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Reagan Portraits, Washington, DC 11/15/89 [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: 13888-043 Folder Title: Reagan Portraits, Washington D.C., 11/15/89 Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: G 18 29 1 4 (Smith/Blessey) Draft One November 6, 1989 REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: REAGAN PORTRAITS STATE FLOOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989 President and Mrs. Reagan. Members of the Reagan Administration. Members of the White House Historical Association. Ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure to see two of our dearest friends. And a President and First Lady who helped bring greatness to America -- and grace to America's House. ( (Let me say: I'm glad to see President Reagan back at the White House for more than one reason. I still haven't figured out how to open the lower drawer in the Oval Office desk. )) // Maybe we can solve that problem when these ceremonies are over -- just as you've done with so many other problems since 1981. Mr. President, you made this Nation strong at home and admired abroad. You made the Presidency respected again. You made America stand tall again. c/t. from And Nancy, Barbara and I are delighted to see you. For a grateful people will not soon forget your partnership. A poet once wrote of an America of dignity born of strength If Walt Whitman were alive today, he might talk of your courage amid adversity -- of your love of husband and country. And say, further, that you embody that definition. Its really w to have yau 2 What a legacy you've both left. And frankly, how wonderful you look. ( (In particular, you reversed the conventional wisdom that a President always ages in office. I hope to confirm it.)) // These portraits were painted by the noted artist Aaron Shikler. And donated jointly to the White House for its permanent art collection by the Petrie Foundation and the White House Historical Association. Like your eight years in office, Mr. President, these portraits will teach future generations about the meaning of America. // I'll confess it: Barbara and I had a sneak preview. // And looking at them, who can wonder why the Reagans are so admired? Look at the portrait of our 40th Chief Executive -- which will be hung on the State Floor with other 20th Century Presidents. Reflect on the qualities that make him so special -- kindness and gallantry, decency and humor. Look, then, at the portrait of Mrs. Reagan: It will hang in the Ground Floor Corridor with those of the most recent former First Ladies. Here stands a person who refurbished the White House with grace and elegance. And who helped millions of Americans say "No" to drugs -- and "Yes" to life. ( (You know, for years our opponents were hoping to see President Reagan's back against the wall here in the White House. // [POINT TO PORTRAIT] But I don't think that is what they had in mind.) ) 11 3 You remain one of the most beloved Presidents in the history of this Republic. And as friends, Barbara and I cherish both you and Mrs. Reagan. What you began, we hope to build upon. And keep America, as you so often said, Mr. President, "that shining city on the hill." And now, it is my pleasure and deep personal honor to present the official unveiling of the portraits of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan. # # # #