARA, THANK YOU FOR SHOWING US THE IMPORTANCE OF PASSING ON THE LEGACY OF OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE. - 8 - You REMIND US OF WILLIAM BLAKE'S WORDS: " NATIONS ARE DESTROYED, OR FLOURISH, IN PROPORTION AS THEIR POETRY, PAINTING, AND MUSIC ARE DESTROYED OR FLOURISH!" THROUGH THE KENNEDY CENTER, WE RESOLVE THAT OUR ARTS -- AND OUR NATION -- WILL, INDEED, FLOURISH FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. # # # CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:04 PG.01 UNCLAS 91 APR 20 AM10:45 CLASSIFICATION CIRCLE ONE BELOW MODE PAGES 4 IMMEDIATE SECURE FAX # 4 DTG 20 1400Z Apr 91 ADMIN FAX # RELEASER PRIORITY of ROUTINE RECORD # FROM/LOCATION MAJ. CALIGHMAN / CAMP DAVID 1. TO/LOCATION/TIME OF RECEIPT 1. WHSR / PASS TO PHIL BRADY, PHONE HIS OFFICE 2. 3. TOR 2014082 4. 5. 6. 7. INFORMATION ADDEES/LOCATION/TIME OF RECEIPT 1. 2. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS/REMARKS: UNCLAS CLASSIFICATION CAMP DAVID NO. SAT 20 APR 91 14:05 PG.02 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 91 APR 18 PM 7:06 April 18, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: TONY SNOW TS FROM: BETH HINCHLIFFE BH 0 A one deletion shartwy SUBJECT: KENNEDY CENTER RECEPTION On Monday, April 22, at 5:45 p.m., you will address 200 attendees at a reception following a performance by Sara Wolfensohn and Maestro Rostropovich. Your remarks, 4-6 minutes in length, will be on cards. Your remarks serve as a "thank you" to the Congressional Trustees, as well as the public/private funding that has enabled the Kennedy Center to bring art, entertainment, and cultural enrichment to this country. CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:05 PG.03 Hinchliffe/Blymire April 18, 1991 7 p.m. Draft Three A:KENNEDY.TS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 East Room [[Chairman Wolfensohn; Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch, William Schreyer; Dina Merrill Hartley, and the Trustee Development Committee; Congressional Trustees.] It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's. JFK yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: It Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts. is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in The Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. t Just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets, art can touch us can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience, in CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:06 PG.01 2 all its wonderful diversity, to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. As we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st Century, we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, The Kennedy Center reaches across America -- and into the future. Last year its education and public service programs reached over 6 million people, many of them children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. But the Kennedy Center will not rest on such laurels. You have begun exploring new ways to bring art to even more people, making full use of television, radio -- technologies that can turn homes into theaters. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostropovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not CAMP DAVID NO.2 SAT 20 APR 91 14:07 PG.02 3 only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And Jim Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. Jim and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: " Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish!" Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April 18, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: TONY SNOW TS FROM: BETH HINCHLIFFE BH SUBJECT: KENNEDY CENTER RECEPTION On Monday, April 22, at 5:45 p.m., you will address 200 attendees at a reception following a performance by Sara Wolfensohn and Maestro Rostropovich. Your remarks, 4-6 minutes in length, will be on cards. Your remarks serve as a "thank you" to the Congressional Trustees, as well as the public/private funding that has enabled the Kennedy Center to bring art, entertainment, and cultural enrichment to this country. Hinchliffe/Blymire April 18, 1991 7 p.m. Draft Three A:KENNEDY.TS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 East Room [[Chairman Wolfensohn; Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch, William Schreyer; Dina Merrill Hartley, and the Trustee Development Committee; Congressional Trustees. ]] It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's. JFK yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: " Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in The Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets, art can touch us -- can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience, in 2 all its wonderful diversity, to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. As we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st Century, we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, The Kennedy Center reaches across America -- and into the future. Last year its education and public service programs reached over 6 million people, many of them children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. But the Kennedy Center will not rest on such laurels. You have begun exploring new ways to bring art to even more people, making full use of television, radio -- technologies that can turn homes into theaters. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostropovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not 3 only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And Jim Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. Jim and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: " Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish!" Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April 18, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: TONY SNOW TS FROM: BETH HINCHLIFFE BH SUBJECT: KENNEDY CENTER RECEPTION On Monday, April 22, at 5:45 p.m., you will address 200 attendees at a reception following a performance by Sara Wolfensohn and Maestro Rostropovich. Your remarks, 4-6 minutes in length, will be on cards. Your remarks serve as a "thank you" to the Congressional Trustees, as well as the public/private funding that has enabled the Kennedy Center to bring art, entertainment, and cultural enrichment to this country. Hinchliffe/Blymire April 18, 1991 7 p.m. Draft Three A:KENNEDY.TS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 East Room [[Chairman Wolfensohn; Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch, William Schreyer; Dina Merrill Hartley, and the Trustee Development Committee; Congressional Trustees. ]] It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's. JFK yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: II Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in The Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets, art can touch us -- can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience, in 2 all its wonderful diversity, to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. As we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st Century, we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, The Kennedy Center reaches across America -- and into the future. Last year its education and public service programs reached over 6 million people, many of them children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. But the Kennedy Center will not rest on such laurels. You have begun exploring new ways to bring art to even more people, making full use of television, radio -- technologies that can turn homes into theaters. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostropovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not 3 only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And Jim Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. Jim and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: " Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish!" Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 91 APR 18 P7:06 April 18, 1991 MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW Deputy Assistant To The President For Communications and Director of Speechwriting FROM: JANET REHNQUIST gk Associate Counse to the President SUBJECT: Presidential Remarks -- Kennedy Center Musicale Reception At your request, Counsel's Office has reviewed the above- referenced matter. We have no legal objections. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. CC: Phil Brady Hinchliffe/Blymire April 18, 1991 7 p.m. Draft Three A:KENNEDY.TS PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 State Floor [Chairman Wolfensohn; Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch, William Schreyer; Dina Merrill Hartley, and the Trustee Development Committee; Congressional Trustees. ]] It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's. JFK yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: " Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in The Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets, art can touch us -- can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience, in 2 all its wonderful diversity, to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. As we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st Century, we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, The Kennedy Center reaches across America -- and into the future. Last year its education and public service programs reached over 6 million people, many of them children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. But the Kennedy Center will not rest on such laurels. You have begun exploring new ways to bring art to even more people, making full use of television, radio -- technologies that can turn homes into theaters. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostropovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not 3 only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And Jim Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. Jim and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: " Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish!" Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. # # # APR-18-91 THU 14:15 JFK CTR CHAIRMAN FAX NO. 2024168018 P.01 The Kennedy Center THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 91 APR 18 P3: 32 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20566-0001 202 416-8000 FAX 202 416-8205 FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION TO: Carol Blymire FAX #: 456-6218 TOTAL # OF PAGES: 4 FROM: Laura Longley Carol, Please call me after you've had a chance to read this through. Many thanks, Lawr APR-18-91 THU 14:15 JFK CTR CHAIRMAN FAX NO. 2024168018 P.02 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts JAMES D. WOLFENSOHN WASHINGTON, D.C. 20566-0001 CHAIRMAN 202 416-8010 FAX 202 416-8018 April 18, 1991 MEMORANDUM TO: John Sununu FROM: James D. Wolfensohn RE: The Kennedy Center: Some Thoughts for Remarks by the President on April 22 It occurs to me that it may be helpful to the President to set down some few points that might be useful background for his remarks on April 22nd. 1. The Kennedy Center was opened nearly 20 years ago due to the initiative of President Eisenhower and the Congress, the vigors of Roger Stevens, the work of many volunteers, and a partnership between the private sector and the government. It has had an important and enriching impact on the performing arts in Washington and throughout this land. 2. The Board, the management and staff, the many volunteers and Friends (who will be honored here at the White House with an award later this week) and particularly you, the donors and special friends, together have made it possible for artists of excellence and diversity to appear on the Kennedy Center stages. 3. The Center is now coming of age and is looking to build on its past achievements and to extend and secure its role as this nation's center for the performing arts which recognizes, stimulates, presents, and funds the diverse culture of this land with its uniquely rich and varied traditions. 4. Bold new initiatives are being taken in programming the daily events at the Center, maintaining high standards of excellence while seeking diversity in culture and in APR-18-91 THU 14:16 JFK CTR CHAIRMAN FAX NO. 2024168018 P.03 audiences both young and old. In addition, special events presenting the rich talent of this country will commence with the Texas Festival in June to be followed next year by tributes to Germany and to the Latin cultures of the many countries in this hemisphere. These events will stimulate performances around this country as well as our concern and esteem for those cultures which have enriched our cultural traditions. 5 Nor have we forgotten the opportunities afforded us by technology as we seek to develop ways to use television, radio, and other electronic media to bring presentations around this country both to entertain and to educate. Never before have we had an opportunity to reach our entire population with materials formerly restricted by the walls of a theater. 6. But the Center has one very critical additional role in the life of the performing arts of our nation. It is in its leadership in education of our youth from all backgrounds, reaching out to the disadvantaged as well as those with special needs. We want our children to know about their traditions. We want them to learn, to dream, to create, to sing, to dance, to play instruments, to experience the demanding discipline of performance, to feel the pride that comes from playing privately for oneself or performing before an audience. We must give this chance to our children by passing on to them the riches of their culture for them to enjoy and to enhance and to pass on to their children. 7. I have often spoken of the need for private sector support of our institutions with both time and generous gifts. You are here today so that Barbara and I can express our thanks to you for your involvement in the Kennedy Center. Without you we would not have this great institution in our nation's capital. The future, however, presents us with many challenges. My administration last year recognized the urgent financial needs of the Kennedy Center by supporting a special grant of $45 million over two years to help reduce past deficits and to provide the means for much needed repairs. While this was a critical and important contribution, I am well aware that the Center operates with a deficit in excess of $15 million and growing. I know that the staff took a six month wage freeze, that studies have been conducted aimed at cost cutting, and that the institution is setting priorities to try to contain the deficits. Today, however, all performing arts organizations are suffering from growing deficits and the Kennedy Center, with its national role, has an extra substantial burden to bear. We need to develop the existing partnership between the APR-18-91 THU 14:17 JFK CTR CHAIRMAN FAX NO. 2024168018 P.04 government and the private sector so that together we can preserve and enhance this important institution. I know that I can count on your help with your time and with your resources, for this is the American way. Our cultural institutions are kept alive, free, and creative by your interest and by your personal support. 8. Barbara and I enjoy our visits to the Center. We are well aware of the excitement and the momentum. We have noticed the new signage, the new food services, the weekly advertising of such a rich array of performances with more free offerings to a broader audience. We are proud of the devoted staff and management team and their renewed commitment to excellence, to diversity, and to service to the public. In short, we believe in the importance of the Kennedy Center and its pivotal role in the cultural life of our country. We must preserve and enhance the values on which our country is based. We must offer the performing arts to all sections of our society. We must entertain and educate adults and young audiences. By honoring and supporting the Kennedy Center in our nation's capital, we will show to our nation and to the world that we believe in the values of freedom for our children and that we cherish the chance to create, to perform, and to dream. Document No. 230520 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 91 APR 18 PT: 04/17/91 3:00 p.m. 04/18 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION (04/17 7:00 p.m.) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY UNTERMEYER CARD SMITH DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW GRAY FIRESTONE HOLIDAY PORTER ROSE REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, X 2930, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: See comments PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 (Hinchliffe/Blymire) April 17, 1991 7 p.m. 91 APR 17 PM 7:38 KENNEDY Draft Two PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 State Floor It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President Kennedy's. For he yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: "Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in the Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets -- art can touch us. Can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. But as we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st 2 Century -- we must also help them develop as complete human scully 5178 beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. the As our national center for the arts, Kennedy Center reaches saily across America - and into the future. Last year its education 5178 programs reached over 6 million people, mostly American children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostopovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And John Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. John and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: "Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish." Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. Document No. 230520 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 04/17/91 3:00 p.m. 04/18 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION (04/17 7:00 p.m.) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY UNTERMEYER SMITH CARD DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW GRAY FIRESTONE HOLIDAY PORTER ROSE REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x 2930, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: OK.S.R OK. S.R PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 (Hinchliffe/Blymire) April 17, 1991 7 p.m. 91 APR 17 PM 7:38 KENNEDY Draft Two PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 State Floor It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President Kennedy's. For he yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: "Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in the Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets -- art can touch us. Can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. But as we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st 2 century -- we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, Kennedy Center reaches across America - and into the future. Last year its education programs reached over 6 million people, mostly American children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostopovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And John Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. John and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: "Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish." Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. Document No. 230520 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 04/17/91 3:00 p.m. 04/18 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION (04/17 7:00 p.m.) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY UNTERMEYER CARD SMITH DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW GRAY FIRESTONE HOLIDAY PORTER ROSE REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, X 2930, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: NO COMMENTS. THANKS. HOLLY WILLIAMSON HW 4-]8-9] 12:34 81 APR 16 PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 Document No. 230520 91 APR i8 P3:11 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 04/17/91 3:00 p.m. 04/18 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION (04/17 7:00 p.m.) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BRADY UNTERMEYER CARD SMITH DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW GRAY FIRESTONE HOLIDAY PORTER ROSE REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, X 2930, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: ok $ PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 (Hinchliffe/Blymire) April 17, 1991 7 p.m. 91 APR 17 PM 7:38 KENNEDY Draft Two PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 State Floor It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President Kennedy's. For he yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: "Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in the Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets -- art can touch us. Can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. But as we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st 2 century -- we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, Kennedy Center reaches across America - and into the future. Last year its education programs reached over 6 million people, mostly American children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostopovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And John Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. John and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: "Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish." Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. (Hinchliffe/Blymire) April 17, 1991 7 p.m. KENNEDY Draft Two PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 State Floor It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President Kennedy's. For he yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: "Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in the Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets -- art can touch us. Can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. But as we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st 2 century -- we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, Kennedy Center reaches across America - and into the future. Last year its education programs reached over 6 million people, mostly American children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostopovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And John Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. John and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: "Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish." Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. (Hinchliffe/Blymire) April 17, 1991 2 p.m. KENNEDY Draft Two PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 State Floor It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President Kennedy's. For he yearned to see an America that which) valued the arts as well as business or science or politics. And he once said: "Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life Much of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose - - and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. And you're here because you believe ve felt in the the KC's vitality vital, exciting, of enjoyable work the Kennedy Center So you've given of yourselves to endow its and the nation's future This is important work. It is great work. art And it's essential work because the brilliance and breadth of the Kennedy Center strike a chord within our hearts. isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets -- art can touch us. Can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world Q The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. But as we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st century -- we must also help them develop as complete human 2 One beings. The way to do this is through the arts. For thout knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our dollard and lives and successes can become joyless. As our national center for the arts, Kennedy Center has an reaches impact that stretches across America - and into the future. Last year its education programs reached over 6 million people, mostly American children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow And your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congres- They helped They sional funding that rescued the Center and that inspired you, the donors we salute this evening. Together, you're forging the güarantee of a brilliant future for the arts of our nation. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostopovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And John Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. John and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. And for reminding us of what William Blake i, wrote: words : "Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish." Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. # # # (Hinchliffe/Blymire) April 17, 1991 7 p.m. KENNEDY Draft Two PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 State Floor It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President Kennedy's. For he yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: "Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in the Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets -- art can touch us. Can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. But as we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st 2 century -- we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, Kennedy Center reaches across America - and into the future. Last year its education programs reached over 6 million people, mostly American children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostopovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And John Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. John and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: "Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish." Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all. Document No. 230520 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 91 APR 18 A8: 04/17/91 3:00 p.m. 04/18 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION (04/17 7:00 p.m.) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE N/C SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH N/C BRADY UNTERMEYER SMITH CARD N/C DEMAREST ROGERS FITZWATER SNOW 2312 GRAY N/C FIRESTONE HOLIDAY N/C PORTER ROSE REMARKS: Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, X 2930, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 04/18, with a copy to this office. Thanks. RESPONSE: PHILLIP D. BRADY Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Ext. 2702 (Hinchliffe/Blymire) April 17, 1991 7 p.m. 91 APR 17 PM 7:38 KENNEDY Draft Two PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: KENNEDY CENTER MUSICALE RECEPTION Monday, April 22, 1991 State Floor It's a pleasure for us to be here tonight, sharing in a dream of President Kennedy's. For he yearned to see an America that valued the arts as much as business or science or politics. He once said: "Roosevelt and Lincoln understood that the life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose -- and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Tonight we pay tribute to his vision. And to yours. You're here because you care deeply about this country's need to nourish its spirit. You're here because you believe in the Kennedy Center's vital, exciting, enjoyable work. You've given of yourselves to endow its future and the nation's. This is important work. It is great work. It's essential work because art strikes a chord within our hearts. It isn't just a passive, pretty experience. It rouses something vital inside us. In a time when the imponderables of life are reduced to black and white spreadsheets -- art can touch us. Can help us express the joys, the fears, the wonderment of this world. The Kennedy Center brings that extraordinary experience to millions. But it does something else remarkable, too. It has charged into a leadership position in our society by broadening and deepening its education program. For its directors understand that nothing is more important than teaching our youth. But as we equip kids with the skills to compete in the 21st 2 century -- we must also help them develop as complete human beings. One way to do this is through the arts. Without knowledge of the beauty and depth of the human spirit -- our lives and successes can become dull and joyless. As our national center for the arts, Kennedy Center reaches across America - and into the future. Last year its education programs reached over 6 million people, mostly American children. Think of it. Think of how your gifts today are insuring the future of the arts for the audiences of tomorrow. Your gifts are part of a unique private/public partner- ship, begun last year by the Congressional Trustees who are here tonight. They led a quest that resulted in unprecedented Congressional funding that rescued the Center. They helped inspire you, the donors we salute this evening. Tonight, we also salute two dazzling performers. Maestro Rostopovich -- you honor us with your presence. We're moved not only by your artistry but also by your compassion as an inexhaustible defender of human rights. And John Wolfensohn has given many gifts to the artistic heart of this nation -- Sara may be the most remarkable. John and Sara, thank you for showing us the importance of passing on the legacy of our cultural heritage. You remind us of William Blake's words: "Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish." Through the Kennedy Center, we resolve that our arts -- and our nation -- will, indeed, flourish forever. God bless you all.