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323154045
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Videos 5/6/92 [OA 7573]
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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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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Backup Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13812
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13812-004
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Videos 5/6/92 [OA 7573]
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26
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5
2
Nix
Draft
April 30, 1992 1:30 p.m.
A:ASIAN
PRESIDENTIAL VIDEO: ASIAN/PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTH
MAY 6, 1992
I join you today in celebrating Asian/Pacific Heritage Month
-- a month that marks the 14th year we, as a nation, have
Claytong
recognized the rich cultural heritage Americans of Asian and
OPL
Pacific descent have brought to our country.
7845
While all Americans unite in the love of the freedom,
independence, and democracy that our country offers, it is also
appropriate that Americans celebrate and promote their diverse
cultural backgrounds. It is such diversity that has written the
story of America's success and given strength to the soul of this Pop. Div.
nation.
Ceasus
I salute the more than 7 million Americans that make up the Bureau
Asian/Pacific community -- a community that has enriched
America's community -- socially, culturally, economically, and
7
spiritually.
Stanish
There is an ancient proverb that says: "Paths are made by
Frank
walking." My friends, you have forged paths that have linked the
Kizsinga
proud heritage of your past with your achievements of today and a
future ripe with promise for tomorrow. And you have done so by
The brisht
speed
embracing the deep-rooted values and principles of your culture:
Family. Faith. A commitment to education. An abiding belief in
work. And a love of freedom.
Your entrepreneurial spirit has opened up opportunities for
all Americans -- contributing to economic growth, creating new
jobs, and forging new free and open markets overseas.
For all you have contributed to this great country, I thank
you. Yet I challenge you, too. Together, let us join with all
Americans in making a path -- as the proverb says, by walking
forward into the next century, leading our children and our
grandchildren into a new era, bright with the promise of an
America at its best and a world at peace.
Barbara joins me in wishing you a most successful and
enjoyable month. God bless you all and the United States of
America.
Nix
Draft
April 29, 1992 2:00 p.m.
A:ASIAN
PRESIDENTIAL VIDEO: ASIAN/PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTH
MAY 11, 1992
I join you today in celebrating Asian/Pacific Heritage Month
-- a month that marks the 14th year we, as a nation, have
recognized the rich cultural heritage Americans of Asian and
Pacific descent have brought to our country.
While all Americans unite in the love of the freedom,
independence, and democracy that our country offers, it is also
appropriate that Americans celebrate and promote their diverse
cultural backgrounds. It is such diversity that has written the
story of America's success and given strength to the soul of this
nation.
I salute the more than 7 million Americans that make up the
Asian/Pacific community -- a community that has enriched
America's community -- socially, culturally, economically, and
spiritually.
There is an ancient proverb that says: "Paths are made by
walking." My friends, you have forged paths that have led to a
destination called excellence. And you have done so by embracing
the deep-rooted values and principles of your culture: Family.
Faith. A commitment to education. An abiding belief in work.
And a love of freedom.
something concuse? mou
Your entrepreneurial spirit has opened up opportunities for
all Americans -- contributing to economic growth, creating new
jobs, and forging new free and open markets overseas.
For all you have contributed to this great country, I thank
you. Yet I challenge you, too. Together, let us join with all
Americans in making a path -- as the proverb says, by walking
forward into the next century, leading our children and our
grandchildren into a new era, bright with the promise of an
America at its best and a world at peace.
Barbara joins me in wishing you a most successful and
enjoyable month. God bless you all and the United States of
America.
Labs famty pearl
my
Every day, your community impacts this nation. You are
involved in so many ways, so many areas. Even in this
claver
administration.
Wheres
This administration is open to the unique concerns of every group
yet acts in the best interest of all the people. We have
appointed Asian/Pacific Americans to higher ranking positions in
a broader ranges of areas than any other administration.
Nix
Draft
April 29, 1992 2:00 p.m.
A:INDEP
PRESIDENTIAL VIDEO: INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE TO ARMED FORCES
MAY 11, 1992
200 yrs ago, this country
The achievement of American independence more than 200 years
ago won was a a landmark victory That event procedulas in the history resoundlam of freedom. then The courage the clubiness
of those early patriots who secured liberty for future
generations has lived on in you -- America's sons and daughters,
who have so courageously served this nation in peace and
conflict.
For more than two centuries, our ideals of democracy and
individual rights have helped keep alight the torch of liberty.
And hundreds of millions of people, both here and abroad, owe
thanks to America's armed forces for your willingness to go in
harm's way to defend the principles we hold dear.
This year, millions more have a new reason to be grateful to
America's servicemen and women. Because of your dedication, we
often lonety(?)
have weathered the long, long vigil to secure victory in the Cold
War. Democracy is spreading into the furthest corners of the
former communist world. I'm reminded of a proverb: "By wisdom
Book
peace, by peace plenty." Literally around the world, newly
independent countries are embracing the freedoms and principles
established by our forefathers some two centuries ago. Together,
we join the peoples of this new freedom front in forging a path
into The a next century -- one we enter with great promise for a true
a new un
world at peace.
As we approach this new era, your vigilance will remain a
cornerstone of our security. On behalf of all Americans, I want
to mark this Independence Day by thanking you for the sacrifices
free Cy- willingly?
you a make for this nation.
Happy Fourth of July to you and all your families. And may
God bless each and every one of you and this, the freest, most
blessed nation on Earth, the United States of America.
132 PEACE
Privileges of the one who pays
13
30. He who pays the piper calls the tune.
31. "reckoning"] Let him that pays the lawing choose the lodging. ["Lawing"
means
Africa
1. Africa always b:
The mercenary
2. The African race
ground, the higl
32. He that serves God for money, will serve the devil for better wages.
3. The riches of Eg
33. Virtue flies from the heart of a mercenary man.
reference to the
4. Truly at weasin
See also BORROWING: Repayment of debts
Asia
132 PEACE
5. In China we hav
we can make frc
Its value
6. In China are m
patients. [Chine
1. Where there is peace, God is.
7. A Chinaman is
2. To live peaceably with all breeds good blood.
[Russian prover
3. Peace makes plenty
8. If a Bengali Is
4. By wisdom peace, by peace plenty.
9. The more you
5. The secret wall of a town is peace.
10. Where the Tur
reference to the
War and peace
11. The tyranny of
[Arabic proverb
6. He that will not have peace, God gives him war.
12. The understand
7. If you want peace, you must prepare for war.
8. Clothe thee in war: arm thee in peace.
Europe
9. A just war is better than an unjust peace.
10. He that makes a good war, makes a good peace.
13. The emperor of
11. Better a lean peace than a fat victory.
king of men; th
12. Better an egg in peace than an OX in war.
the king of dev
13. War makes thieves, and peace hangs them.
14. The Italians are
14. Of all wars, peace is the end.
French after th
15. It is a great victory that comes without blood.
15. In settling an isl
church; by a F1
Making peace
by an Englishm
16. Learn in Italy;
16. The stick is the surest peacemaker. [The implication of this and the
in Poland.
following proverbs is that peace can best be achieved by violence or
17. In Spain, the 1
by the threat of violence]
Germany, the a
17. Tis safest making peace with sword in hand.
thief; in Turke
18. Weapons breed peace.
Moscow, the li;
19. One sword keeps another in the sheath.
18. Malta would be
19. Every Czech is
182
Month
of May Asian / Pacific May Heritage Month
Per Clayton Fong -OPL
May
all Amorican waysists sport is
fastest in growing country community
per Census
Diversity is strength nation of
Hand jobs
Asian /Pacific -
sometimes
Freedom
quote
Paying Commitment tribute to their
Family values,
education, tie in
I knowthat entrepreneurial spirit
freenkets
your Shared community indivarse
Whether
Asian Month Pacific Heritage
you've
d
14th Celebration
5
90
servel or needs of
1989
acts
- Month Asian Hentage
best to uning understs all the
100s of celebrations
of to then er Z ind join of other you
pleased to
Remarks by President Bush
Independence Day Message to Armed Forces
The achievement of American independence more than 200 years ago was a
landmark event in the history of freedom. The courage of those early patriots who
secured liberty for future generations has lived on in you, America's men and
women in uniform, who have served this nation in peace and war.
For more than two centuries, our ideals of democracy and individual rights
have helped keep alight the torch of liberty. And hundreds of millions of people,
both here and abroad, owe thanks to America's armed forces for your willingness to
go in harm's way to defend the principles we hold dear.
This year, millions more have a new reason to be grateful to America's
servicemen and women. Because of your dedication and professionalism, we have
weathered the long, long vigil to secure victory in the Cold War. Democracy is
spreading into the furthest corners of the former communist world. And our Earth
has entered a new and more hopeful era of freedom.
As we approach the new century, your vigilance will remain a cornerstone of
our security. On behalf of all Americans, I want to mark this Independence Day by
thanking you for the sacrifices you make for this nation and for the cause of
freedom. God bless our great country.
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / July 4
e. He helped
to hold dear the rights that Americans
fauna and will place needed limits on tour-
e wilderness,
alone recognized and cherished. And he
ism, waste disposal, and marine pollution. I
our national
wrote this: "Let the annual return of this
strongly support these measures which are
day forever refresh our recollections of
based on a U.S. initiative.
ove with the
these rights, and an undiminished devotion
I also support the restrictions on mineral
the Dakota
to them." Fittingly, this was Jefferson's last
activity in the Antarctic, as provided for in
W infatuated
letter. Ten days later, on the 50th anniver-
this protocol. The alternative to our propos-
quired two
sary of our independence, he died.
al offered in Madrid for lifting or amending
an cowhand.
On the eve of this Fourth of July-and
the ban addresses our concerns and pro-
e same exu-
the 50th anniversary of this monument-let
vides effective protection for Antarctica
calling our
us express our undiminished devotion to the
without foreclosing the options of future
y of unborn
ideals of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln,
generations.
preserve our
and Roosevelt, ideals as towering and solid
transform
as the monument that honors them.
force into a
Thank you for this occasion. God bless the
United States of America. And now I am
its enriched
proud to dedicate Mount Rushmore Nation-
Radio Address to the Nation on the
of his Pres-
al Memorial.
Observance of the Fourth of July
ing that he
July 4, 1991
acy to the
Note: The President spoke at 2:55 p.m. at
This is an extraordinary Independence
the memorial. In his remarks, he referred to
fighters-as
actor Jimmy Stewart; NBC News anchorman
Day, for with recent events still so sharply
etched in our minds, we've rarely been
fighters for
Tom Brokaw and entertainer Mary Hart,
who spoke; actors Barry Bostwick, Billy Dee
more keenly aware of the utter supremacy
democracy
Williams, Barbara Eden, and Jimmy Stew-
and the frailty of independence.
he lands we
art, who gave tributes to the memorial;
Our view of freedom has changed since
heir begin-
singer Johanna Meier, who sang the nation-
we last celebrated Independence Day for
reserve. our
al anthem; Sioux Indian White Eagle, who
America, the finest, most loving nation on
Earth, has been at war. Her sons and
e limits of
sang "So Many Voices"; and entertainer
h our chil-
Rosemary Clooney, who sang "America the
daughters stood watch on the parched
with free-
Beautiful." Following the event, the Presi-
desert and seas of the Gulf, bearing witness
the endless
dent and Mrs. Bush took a nature hike,
by their presence to the vision that com-
fished, and participated in a picnic. In the
pelled us. They added further luster to that
ream. Our
udge Clar-
evening, the President and Mrs. Bush de-
vision by helping the victims of Saddam
S a child, I
parted for Springfield, MO.
Hussein's aggression.
would ever
Throughout the long ordeal, America's
nention be
people stood watch at home, our yellow-
1 could this
ribboned spirit telling that we believed in
liberty, believed in ourselves. It was a scene
Statement on the Environmental
our country has known before because, for
S. But re-
Protection Protocol to the Antarctic
215 years, America has been pledged to
ere, great
Treaty
defend for all people our forefathers' creed,
vast sculp+
d in stone
July 3, 1991
that each person has the right to life, to
an charac-
liberty, and to the pursuit of happiness.
1 this 50th
Today, I am pleased to announce that the
This Fourth of July is a day of celebra-
group of
United States will sign an environmental
tion-a red, white, and blue day of barbe-
Rushmore
protection protocol to the Antarctic treaty.
cues and fireworks; of family reunions and
The protection of the Antarctic environ-
loving tributes to the men and women of
campaign
ment is an important international responsi-
the Gulf; of Vietnam; of all our national
hed tradi
bility, and I believe the environmental pro-
efforts to promote freedom and independ-
nomas Jef-
tection measures included in this protocol
ence. But July 4, 1991, must also be some-
on to cel-
will ensure the protection of this natural
thing more: For all Americans, it must be a
resource for generations.
ashington.
day of reflection and rededication.
The new environmental measures will
l-be hosts
Together we ask God to bless us. We ask
protect native species of Antarctic flora and
God to guide us. And we pray that in the
889
July 4 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
example of those who stood strong so that
ster, the attorney general; Wendell Bailey,
others may live in freedom and peace, that
who modestly turned to the cameras and
this nation will renew the spirit of brother-
turned his back on those of us on the stage
hood and commitment that forms our na-
there, but we understand that. [Laughter]
tional soul.
You see, I served with Wendell and I know
him and I respect him. And then, of course,
Note: The address was recorded at 11:05
your own son, Roy Blunt, the secretary of
a.m., May 20, in Room 459 of the Old Exec-
state. Great to see him out there with his
utive Office Building. It was released by
dad and everybody else.
the Office of the Press Secretary on July 4.
And first, may I say on this special Fourth
In the address, President Bush referred to
of July, where events like this-maybe not
President Saddam Hussein of Iraq.
quite as good-are taking place all across
this country, my special salute to those who
have served their country in uniform now
and in days gone by, with particular empha-
Remarks to Community Members in
sis on those men and women who served
Marshfield, Missouri
with such distinction, in Desert Storm. What
a job they did for our nation.
July 4, 1991
Now, they tell me that the mayor, in ad-
Thank you all for that great welcome.
dition to being mayor, is the fire chief
What a pleasure to be here. Thank you all.
around here. The story goes that someone
May I say at the opening, Governor, one,
asked Mayor Plunkett if his house were
thanks for that-please be seated here-not
burning down and he could take one thing
you guys-{laughter}-but may I say at the
out with him, what would it be? He an-
beginning of these remarks that Barbara
swered, "The fire, of course." I guess that
and I are the ones that feel honored. We're
explains why you've reelected him many
the ones that feel welcome. We're the ones
times to mayor. [Laughter]
that feel touched on this very special day.
Now, I couldn't help but look at the field
And you can sense here the heartbeat not
of flags, and I hope everybody will look
just of Missouri but the heartbeat of the
around and see them-and they don't just
entire United States of America. So, thank
fly on the Fourth of July here in Marshfield,
you for what you're doing on this Independ-
they fly every day of the year, I'm told. And
ence Day.
I am very proud, once again, very proud to
It is great to be with your Governor and
be here to see them.
his wife, Janet. Of course, to our great Sena-
I understand that Marshfield has a long
tors, Senator Danforth, a man of commit-
history of Fourth of July parades. Think
ment, freedom and equality; Senator Bond,
back to the year 1850 and Marshfield's
the same who was also Governor of this
Fourth of July celebration that day. Foot
State. Of course, we've got Congressman
races, fireworks, band concerts, ball games.
Mel Hancock with us who's doing a superb
And back in Washington, that was the fate-
job for his country in the House of Repre-
ful day that Zachary Taylor gobbled down
sentatives. And State representative
those cherries with buttermilk. [Laughter]
Tommy McDonnell I met-the only guy I
It's a little-known fact, not disproven by
know that can still fit into his uniform, even
when they dug the poor guy up the other
though he served long ago. [Laughter]
day and put him back-{laughter]-that his
Mayor Plunkett, thank you, sir, and your
last words were, "Please pass the broccoli."
wife, Kay, for your hospitality from the
[Laughter]
minute we climbed out of that gigantic limo
It is a thrill for Barbara and me to be
over there. We've been right back to earth
celebrating "the glorious 4th" here in the
and feeling at home. Thank you, sir.
Show-Me State. When we heard that we
And to the commissioner that I met, Mr.
had a chance to come here and join you for
Rost, and Leon Atkinson-delighted. I was
one of the oldest Fourth of July celebrations
glad to see marching in the parade an-
in Missouri, we couldn't pass it up. Some
other-several people I admire-Bill Web-
people have called this "the best little town
890
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / July 4
ral; Wendell Bailey,
on Earth," and I sure know why. Thank you
he will be a great Justice on the Supreme
o the cameras and
again for the hospitality.
Court of the United States.
e of us on the stage
We live in Washington in the People's
And yes, it is the Fourth of July. And
nd that. [Laughter],
House-this magnificent White House. But
Vendell and I know
today hundreds of relatives are in town,
when we were coming in we couldn't help
And then, of course,
your mayor pointing out various manifesta-
but reminisce on the Fourths of July we
nt, the secretary of
tions of this as the parade went by; high
spent in relatively small towns-Odessa,
out there with his
school classmates back for reunions, old
Texas, and Midland, Texas; the ball games
friends coming from other States to visit
in our town of Connecticut, and, of course,
1 this special Fourth
family here. Take a look at some of Marsh-
in Kennebunkport, Maine, a town about the
ke this-maybe not
size of this one. Seeing the kids on the bikes
field's homegrown heroes-the devoted
nurses at Webco Manor where we saw
ing place all across
here as we came into that parade reminded
salute to those who
us all of one thing, the importance of
going by there a minute ago. What a job
try in uniform now,
family, the importance of friends.
they do.
h particular empha-
Times like this bring to mind President
The fearless fire fighters, all volunteers
women who served
Eisenhower's thankfulness for "the rare and
like your own mayor, right here. The police
Desert Storm. What
priceless privilege of growing up in a small
men and women, some of them volunteers,
tion.
town." These towns really do, as the Gover-
too, on the beat day in and out. And cer-
at the mayor, in ad-
nor said, cultivate the kind of values that
tainly, thank God for the dedicated teachers
is the fire chief
carried this country for over 200 years, ones
here at Marshfield's schools and the sur-
goes that someone
like liberty and loyalty and ingenuity and
rounding schools.
if his house were
independence. And through it all-you
But today, the town-and I can tell you
ould take one thing
could catch this in the parade, the spirit of
as President of the United States-the
ould it be? He an
the people that greeted us-through it all,
whole Nation gathers to honor yet another
ourse." I guess that
faith in God. We are "one nation under
group of heroes, and again, I am talking
eelected him many
God" and we'll never forget it.
about the brave service men and women of
ter]
And so, I would say to my fellow Ameri-
Operation Desert Storm. While standing
but look at the field
cans not with us today, you can find the
strong for American values, they liberated a
:verybody will look
American character right here in this
nation abroad, a tiny nation halfway around
-and they don't just
square, on display, and every day in Marsh-
the world and transformed a nation at
here in Marshfield,
field, Missouri.
home. You know, as Sergeant Richard
year, I'm told. And
And I saw a sign back here about another
Mann-I don't know if he is here today-
again, very proud to
man who is well-known to Missouri. I would
with all of these people I'm not sure we
also say, then, that you can find that same
character in self-made Americans like our
would see him-but he put it this way-one
arshfield has a long
'uly parades. Think
nominees to the Court, Judge Clarence
known to many here: "I think God took a
Thomas, a man especially well-known to
whole generation of Americans out in the
50 and Marshfield's
your great Senator, Senator Danforth, and
desert and showed them a miracle." Well, I
tion that day. Foot
concerts, ball games.
to Governor Ashcroft and also to Kit, Judge
think Sergeant Mann was right, but the real
a, that was the fate-
Thomas says that when he was growing
miracle took place not in the sands of
aylor gobbled down
up-and here were his exact words-God,
Kuwait; it unfolded in the American heart.
termilk. [Laughter]
school, discipline, hard work, and right from
These young men and women went to
not disproven by
wrong were of the highest priority.
the desert and brought honor to our nation,
You know, he spent a lot of his life in
just as all veterans have done before them.
r guy up the other
{laughter}-that his
Missouri, first going to school here, then
There's something else wonderful-I hope
working as an assistant attorney general, as
you feel it in your community, but I sure
e pass the broccoli
counsel to the Monsanto Company, and
feel it as I travel around this country-
oara and me to be
later as an aide to your Senator, Senator
there's something else wonderful that's hap-
is 4th" here in the
Danforth, before he went on to a distin-
pened. Desert Storm has at last brought the
we heard that we
guished career as a jurist.
recognition and honor to our sons and
ere and join you for
So, let me just simply say, in response to
daughters who served in Vietnam. We final-
of July celebrations
the sign, in response to the feelings of many
ly have had a chance to tell them "thank
people in this great State, Clarence Thomas
't pass it up. Some
you," and we're proud of them. And wel-
"the best little town
is a man of character and impeccable cre-
come home. A little late, but welcome
dentials, a model for all Americans. You see,
home.
891
July 4 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
So, don't let them tell you there's any-
ago. You've got people who didn't-Wash-
thing wrong with our country. Together,
ington did it-who did it themselves creat-
we now stand ready for the next step in the-
ing child care centers-Temple Baptist and
American experience; together, we're
the Methodist Church, the parents and
facing just over the horizon the 21st centu-
teachers who challenge your children's
ry. And we are ready, for we are a nation of
imaginations and stretch their minds.
families and communities just like Marsh-
Barbara and I have come here today be-
field. We're a decent people, a good people.
cause it's impossible not to feel at home in
We're a nation of parents and brothers and
America's heart. By your example, your
sisters and neighbors. And we know that
faith and your hard work, you are leading
our future lies right in the hands of kids like
us-you may not put it in that perspective,
these, many of whom we saw go down this
but you are leading us into the next Ameri-
parade route, whether it's the outstanding
can century. By your hospitality, you made
teamwork or the Southwest Missouri Bears
Barbara and me feel very much at home.
or the Lady Jays basketball team-[ap-
Thank you so very much for having us
plause}-or Marshfield High, or your re-
here today. We feel truly blessed, and may
nowned high school band raising money to
God bless each and every one of you. Have
go to England and play for the Queen.
a happy Fourth, and may God bless the
And you see, like you, Barbara and I be-
greatest and freest country on the face of
lieve in them, through all their childhood
the earth, the United States of America.
dreams and sometimes wild ideas. I'm re-
Thank you all very much.
minded of a story of Mark Twain-true
story-a man who had a weakness for new
Note: The President spoke at 11:32 a.m. on
inventions. Over the years, he lost half a
the Webster County Courthouse lawn. In
million dollars investing in various contrap-
his remarks, he referred to Missouri Gover-
tions. Finally, he decided that he'd been
nor John Ashcroft, Senator Kit Bond,
gullible too often, and he resolved never to
county commissioners Don Rost and Leon
humor an inventor again. One day a gangly
Atkinson, State attorney general William L.
young man approached Twain. He was car-
Webster, and State treasurer Wendell
rying a boxy-looking device. And Twain lis-
Bailey. Following his remarks, the President
tened politely to the young man's pleas for
and Mrs. Bush traveled to Grand 'Rapids,
help. He said, "Look, I'm just not interest-
MI.
ed." Well, looking dejected, the would-be
inventor shuffled away. And Twain, perhaps
feeling a pang of pity, cried out, "What did
you say your name was again?" "Bell," was
the reply, "Alexander Graham Bell."
Remarks to Community Members in
[Laughter]
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Well, I expect that Mark Twain would be
July 4, 1991
the first to say thank heavens someone else
took a chance on the young man named
The President. Thank you, ladies and gen-
Alexander Graham Bell. Thank heavens,
tlemen. And may I first-
that is, unless you have a teenager or a
Audience. USA, USA, USA-
teenaged grandson who won't leave his in-
The President. You're darn right.
vention alone.
Audience. USA, USA, USA-
But Bell saw an opportunity to make life
The President. USA. Thank you, Gover-
better, and he seized it. Right here in
nor Engler, Michelle; and Congressman
Marshfield, you know what it takes to solve
Paul Henry and Karen; our mayor who we
problems. And you're willing to take a
just heard from, Mayor Helmholdt. And
chance. You know who you are: the volun-
thank you all, all of you, for making Barbara
teers who run your Head Start-you don't
and me feel so at home on this marvelous
have a movie house here, maybe, but
4th of July parade in Grand Rapids. It has
you've got a Head Start program-and I
been sensational. Thank you.
saw those little kids that you've given a
You know, this is one manifestation of the
chance walking by out here just a minute
4th, and it's very special because of the
892
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / July 4
men and women who served in Desert
fort for war's victims. But today we can
didn't-Wash-
Storm and Desert Shield and were ready to
offer some solace to those whose loved ones
emselves creat-
go-[Applause]. But I think when we hear
fell in defense of principle. We can tell
ple Baptist and
the words, "Fourth of July," we think of
them, we want to thank your sons and
e parents and
family-family at reunions, family at pa-
daughters. We will never forget our fight-
'our children's
rades like we've just seen, and our Ameri-
ing men and women of this war-or of all
ir minds.
can family, united in pride, united in patri-
our wars-World War I, World War II,
here today be-
otism, and the joy, the sheer joy of living in
Korea, those who fought in Grenada,
feel at home in
a great and prosperous land. We are very
Panama, and the Gulf. And I take special
example, your
lucky to call America our home. And I
pride today in seeing that in some wonder-
ou are leading
think all those who served in Desert Storm
ful and perhaps unseen way, what hap-
hat perspective,
helped us understand important things
pened in Desert Storm-what you guys
the next Ameri-
about ourselves and our country because I
did-what happened there brought home
ality, you made
think we all realized that we belong to a
long-overdue recognition and honor to
nuch at home.
great family, a fortunate family. As Ameri-
those who served us in Vietnam.
for having us
cans, we share more than a magnificent
So, I think today we celebrate the Ameri-
essed, and may
land; we share values, we share commit-
can character. Just look into the face of any
e of you. Have
ments, we share experiences, beliefs, and
soldier who dug in the desert sands or any
God bless the
challenges.
sailor who stood watch on the dark, distant
on the face of
Even before the troops returned home, it
waters of the Gulf, the airmen-look into
es of America.
was the Fourth of July in America again.
these faces and you'll see the American
Every one of us, every one of us feels proud
character. You'll understand the principles
to say, I am an American and I love my
upon which this nation was founded are no
11:32 a.m. on
country. And let's not be embarrassed to
more abstract than a heartbeat. They form
house lawn. In
say so.
the flesh and blood, the heart and soul of
Missouri Gover-
A couple of months ago I asked every
our nation.
or Kit Bond,
town to make this Fourth of July a day of
I see the American character right here
Rost and Leon
special celebration for our troops. We are
eral William L.
here, as the Governor said, to honor our
in Grand Rapids. You helped each other
surer Wendell
troops and the people who have supported
through Desert Storm. Your war experience
them through long nights and tense days.
summarized, in personal and moving ways,
s, the President
Grand 'Rapids,
And also, we're here to thank the families
this nation's war experience.
and the neighbors and the friends. To every
From the beginning, you felt the war up
American who wore a yellow ribbon, wrote
close. Creston High grad Lieutenant Steven
a letter, or baked a cookie or said a
Harper was among the first-the first pilots
prayer-to every American who linked
in action over Iraq. The war hit home even
hands and hearts in hopes of helping the
more closely when your reservists left for
fembers in
men and women who defended freedom
the Gulf, citizen-soldiers from groups like
overseas, America says, thank you to each
the 180th Army National Guard from
and every one of you. You are in integral
Grand Rapids and Greenville's 1073d ANG
part of all of this.
and your reservists from the 207th Evacu-
ladies and gen-
I saw a sign on the parade, something
ation Hospital. They helped care for those
saying, "War is not great." Of course, it's
kids who were wounded in the Scud missile
not great. We're not here to glorify war.
attacks. And I understand that in today's
right.
Tragically, people sometimes must, though,
parade are families representing your other
shed blood to defend simple decency and
Reserve unit, Company A, 1st Battalion of
ik you, Gover-
justice. But we must never feel bashful
the 24th Marines, which is still deployed
Congressman
about supporting the values that bind us or
overseas. Good, strong, decent men and
nayor who we
the commitment to freedom that makes
women, all of them. They make us proud to
elmholdt. And
America so very special, a land of dreams, a
be Americans. And God bless each and
haking Barbara
land revered and now respected by the rest
every one of them.
this marvelous
of the entire world. And that's what it's all
You know, some don't know this, but
Rapids. It has
about.
even the high-tech story of this war unfold-
And, look, loved ones did lose ones close
ed here. Every time we saw a helicopter or
festation of the
to them. And victory does provide no com-
jet fighter or M-1 tank, or saw a tape of a
ecause of the
893
July 4 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
Tomahawk cruise missile or laser-guided
Martha Williams-here's what she wrote: "I
bomb, we saw components produced by
try to teach my young people that freedom
hard work right here in the Grand Rapids
isn't free, that its price is dedication to an
area.
ideal, and sometimes its price is sacrifice.
And yes, and more somberly, the war in-
My classroom theme is answering the
flicted grief here, too. The Edwards
call'-in civilian life as well as military-in
family-Gayle, Bennett, Spencer, Adriane-
everyday humble contributions as well as.
we shared your pain when Jack became the
heroic, notable efforts."
first Gulf war casualty buried at Arlington.
Well, you know something? Martha's
The entire Nation poured out condolences
right. The American spirit of service-serv-
in letters addressed simply-they came in
ice to each other and to good and bright
this way: "Gayle Edwards, Grand Rapids."
ideals-made our nation great. It will keep
What a tribute to a courageous family.
our nation great. And that spirit-if I take
And so, for Barbara and me, to walk these
away anything else, it's the feeling that that
streets is to feel the pulse of America. A
spirit thrives right here in Grand Rapids.
couple of months ago, thousands of you ral-
You can see it. You can feel it. You can be
lied at Veterans Memorial Park, in a sea of
proud of it. I know I am.
red, white, and blue-and yes, yellow-
I am very proud, and I know I speak
yellow ribbons that joined the Nation's
confidently for Barbara, which I do not
hearts, and really, for those of you that
always do-{laughter}-when I tell you that
were overseas, were unifying the American
we are very proud, indeed, to share this
family. The yellow of the ribbons worn by
special day.
the kids from Lee High and Middle Schools.
And now may we say thank you, God
The yellow of the lapel pins that your po-
bless you all, and God bless this freest, fair-
licemen made for this county's officers. The
est, greatest country on the face of the
spirit of Grand Rapids is and was the spirit
Earth, the United States of America. Thank
of America.
you all. Thank you very much.
So, in that spirit-the spirit of brother-
hood, devoid of all arrogance and gloating,
Note: The President spoke at 5:41 p.m. on
the spirit of compassion and pride-let's cel-
the parade route in front of the City Coun-
ebrate this Independence Day. Let's rejoice
cil Building. In his remarks, he referred to
in the gift of every day being able to live
life and pursue happiness in our freedom's
Gov. John Engler of Michigan and his wife,
first and finest home.
Michelle, and Congressman Paul B. Henry
and his wife, Karen. Following his remarks,
The troops of Desert Storm not only res-
the President and Mrs. Bush returned to
cued a nation abroad, they transformed a
Washington, DC.
nation at home. Now let's use our strength
and our credibility to take on challenges
here at home. We can make our schools the
best in the entire world, and we will. We
can restore order to our streets, and we
will. And we can build a society, as the
Points of Light Recognition Program
Governor said, in which people who want
to work will have opportunities, in which
The President named the following individ-
people who seek to build a just society will
uals and institutions as exemplars of his
conquer the divisive forces of prejudice,
commitment to making community service
and we will build that society. We owe it to
central to the life and work of every Ameri-
the genération to come.
can.
If we didn't know it before Desert Storm,
we know now: Nothing can stop us. So, let's
June 29
all of us-you and me, your family, our
John Sullivan, James Jolley, and Joseph Dolan,
family-let's make this America the best
of Fairfield and Bridgeport, CT
that it can possibly be.
Listen to the American spirit expressed in
July 1
a letter to me from a Michigan teacher,
John Smith, of Oklahoma City, OK
894
REMARKS HIGHLIGHTING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
I would like to extend his greetings and best wishes for a sucess
Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the President, thank you
for the opportunity to talk with you today. I am honored to
share with you my insights during this historic month, because,
the
as you know, this marks for 14th consecutive year we have
chsenes
celeb
recognized our Asian Pacific American Heritage. Extended to a
Through corrdinated abservances throughout
month-long celebration by President Bush, this is a time for all the
nation
Asian Americans to reflect on our accomplishments and
contributions to this great country. So I am truly delighted to
be with you today.
For the past three years, I have had the distinct privilege
of working for President Bush. As an Asian American, I an say this especially
proud
is a privilege because I know first hand that President Bush
knows much about and is deeply committed to the Asian American
community.
diring the pest three years I have come to reatize the
In fact, can proudly say that no past president has known
dept of knowledge ad sensitivity the president I possesses requesty asians and profic
Asia and the Pacific better than George Bush. For nearly fifty
Estadors
years -- beginning with the Second World War when he served in
the Pacific as the Navy's youngest pilot -- President Bush has
been involved and interacting with the peoples and cultures of
this region. His experience as a Congressman, Ambassador to the
United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee,
Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China, C.I.A. Director, and
Vice President of the United States has given him more knowledge
of this region that any President or national leader in our
history.
For you and me, this knowledge has translated into important
recognition. He has, for example, appointed more Asians to top
Administration positions than any other president. And Asians
hold higher ranking positions than ever before. President Bush
has appointed the first Asian Ambassador and the first Deputy
Secretary of a Cabinet department. And three independent
agencies have Asian women in charge [SBA, Peace Corps, CFTC],
with dozens of other superbly qualified Asian Americans serving
the Bush Administration in other important roles.
We can also recognize that, more importantly, George Bush
stands for the same values and principles that we as a community
do: family, faith, hard work, merit, education,
entrepreneurialism, and community service. We see this
exemplified in the man, in his family and his wonderful wife
Barbara, and in his policies and programs. These pillars have
made the Asian American community prosperous and successful by
any measure.
This leads me to my topic for today: the Asian American
community looks to the future. This is important, because while
economically we Asians have been successful, politically we are
at a crossroads. Quiet and hard-working, we have often shunned
the public limelight in the past. Now, however, the Asian
community is coming of age. We are becoming full participants in
the decision-making process, and I believe we are poised to have
an even greater impact on decisions that affect our everyday
lives. Our impact can be seen, again, in the record number of
Asian appointments this President has made.
Beyond appointments, however, lies the realization that in
order to impact the issues we care about -- education, honest
government, free trade, free enterprise and so on -- we must be
more involved in mainstream politics.
As a community, more of us must register to vote and
participate in the election process. Individually, we must take
a stand for a candidate or an issue. Collectively, the community
must find common ground and stay united.
You are probably thinking that the Asian community is so
diverse, how can we possibly all agree on any one set of issues.
Well, at least let me start the dialogue with five issues I
believe we should all agree upon
25
--FREE TRADE, ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT, THE ASIAN
CONSUMER, EDUCATION AND QUOTAS.
REGARDING FREE TRADE, WE NOW LIVE IN A, WORLD
WHERE THE DISTANCE ACROSS OCEANS IS SHORTENED
AND THE WALLS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST ARE
CRUMBLING.
26
MARKET ECONOMIES ARE RISING FROM THE RUBBLE OF
COMMUNIST COMMAND ECONOMIES. INCREASINGLY WE
ARE BECOMING A GLOBAL MARKETPLACE WHERE FREE
TRADE IS NOT ONLY DESIRABLE, BUT VITAL. LAST YEAR
UNITED STATES EXPORTS ACCOUNTED FOR 80% OF OUR
ECONOMIC GROWTH.
27
ASIAN AMERICANS ARE UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO PLAY
AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING GOODWILL AND
DEVELOPING BETTER RELATIONSHIPS AND
UNDERSTANDING WITH OUR ASIAN COUNTERPARTS
ACROSS THE PACIFIC.
28
ADDITIONALLY, FREE TRADE MEANS MORE COMPETITION,
LOWER PRICES AND GREATER VARIETY AND QUALITY FOR
THE CONSUMER. CONSEQUENTLY, WE MUST SAY NO TO
THE SHORT-SIGHTED TEMPTATIONS OF ISOLATIONISM.
WE MUST ALSO SAY NO TO AN UGLY BY PRODUCT OF
PROTECTIONIST RHETORIC.
29
TOO OFTEN, THE PROTECTIONIST DRUM BEAT TAKES THE
FORM OF JAPAN BASHING WHICH UNFORTUNATELY, ADDS
FUEL TO THE FIRE OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT IN NARROW
BUT VOCAL SEGMENTS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. MOVING
FROM THE GLOBAL ISSUE OF FREE TRADE, LET'S ADDRESS
SOMETHING CLOSER TO HOME.
30
THE ASIAN AMERICAN AS A CONSUMER. THE 1990 CENSUS
INDICATES THAT THE ASIAN POPULATION IN THE U.S.
GREW FASTER THAN ANY OTHER GROUP, AND WE HAVE
THE HIGHEST MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME AND THE HIGHEST
PERCENTAGE OF COLLEGE GRADUATES. WE ARE
THEREFORE A VERY ATTRACTIVE CONSUMER MARKET.
31
TO QUOTE FROM A WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE (MAY 6,
1991) "SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS WHO DON'T TRY TO
REACH ASIAN AMERICANS ARE MISSING OUT ON A CHANCE
TO DEAL WITH THE FASTEST-GROWING, MOST EDUCATED
AND MOST AFFLUENT ETHNIC GROUP IN THE UNITED
STATES..."
32
YET RECENT SURVEYS INDICATE Sen THAT MINORITY GROUPS,
INCLUDING ASIAN AMERICANS, LACK EVEN BASIC
CONSUMER EDUCATION INFORMATION. CONSEQUENTLY
WE ARE MORE VULNERABLE TO CON ARTISTS AND FRAUDS
AND WE ARE LESS LIKELY TO MAXIMIZE OUR SPENDING
DOLLAR.
33
I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOUR ORGANIZATION TO WORK
WITH MY OFFICE. THE U.S. OFFICE OF CONSUMER
AFFAIRS, IN EFFORTS TO INCREASE CONSUMER
EDUCATION IN THE ASIAN COMMUNITY.
34
AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST HELP AMERICA'S BUSINESS
UNDERSTAND, APPRECIATE AND ADDRESS THE FAST
GROWING AND AFFLUENT ASIAN-AMERICAN CONSUMER
MARKET. ANOTHER ARTICLE, THIS ONE FROM THE WALL
STREET JOURNAL MAKES THIS POINT.
A
August 23, 1991
35
"ASIAN-AMERICANS CONSTITUTE THE MOST AFFLUENT
MINORITY IN THE U.S., AND THEY ARE SEEN AS
EXTREMELY BRAND-LOYAL. BUT NATIONAL MARKETERS
HAVE LARGELY IGNORED THIS SEGMENT, SQUANDERING
THE OPPORTUNITY TO COURT ASIAN-AMERICANS IN THE
WAY THEY HAVE TARGETED BLACKS AND HISPANICS."
36
INCREASINGLY, THE ASIAN AMERICAN POPULATION IS A
GROUP TO BE RECKONED WITH AND I LOOK FORWARD TO
INCREASING CONSUMER EDUCATION AND CULTIVATING
CORPORATE AWARENESS EFFECTIVELY.
Education ling at the the value be 37 srock it education of sacess ? the Community Asia
in
THE PRESIDENT AND THE ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
BOTH RECOGNIZE THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF
EDUCATION TO SUCCESSFUL CITIZENSHIP. THE
PRESIDENT'S AMERICA 2000 INITIATIVE EMPHASIZES THE
ABILITY OF PARENTS TO CHOOSE THE EDUCATION BEST
SUITED TO THEIR CHILDREN'S NEEDS,
It calls for
38
THAT GOALS AND STANDARDS BE TO
ENCOURAGE HIGH ACHIEVEMENT, AND THAT SCHOOLS
AND TEACHERS BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE
ATTAINMENT LEVELS OF THEIR STUDENTS.
39
I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT THESE GOALS
COMPLEMENT THE ASIAN PHILOSOPHY THAT EDUCATION
IS PARAMOUNT TO A SUCCESSFUL LIFE.
40
THROUGH AMERICA 2000, PRESIDENT BUSH WILL IMPROVE
THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES AND
SUPPORT FOR THIS INITIATIVE IS SOMETHING ON WHICH I
BELIEVE THE ASIAN AMERICAN COMUNITY CAN
ENTHUSIASTICALLY AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE.
41
THE LAST ISSUE I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS IS ONE OF
FUNDAMENTAL FAIRNESS - QUOTAS. THIS IS AN ISSUE
WHERE WE AS A COMMUNITY FIND OURSELVES IN A
DILEMMA. THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITY,
HAS BEEN A LONG AND ARDUOUS FIGHT.
42
WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY FROM THE TIME WHEN
CHINESE IN AMERICA WERE DENIED FUNDAMENTAL
RIGHTS, FOR EXAMPLE, WE COULD NOT VOTE AND COULD
NOT EVEN OWN LAND. / CONSEQUENTLY IT IS TEMPTING
TO AGREE WITH QUOTAS AS A WAY TO REDRESS PAST
DISCRIMINATION.
43
HOWEVER, I WOULD DIFFER BASED ON TWO POINTS.
THE FIRST, OUR CULTURE HAS INSTILLED IN US THE
FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF THAT HARD WORK, EDUCATION
AND MERIT ARE THE BASIS OF FUTURE SUCCESS. QUOTAS,
VERY SIMPLY, MAKE A MOCKERY OF THESE CORE
BELIEFS.
44
EVEN FROM A SELF INTERESTED PERSPECTIVE, THE ASIAN
COMMUNITY DOES NOT BENEFIT FROM QUOTAS. WE ARE
KNOWN AS OVER ACHIEVERS WHO TEND TO BE OVER-
REPRESENTED AND NOT UNDER-REPRESENTED. COLLEGE
ADMISSIONS ARE A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE.
45
THE CIVIL RIGHT3BILL AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN
THE WHITE HOUSE AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP Thirdan a
SHOWS THAT WE CAN FIGHT DISCRIMINATION WITH
UNWAVERING DILIGENCE, WHILE STOPPING SHORT OF
IMPOSING QUOTAS
WHICH ARE, IN EFFECT, REVERSE
DISCRIMINATION.
46
ALLOW ME TO CLOSE BY QUOTING A FRIEND AND A MAN
FOR WHOM I WORKED FOR FIVE YEARS. GOVERNOR
GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN OF CALIFORNIA. "THANK GOD WE
LIVE IN A COUNTRY WHERE WE HAVE THE FREEDOM TO
NURTURE OUR SPECIAL HERITAGE AND PASS IT ON TO OUR
CHILDREN
47
AND AT THE SAME TIME, BECOME FULL PARTICIPANTS IN
THE AMERICAN DREAM.
I'M NOT, SUGGESTING OUR COUNTRY IS PERFECT.
VESTIGES OF DISCRIMINATION REMAIN. TOO MANY
CHILDREN ARE STILL DENIED A FULL AND EQUAL CHANCE
TO SUCCEED AND EXCEL.
48
BUT LET'S BE THANKFUL FOR AMERICA'S BLESSINGS OF
FREEDOM, FAMILY, FAITH, AND OPPORTUNITY. AND LET'S
DRAW UPON THESE STRENGTHS TO MARCH BOLDLY
AHEAD AND SCALE NEW PEAKS OF EXCELLENCE.
49
WITH FREEDOM AS OUR GIFT AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
AS OUR GOAL, LET'S JOIN TOGETHER IN A SPIRIT OF
UNITY AND RESPECT. LET'S GO FOR THE GOLD AGAIN, AND
THIS TIME LET'S NOT LEAVE ANYONE BEHIND."
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.