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323154802
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National Endowment for the Humanities, Washington, DC 11/6/89 [OA 8130]
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323154802
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document
title
National Endowment for the Humanities, Washington, DC 11/6/89 [OA 8130]
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13888-041
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Curt Smith Chronological Files
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323154802
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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:
13888-041
Folder Title:
National Endowment for the Humanities, Washington D.C., 11/6/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
18
29
1
4
(Smith/Blessey)
October 30, 1989
Draft Three
HUMAN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL ENDOWMENT
ROOSEVELT ROOM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
Secretary Cavazos, Members of the National Council for the
Humanities, distinguished educators and honorees.
I want to welcome you to the White House. And say what a
pleasure it is to be in such distinguished company. ( (Today, I
feel like a Little Leaguer standing in the locker room of the
World Series champion) //
Let me also say what a great honor it is to be able to honor
you -- the first recipients of the National Endowment for the
Humanities' Charles Frankel Prize.
You know, that great observer of America, Ralph Waldo
Emerson, once wrote, "The scholar is the student of the world."
Well, the Frankel Prize was created this year to recognize
those who have led a lifetime of study. And whose scholarship
has brought history, literature, philosophy, and other humanities
disciplines to a local, national, or often global audience.
Together, you've linked the humanities with farms, inner
cities, and gentle small towns. Reaffirming the magic of the
spoken and written word. And fostered a variety of public
programs in museums, libraries, and schools. Showing how higher
learning can spur Nation and neighbor.
2
As a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, Daniel Boorstein has
told the American Story to millions around the globe. Not to
mention his role as Librarian of Congress Emeritus. And as
president of the Field Museum of National History, Willard Boyd
-- former President of the University of Iowa -- made world-
renowned collections available to more Americans each year.
Then, there's Americo Parades. Author. Folklorist.
Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas. Making this
Nation more conscious of Mexican-American culture. And Patricia
Bates, a national consultant on reading programs. Her scholar-
led teaching and discussion groups have become a model for
thousands of programs across the country.
And, finally, Clark Jenkinson. His characterization of
Thomas Jefferson has enchanted audiences from schoolkids to
senior citizens. And he's led the revival of the Chautauqua --
that institution which teaches the ideas, and lives, of giant
figures in history, philosophy, politics, and the arts.
( (You know, the story goes that Benjamin Franklin was dining
out in Paris. And one of the other diners posed a question:
"What condition of man most deserves pity?" Each guest gave an
example of what that condition may be. Then came Franklin's turn
-- and here was his answer: "A lonesome man on a rainy day who
does not know how to read. ")) //
Well, for decades you have shown the value of reading. And
thinking. Of probing. And questioning. And by instilling a
3
greater understanding of the text, themes, and ideas of the
humanities, you've inspired countless others to do the same.
For that, my congratulations. And let me commend, too, the
hundreds of nominees considered by this endowment. The 26
members of the National Council on the Humanities, which reviewed
the nominations. And, yes, NEH Chairman Lynn Cheney, who made
W
the final selections. Each of you reflects that Samuel Johnson
called "the salutory influence of example." Each of you
underscores the reason we gather today.
one mans
That reason, of course, is a life. A very special life.
The life of Charles M. Frankel. Professor at Columbia. And
assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural
affairs. Network television writer, host, and narrator. And
author of 12 books, including "The Case for Modern Man."
As the first president and director of the National
Humanities Center, Charles Frankel symbolized the best in man.
He symbolized it through his values and idealism. And through
enduring scholarship and concern.
In honoring him, we honor the concepts of teaching and
learning - -- in short, how knowledge can lead the way. So let me
present the first Charles Frankel Prizes for distinguished
service to the humanities. And say on behalf of every citizen:
America thanks you, God bless you, and God bless the Nation that
is so proud of what you've done.
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