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323154149
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Firefighters Video Script 7/20/92 [OA 7577]
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323154149
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document
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Firefighters Video Script 7/20/92 [OA 7577]
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13822-002
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13822
Folder ID Number:
13822-002
Folder Title:
Firefighters Video Script 7/20/92 [OA 7577]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
22
6
5
very
nice.
(Walters)
July 20, 1992
Draft Two
FIRE
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE:
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIREFIGHTERS
Good morning. I wish I could be with you today in
Vancouver. Instead I send my best wishes from the District of
Columbia to all of you in British Columbia at the 41st Biennial
Convention of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
I speak for our entire Nation when I thank you for your hard
work, determination, and courage. Whether it's saving a child
from a burning building, responding to an emergency, or fighting
fires in a crowded city, you are the first line of defense in so
many life-threatening situations.
Few people have a tougher commute to the job or a harder day
in the office than firefighters. Your valor in the line of duty
means saved lives and second chances. And at the end of the day,
when your muscles are aching, your bodies are scarred, and your
faces are blackened with soot, you can rest assured that your
bravery and tenacity are appreciated. Some of us owe you our
\
lives, and the rest of us owe you our gratitude.
The IAFF and your president, Al Whitehead, also deserve
special thanks for work in fire and safety programs, hazardous
materials training programs, and for generous support of the Burn
Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. You are our
nation's -- and Canada's -- finest. Keep up the good work, and
may God bless you all.
# # #
(Walters)
July 20, 1992
Draft Two
FIRE
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE:
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIREFIGHTERS
Good morning. I wish I could be with you today in
Vancouver. Instead I send my best wishes from the District of
Columbia to all of you in British Columbia at the 41st Biennial
Convention of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
I speak for our entire Nation when I thank you for your hard
work, determination, and courage. Whether it's saving a child
from a burning building, responding to an emergency, or fighting
fires in a crowded city, you are the first line of defense in so
many life-threatening situations.
Few people have a tougher commute to the job or a harder day
in the office than firefighters. Your valor in the line of duty
means saved lives and second chances. And at the end of the day,
when your muscles are aching, your bodies are scarred, and your
faces are blackened with soot, you can rest assured that your
mettle and tenacity are appreciated. Some of us owe you our
lives, and the rest of us owe you our gratitude.
The IAFF and your president, Al Whitehead, also deserve
special thanks for work in fire and safety programs, hazardous
materials training programs, and for generous support of the Burn
Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. You are our
nation's -- and Canada's -- finest. Keep up the good work, and
may God Bless you all.
# # #
(Walters)
July 20, 1992
Draft One
FIRE
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE:
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIREFIGHTERS
Good morning. I wish I could be with you today in
Vancouver. Instead I send my best wishes from the District of
Columbia to all of you in British Columbia at the 41st Biennial
Convention of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
I speak for our entire Nation when I thank you for your
work, determination, and courage. Whether it's saving a child
from a burning building, responding to an emergency, or fighting
fires in a crowded city, you are the first line of defense in so
many life-threatening situations. For an often thankless job --
you have my sincere appreciation.
? dangrous, yes
but Handlers?
This year our nation watched as Los Angeles fire fighters
We saw that 1 on trial ?) in Loo anples.
will this
worked relentlessly to contain a blazing city. And when some of
your brothers and sisters were shot at by rioters, all Americans
work?
were outraged. We owe them and all of you a great debt of
gratitude.
The IAFF and your president, Al Whitehead, deserve special
credit for work in fire and safety programs, hazardous materials
for your severous
training programs, and X support of the Burn Foundation and
Muscular Dystrophy. You are our nation's -- and our world's --
finest. Keep up the good work, and may God Bless you all.
# # #
JUL-21-92 TUE 14:07 IAFF HEADQUARTERS
P.01
COMMITTO
IFI
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
FAX TRANSMISSION SHEET
TO:
Ed Walters
ORGANIZATION:
The White House
FAX NUMBER:
456-6218
DATE:
7/21/92
TIME: 2:00 p. . .
FROM: George Burke, Dir. of Communications
PHONE NUMBER: (202) 737-8484
FAX NUMBER: (202) 737-8418
NOTES/COMMENTS: Convention Background info. IAFF
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER SHEET:
4
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
1750 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20006-5395
JUL-21-92 TUE 14:08 IAFF HEADQUARTERS
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
ALFRED K. WHITEHEAD
VINCENT J. BOLLON
President
Secretary-Treasurer
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Ed Walters, The White House
FROM:
George Burke, IAFF Director of PR & Communications
RE:
Background and Potential Talking Points for The President's
Videotaped Remarks to the IAFF Convention in Vancouver, B.C.
DATE:
July 21, 1992
Per your conversation today with Harold Schaitberger, I am providing you with
a memo on background and talking points on the IAFF. If you want further
information, don't hesitiate to call me at 737-8484.
BACKGROUND:
The 41st Biennial Convention of the International Association of Fire
Fighters will be held at the Vancouver Convention Center August 3 to 7. More
than 2,000 delegates, alternates, and guests from across the United States and
Canada will gather for the event.
The two Principal Officers of the IAFF are: President Alfred K. Whitehead
and Secretary-Treasurer Vincent J. Bollon.
The IAFF represents 195,000 career (professional) fire fighters and
emergency medical service personnel. The IAFF, founded in 1918, is
headquartered in Washington, D.C.
The Preamble to the IAFF Constitution and By-Laws, written in 1918,
reads:
The International Association of Fire Fighters was formed to achieve the following
objectives: To organize all fire fighters; to secure just compensation for their services and
equitable settlement of their grievances; to promote the establishment of just and
reasonable working conditions; to place the members of the Association on a higher plane
of skill and efficiency; to promote harmonious relations between fire fighters and their
employers; to encourage the formation of local unions, state and provincial associations,
and joint councils; to encourage the formation of sick and death benefit funds; to
encourage the establishment of schools of instruction for imparting knowledge of modern
1750 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006-5395 (202) 737-8484 FAX (202) 737-8418
TUE 14:08 IAFF HEADQUARTERS
P.03
and improved methods of fire fighting and prevention; and to cultivate friendship and
fellowship among its members."
To this day, the concepts embodied by the Preamble still hold true for the
IAFF.
The IAFF is a member of the AFL-CIO in the U.S, as well as the Canadian
Labour Congress in Canada. The IAFF has local affiliates in every state of the
Union and represents fire fighters in every Canadian province except Quebec.
Each year the IAFF holds National Legislative Conferences in Washington,
D.C., and Ottawa, ONT. Fire fighters converge on the U.S. and Canadian capitals
to review the issues affecting the IAFF and the fire service, and to meet with
members of Congress to discuss those issues. We have received a great many
favorable comments from Capitol Hill and Parliament Hill concerning the quality
of presentations made by IAFF members to MCs and MPs.
Fire fighting is one of the most dangerous jobs in North America. One out
of every three fire fighters is injured in the line of duty each year. Too many fire
fighters are killed in the line of duty each year. Needless to say, the IAFF devotes
a lot of attention to matters affecting the health and safety of fire fighters. Many
of the advances in health and safety over the last 70 years are the result of IAFF
actions. The IAFF holds a major symposium, every two years, known as the
"Redmond Symposium" which deals with the latest matters involving
occupational health and safety as it affects the fire service. It attracts doctors,
government officials, and fire service professionals.
The IAFF has been developing a comprehensive hazardous materials
training program for fire fighters and other workers who must handle hazardous
materials under a multi-year federal grant from the National Institute for
Environmental Health Services. The hazardous materials training program,
which drew praise from President Bush in his video address to the 1990 IAFF
Convention in St. Louis, has been adopted by many fire departments and some
states as their official haz-mat training program.
The IAFF has worked very closely over the years with NIOSH and NTSB on fire
fighter health and safety matters and safety matters involving fire apparatus.
SOME RECOMMENDED TALKING POINTS:
Besides issuing greetings and best wishes, the message should be upbeat
and provide praise for the fire fighters and the fire fighting and emergency
medical services professions. (Many of our members are "cross-trained, dual
role fire fighter/EMS personnel). Remember, these are professional career fire
fighters, not volunteers.
2
JUL-21-92 TUE 14:09 IAFF HEADQUARTERS
Here are some suggested points to ponder:
There are many heroes among you not just the few who get heralded
in the media - but the rest of you who are the unsung heroes who risk your lives
to protect the lives and property of others.
Fire fighters are called upon to make tremendous sacrifices. You often
work in a hostile and uncontrollable environment. You are always expected to
control the unexpected.
Fire fighters and emergency medical service personnel are two of the
most admired professions in North America - and for good reason.
When fire fighters speak, government listens. Because of your
professional expertise and your willingness to make your case before the federal
government, the IAFF is respected and has credibility in Washington.
The Convention Slogan is "A Proud Profession. A Bold Union. A
Brighter Future." You may want to relate to this slogan.
Fire fighters are givers. The IAFF membership is the largest sponsor of
the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. In 1991, the IAFF, through its membership, raised
more than $8 million for MDA. Over the last 35 years, the IAFF has raised more
than $100 million for MDA. As Labor Day, when the Telethon is held, draws
near, fire fighters across the U.S. and Canada can be found on street corners
asking the public to help "Fill the Boot" for MDA.
Fire fighters know they are role models and they perform many
activities that benefit the public outside of their normal jobs. Look at any
community in North America and you will find fire fighters involved in activities
ranging from bicycle inspections and smoke detector giveaways to social
programs to keep kids off the streets and drugs or help them to better
themselves.
The non-profit IAFF Burn Foundation is the largest funder of burn
research and education after the federal government. As a member of the
Combined Federal Campaign, the IAFF Burn Foundation receives donations
from federal employees as well as fire fighters. The Burn Foundation is devoted
to improving the quality of life for all burn victims. More senior citizens and
children are burned than any other group.
The IAFF has been the driving force behind many of the federal and
state laws that safeguard the health and safety of fire fighters.
###
3
SENT BY: XEROX Telecopier 7017; 7-13-92 ; 16:22 ;
E KAMBER GROUP-
45616511# 3
Draft Video Greeting Remarks for President Bush
IAFF Convention -- Aug.3
Puelishter Convertion
Good morning. Although I can't be with you today in beautiful
Vancouver, I would like to take this opportunity to send my
greetings to the 41/Biennial Convention of the International
Association of Fire Fighters.
I want to tell you how deeply impressed I am with your
tremendous work, determination and courage. Whether it's saving a
child from a burning building, responding to a 911 emergency or
fighting fires in a crowded city, fire fighters are the first line
of defense for BO many life-threatening situations.
This year the nation watched as Los Angeles fire fighters
worked relentlessly to contain a blazing city. And when some of
your brothers and sisters were shot at by rioters, all Americans
were outraged.
The theme of your Convention, "A Proud Profession, A Bold
Union, and a Brighter Future," certainly captures the spirit of
fire fighters everywhere.
The IAFF and your President, Al Whitehead, deserve special
credit for your work on behalf of fire and safety programs and for
your excellent hazardous materials training programs.
And, your Union puts no limits on its willingness to give back
to society, as evidenced by your dedicated work in support of the
Burn Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy.
Keep up the good work, and may God Bless you.
Kris Phillip
223-8700
ORGANIZED
F
F
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
ALFRED K. WHITEHEAD
VINCENT J. BOLLON
President
Secretary-Treasurer
6/3-Sant tohinda Dellart- -
April 22, 1992
check u/ check u/
maria minday-
Mr. Barry Tron
Director of Public Events & Initiatives
Old Executive Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Tron:
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) will host its general
convention in Vancouver, Canada, August 3 - 7, 1992. We extended an invitation to
the President to address our delegates at the convention, but were informed that he
will be unable to attend.
While my fellow fire fighters would have been honored by and truly enjoyed an
address from the President, we would also greatly appreciate a taped video greeting
from him. The greeting need only be a minute or two.
This greeting would be shown to all delegates, alternates, guests and the press in
attendance, numbering over 3,000. Americans.
The IAFF stands ready to provide you with any information or assistance necessary
to prepare and tape a greeting from the President. Chris Fillip, our representative at
the Kamber Group, will contact you shortly regarding this matter.
The President's consideration of this request and your attention to it are both
tremendously appreciated.
Thank you for your consideration.
Newsletter-200,000
publi
members
Sincerely,
Hamel A. Selather
verymee
received-
Harold A. Schaitberger
induan
Executive Assistant to the President
HAS:clh
1750 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006
(202) 737-8484
FAX (202) 737-8418
(Walters)
July 20, 1992
Draft One
FIRE
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE:
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIREFIGHTERS
Good morning. I wish I could be with you today in
Vancouver. Instead I send my best wishes from the District of
Columbia to all of you in British Columbia at the 41st Biennial
Convention of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
I speak for our entire Nation when I thank you for your
work, determination, and courage. Whether it's saving a child
from a burning building, responding to an emergency, or fighting
fires in a crowded city, you are the first line of defense in so
many life-threatening situations. For an often thankless job --
you have my sincere appreciation.
This year our nation watched as Los Angeles fire fighters
worked relentlessly to contain a blazing city. And when some of
your brothers and sisters were shot at by rioters, all Americans
were outraged. We owe them and all of you a great debt of
gratitude.
The IAFF and your president, Al Whitehead, deserve special
credit for work in fire and safety programs, hazardous materials
training programs, and support of the Burn Foundation and
Muscular Dystrophy. You are our nation's -- and our world's --
finest. Keep up the good work, and may God Bless you all.
###