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Commencement Address, Mississippi State University 5/13/89 [OA 8130]
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Commencement Address, Mississippi State University 5/13/89 [OA 8130]
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
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:
Smith, Curt, Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1992
OA/ID Number:
13888
Folder ID Number:
13888-014
Folder Title:
Commencement Address, Mississippi State University, 5/13/89
Stack:
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Section:
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G
18
29
1
4
(Smith)
April 29, 1989
Draft Two
MISS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: COMMENCEMENT
MISSISSIPPI STATE U.
MAY 1989
President , Members of the Board of Trustees, soon-to-be
fellow graduates, faculty, administrators, friends.
Thank you for your warm reception. And let me express my
appreciation for that gracious introduction.
In fact, I have to admit that listening to those words of
welcome, I'm reminded of something one of our former Presidents
said when he heard an introduction that even he considered
generous.
"I only wish my parents could have been alive to hear that
introduction," Lyndon Johnson told his audience. "My father would
have enjoyed it. And my mother would have believed it!"
My friends, I'm enjoying it -- being here today. And I know
that you' 11 believe me when I say what a pleasure it is to
address these ceremonies.
We meet, to begin, at a special school -- special because
for
years, Mississippi State has made education a bequest.
2
We gather, too, in a special State -- special for its
people. You know that what we are matters more than what we
have. You cherish home and people's feelings and how they grew
up.
We assemble, finally, on a special day -- for the very word
"Commencement" means "Beginning." My friends, today embodies
your beginning. And it asks you to give to life, the life you
have received from this University: to right wrong, love
justice, and serve the gentler impulses of mankind.
You know, as Air Force One flies, it's
miles from
Washington to . I know: Barbara checked her trip-tik this
morning. But for me, today also marks another journey: Back to
some of my pivotal years -- the years I spent as an
undergraduate.
It was 41 years ago this
that I, too, received my
degree. I'll never forget it
nor will my teachers
they're still in shock.
At home, it was a time of housing shortage, black markets,
and high inflation; abroad, the Cold War proclaimed by Winston
Churchill had turned downright frigid. The Communist bloc was
monolithic. China and the Middle East were rent by war. The
3
Marshall Plan was in its infancy. And in a Europe torn by
conflicting ideologies, the Soviets were blockading West Berlin.
Milton Berle was Mr. Television, and taking pies in the
face. Harry Truman was Mr. President, and he was giving 'em
hell. The traditional family was in its glory -- what columnist
Carl Rowan would later call "the time-honored family portrait of
dad at work, mom home cooking apple pie, the kids playing with
gramps. " It was a different and, in many ways, simpler America.
It was a different and, in many ways, more perilous world.
Nor will I forget how within a week of graduation, Bar and
I packed our belongings, and moved halfway across the country.
New State -- Texas. New life -- raising kids in a -room
house in Odessa. Started an oil company. Built a business.
Charted unexplored frontiers -- like you, beginning now.
Since then, we've had a few mailing addresses -- China,
Washington, the Great American South. A computer gauged the
total once:
moves in
years. And we've had more than a
few adventures. New people. New vistas. And, always, the
distinctly American challenge of the unknown. Course, we hope now
to stay in the same place for awhile. As John Kennedy once said
of the White House: "I have a nice home, and the office is close
by. "
4
But, you know, it's funny. Over all those years, and all
those miles, and all that wonderful experience, I learned a
few things about America. And her people. And about life --
a
successful life -- the life that, by definition, must include
serving others.
I learned, for example, that we are not black and white,
rural and urban, the privileged and the poor. Instead, we are
Americans and members of a family. For we all inhabit a common
earth. And our fate is not divisible.
At the heart of this family --- America's family -- is, of
course, our family -- yours, and mine. It is the hub, and we
are the spokes. And it its core are values -- for we are not the
sum of our possessions, but of how we conduct ourselves. Simple,
basic values like decency, kindness, self-sacrifice, courage.
You know, I've been blessed with a wonderful wife and five
great kids. And eleven brimming grandkids -- by themselves, they
could field the Tigers' offensive football team. Like all kids,
they provide a Rubik's Cube of questions. And, like most
families, they supply that loyalty and love which make us less
alone. Course, even the Brady Bunch can't always shield us from
brutality. I'm reminded of the alumnus who sent his coach a
telegram before the big game. It read: "Remember, coach. We're
all behind you -- win or tie."
5
Yes, in the end we do chart our lives -- each one of us,
individually. But a successful life says that we are not islands
unto ourselves. That is why as President, I want to strengthen
the family unit -- by example, hopefully, and by deed.
Education, for instance, can nurture families that are
strong, and independent. So, we have unveiled an education
program which rewards achievement, demands accounability, and
invests in our children.
Child care, too, can keep families together. So, we have
announced an initiative which responds to today's changing
demographics. Our proposal puts money in the hands of lower-
income parents, limits Federal intervention, and increases
options. A church can help, or professional nursey, or
grandparents [PAUSE]
my daughter Dora especially likes that
part.
Let us protect the family. By keeping America at peace
abroad. And well-fed, well-clothed, well-housed at home. By
stopping the scourge of drug abuse. And putting criminals behind
bars. And for those who, for whatever reason -- divorce,
poverty, death -- feel alone and isolated, let us become their
family: Not in a legal sense, but in a human sense -- helping,
enriching, and caring for each other.
6
Today, millions of Americans are doing that -- giving of,
not to, themselves. We term it volunteerism, or voluntary
service, or community service. It means lending a hand, tending
a wound, and helping the less fortunate.
We see these Americans everywhere -- at a child care center,
at Choir Practice, at Little League, at the PTA. And they are
heroes -- for volunteerism is among the highest planes of
patriotism. Theirs is an America of good, quiet, decent people --
a high-school teacher, a elderly laborer, the men who till our
farms. They work and pay their taxes. They make government
programs possible. And they reflect the values of "Do Unto
Others" values I respect, and that as President I will serve.
For, you see, those values aren't abstract ideals. They
live; they're flesh and blood; they make achievement possible.
Compassion helps one child escape heroin addiction. Generosity
allows another to partake of a decent meal. Civility helps a
third overcome bigotry and hatred. Through faith in God, still
another finally views the world as a warm, not sullen, place.
I have said I like what works. Community service works.
That is why I have created the Office of National Service, which
is leading our Administration's national service program. This
office will enlist new volunteers in community-based efforts to
7
meet unmet social needs. For some, it can create an extended
family. For all, it can unite the American family.
Project Victory, or Mission Impossible? Look to the heroes
of today for an answer. Look, for example, to Ohio's Rose
Tichey, who in 11 years has written 32 books, and edited over
100, for her church-sponsored literacy program. Or Chessie Davis
next door in Alabama, who has provided a home for more than 800
abandoned children -- that's about 10 for each of her 82 years.
These Americans, like you, know that life is not a ledger
board. And they know that the private sector -- and individuals
-- have the resources -- and the responsibility -- to confront
issues like hunger and health care, teen pregnancy and drug
abuse, homelessness and illiteracy. Branch Rickey said: "Luck
is the residue of design." Well, America's luck can be the
residue of volunteerism's design.
My friends, Mississippi has given America some indelible
leaders -- in politics, my good friend John Stennis; in
education, a Lucius Q.C. Lamar; in opera, the soaring Leontyne
Price. And, always, you've treasured what Mississippi's native
son, William Faulkner termed "the old verities and truths of the
heart."
Community service -- national service -- reflects those
verities: "Love and honor
and pride and compassion and
8
sacrifice." Values which are as great and good as all America.
Values which can make ours a more just, more decent, more giving
land.
Let Faulkner's "verities of the heart" be our values -- not
merely for this generation, but for future generations. And
inspired by America's good, quiet, decent people, let us help
enrich America --- so that America can enrich the world.
Thank you for inviting me. Good luck, and my heart-felt
congratulations. May you treasure the road marked tomorrow. And
may your future be worthy of your dreams. God bless you, and God
bless America.
# # # #
532- 6254
(Smith)
May 5, 1989
Draft Four
MISS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
MISSISSIPPI STATE U.
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1989
President Zacharias, Members of the Board of Trustees, soon-
to-be fellow graduates, faculty, administrators, friends.
You know, one of my favorite Presidents was the man who
first coined the term "bully pulpit." The story goes that Teddy
Roosevelt would roam the halls of the White House, shouting
"bully, bully." Well, having just met your mascot, I am
their Teddy
would have filt at home
delighted to say "bully today.
I want first to say what an honor it is to see again one of
the great patriots of this or any era, the Honorable John
Stennis. Ask anyone: John Stennis doesn't merely hail from
Mississippi. He is Mississippi.
Another long-time friend, of course, is your Congressman,
Sonny Montgomery -- and I'm glad that he, too, is here. You
know, each week Sonny and I play paddleball. And he always kids
me that I win only when I'm wearing my Mississippi State sweat-
shirt [PAUSE]
When I lose, I'm wearing Ole Miss.
2
I want to thank you for that warm introduction. And for the
generosity of your welcome. And let me say how pleased I am that
these ceremonies are being held only 400 yards from the Left
Field Lounge.
Mlass J dese in washer l check Ger
As you may know, I love the national pastime. Played it.
Follow it. In fact, I've often said that my favorite philosopher
is that master linguist, baseball's Yogi Berra who yesterday
celebrated his th birthday.
It was Yogi who, when asked if he was a fatalist, replied,
"No, I never collected postage stamps." Well, I'll bet that
regarding your success on the field, and your all-time attendance
record, Yogi would be even more articulate. He would say, as I
do, too: "Ron Polk's baseball team is No. 1."
other
Among Mississippi State's leading alumni is Rafael Palmero
[Rah-fey-El Pal-MARE-o] of the Texas Rangers. They're owned by a
guy I know something about -- my son, George. And the eyes of r between
Texas are upon them.
Drer who I Cre English I 5mg Syn is
M Bay Texas anym you" well
Well, today, my friends, the eyes of America are upon
Jackson, Mississippi.
For we meet, to begin with, at a special school -- special
because for years, Mississippi State has made education a
lasting legacy, and opportunity its bequest.
3
We gather, eatie too, in a special State -- special for its
people. You know that what we are matters more than what we
have. You cherish home and people's feelings and how they grew
up.
who
in
We assemble, finally, on a special day -- for the very word
"Commencement" means "Beginning." My friends, today embodies
your beginning. And it asks you to enrich the future through the
timeless values of the past.
C yea in the sure
You know, as Air Force One flies, it's miles from
Washington to Jackson. I know: Barbara checked her trip tik
M Sus a
this morning, But for me, today also marks another journey:
Back to some of my pivotal years -- the years I spent as an
undergraduate.
It was 41 years ago next month that I, too, received my
degree. I'll never forget it
nor will my teachers
they're still in shock.
In 1948, Milton Berle was Mr. Television, and taking pies in
the face. Harry Truman was Mr. President, and he was giving 'em
hell. In many ways, it was a different, simpler America. Not
worse or better, just simpler. Less congestion. Less pollution.
Less high technology. PacMan was a camper, not a video game.
4
We had problems, sure. At home, on gas lines, a housing
shortage, and high inflation And or veterans adjusting to
domestic life. Abroad, OF & Cold War turned downright frigid.
The Communist bloc was monolithic. China and the Middle East
were rent by war. And in a Europe torn by conflicting
ideologies, the Soviets were blockading West Berlin.
Asamall we believe,
But we met our problems together. For we took pride in our
identity as a Nation. And solace in our faith in God. Yes,
there was intolerance. But in the end, it was our morality --
our belief that The Golden Rule must uplift, not maim -- that
allowed decency to conquer bigatry. For we are not black and
white, rural and urban the privileged and the poor. My friends.
we are Americans. And we are member's of a family.
Tom Paine once wrote that "the world has turned over many
times. " It has since I graduated. But there are some things
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that haven't changed. And I pray that never will na cales Can't
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7.
I'm referring, of course, to basic things like kindness,
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You know, I've been lucky -- a wonderful wife and five great
kids. And having helped put them through college, I remember
receiving letters from them, and there would always be a " P.S."
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hs
about the special bond between parents at home and kids away at
school: "Please Send Money."
10
Five kids. And eleven brimming grandkids -- by themselves,
they could field the Bulldogs' entire pitching staff. Like all
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kids, they provide a Rubik's Cube of questions. And, like most
3 517 m reec
families, they supply that loyalty and love which make us less
alone. Course, even the Brady Bunch can't always shield us from
brutality. I'm reminded of the alumnus who sent his coach a
in
telegram before the big game. It read:
"Remember, coach. We're
all behind you --- win or tie."
5th
Sharl
has
my
Yes, the individual does matter. But a successful life says
that we are not islands unto ourselves. The family unit can be
our weapon, and our shield. And/as President, I want to
strengthen it by example, hopefully, and by deed.
Wyer
Education, for instance, can nurture families that are
strong, and independent. So, we have unveiled an education
program which invests in our children. Child care, too, can keep
families together. So, we have announced an initiative which
responds to the fact that only per cent of America, compared
—
with 1948's per cent, fits the profile of the traditional
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6
family: dad as sole wage earner, mom as full-time homemaker, and
one or more children.
wears keep
To protect today {4 family, let us keep America at peace Avenue
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abroad. And well-fed, well-clothed, well-housed)at home. Let us
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stop the scourge of drug abuse. And put criminals behind bars.
And for those who, for whatever reason -- divorce, poverty, death
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-- feel alone and isolated, let us become their family: Not in a
legal sense, but in a human sense -- helping, enriching, and
was
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caring for each other.
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Today, millions of Americans are doing that -- giving of,
not to, themselves. We term it volunteerism, or community
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service, IE means lending a hand, tending a wound, and helping
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the less fortunate.
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We see these Americans everywhere -- at a child care center,
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volunteerism is among the highest planes of patriotism.") is
at Choir Practice, at PTA. And they are heroes
an America of good, quiet, decent people --a high-school teacher,
anelderly laborer, the men who till our farms. They work and pay
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reflect the values 6f "Do Unto Others" :- values I respect, and
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For you see, those values aren't abstract ideals. They
live; they're flesh and blood; they make achievement possible.
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And unit areas - assine state dal pance
Compassion helps one child escape heroin addiction. Generosity
allows another to partake of a decent meal. Through faith in
God, still another overcomes the curse of bigotry and hatred
yes
M
I have said I like what works. Community service works.
That is why I have created the Office of National Service, which
will enlist new volunteers to help meet unmet social needs. For
Document
some, it can create an extended family. For all, it can unite
the American family.
Project Victory, or Mission Impossible? Look to the heroes
of today for an answer. Look, for example, to your Delta Gamma
and Chi Omega Sororities, whose members read to blind students.
Or Steven Cooper, your student association president, who works
in Starkville's "Help Find the Children" campaign. Or students
who work at adult education centers, combating the problem of
illiteracy.
These Americans know that life is not a ledger board. And
that the private sector -- and individuals -- have the resources
-- and the responsibility -- to confront issues like hunger and
health care, drug abuse and teen pregnancy. A famous adage says
that "Luck is the residue of design." Well, America's luck can
be the residue of volunteerism's design.
My friends, Mississippi has given America some indelible
leaders -- in politics, John Stennis and Sonny Montgomery; in