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Presidential Messages and Proclamations (1)
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Presidential Messages and Proclamations (1)
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John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
John Marsh's Bicentennial Subject Files
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American Revolution Bicentennial, 1776-1976
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The original documents are located in Box 70, folder "Presidential Messages and
Proclamations (1)" of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 70 of The John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
JAN 27 1975
STRAIGHT WIRE
January 23, 1974
Mr. Sylvan Meyer
Chairman of the Beard
Third Century, USA
Suite 601
f
1451 North Bayshore Drive
Miami, Florida 33132
I warmly commend all who particarate in plans
for the celebration of our National Bicentennial. Your "forts
are symbolic of your deep sense of patriotism and civic pride.
They also reflect the vitality and spirit of America,
I wholeheartedly welcome your commitment to
help make our Nation's two hundredth birthday a fitting and
memerable occasion for all of us.
GERALD R. FORD
GRF:Hasek:jem
cc: D.E. Downton/R. Nessen/J. Marsh/R. Rourke/P. Theis/E. Hasek/CF
EVENT: Jan. 24, 1975
FORD LIBRARY is GERALD
JAN 27 1975
JUL 1975
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 7, 1975
M
MEMORANDUM FOR:
GENERAL ADAMS
JACK MARSH
RON NESSEN
JACK HUSHEN
BILL ROBERTS
LIZ O'NEILL
MILT MITLER
FROM:
BOB MEAD For
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL BICENTENNIAL MESSAGES
We have been receiving many requests on an individual basis
from television stations around the country for a Bicentennial
message from the President. Obviously, we cannot fulfill all
of these requests individually.
However, the President will videotape a 30 second and 60 second
Bicentennial message on Wednesday, July 9, at 4:30 PM in the
Cabinet Room. The major television networks have agreed to
videotape the messages for us and also to "feed" to all three
network affiliates the spots on their afternoon syndication
broadcasts. This will make it available to all stations affiliated
with CBS, ABC, NBC. They have also agreed to re-feed it in
3-4 months.
The networks will provide the White House with two videotapes;
one for our own archival purposes, and one for "loan-out" to
television stations not affiliated with networks such as independents,
i.e. Westinghouse, Metromedia, etc. These stations can then
take our tapes and make tape dub copies for their own use.
If there are inquiries into your offices for such a message,
please refer them to my office for distribution arrangements.
Stations must be informed that it will be their responsibility
to tape at their own expense and return the "loan-out" tape
immediately.
cc: Helen Collins
Cdr. Coates
Maria Downs
Press Office
WHCA VTR
October 8, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
I want to get something in writing today to Hartmann on the
need for a Presidential statement on the Bicentennial the
founding of the United States Navy. I think Rumsfeld should
be carboned on this too.
JOM/dl
BERALD LIBRARY REFORD
certoms
Bicens
October 9, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
I think some thought should be given to getting senior Navy
PR types, who do history, recruiting, public relations, etc.,
together with Paul Theis today. I am referring to the Heritage
Program in the United States Navy, which was a part of their
recruiting theme. I am certain there is background material
and leadership in this part of the Navy's efforts which can be
made available to Paul for the purpose of his Bicentennial
statement for the President. Also, please note the suggestion
I made to Paul for a message by the Commander-in-Chief to
all hands.
JOM/dl
GERALD R. LIBRARY FORD
Becentemed
October 9, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PAUL THEIS
FROM:
JACK MARSH
In reference to the President's statement on the 200th founding
of the United States Navy, why don't you give some consideration
to whether or not his statement can be sent through Defense
channels to all hands. In addition to his making a statement to
direct public attention to this, it seems to me that he might
direct some message as Commander-in-Chief to the officers
and the men of the Navy, both alboat and ashore. You will recall
there was a Heritage Program in the Navy several years ago and
it seems to me you could tie into this.
JOM/dl
GERALD 8. LIBRARY FORD
OCT : 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
10/16/75
Jack Marsh
TO:
FROM: PAUL THEIS
Thanks for the suggestion. We
have worked through Bill Middendorf's
office to get this out to Navy hands.
FORD
Becentenned
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
15 OCT 10 PM 12 27
October 9, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PAUL THEIS
FROM:
JACK MAR Jan
In reference to the President's statement on the 200th founding
of the United States Navy, why don't you give some consideration
to whether or not his statement can be sent through Defense
channels to all hands. In addition to his making a statement to
direct public attention to this, it seems to me that he might
direct some message as Commander-in-Chief to the officers
and the men of the Navy, both afloat and ashore. You will recall
there was a Heritage Program in the Navy several years ago and
it seems to me you could tie into this.
Decentennial
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 24, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE R
I discussed the Thanksgiving Day Proclamation with Ted Marrs.
He accurately points out that, in paragraph 2 of the proposed
proclamation, reference is made only to those "people from every
Nation in the world who for 200 years come to America,
etc.
11
It fails to take note of those who were already here
the American Indian
this would be a real oversight.
Advise Paul Theirs
sention 10/22
M
Date:
October 23
Time:
411pm
OCT 24 1975
FOR ACTION: Ted Marrs
CC (for information): Jack Marsh
Max Friedersdorf
Jim Cavanaugh
Ken Lazarus
Warren Hendriks
Paul Theis
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
RAR
DUE: Date:
October 24
Time: 400pm
SUBJECT:
Proclamation: Thanksgiving Day
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Commenis
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Please return to Judy Johnston, Ground Floor West Wing
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Office of the Attorney General
QUI PRO PRO DONNA
Washington, n. C. 20530
OCT 21 1975
The President,
The White House.
My dear Mr. President:
I am herewith transmitting a proposed proclamation entitled
"Thanksgiving Day, 1975."
This proposed proclamation was presented by the American Revolu-
tion Bicentennial Administration and has been forwarded for the con-
sideration of this Department as to form and legality by the Office of
Management and Budget, after minor revision in that agency.
The proposed proclamation is approved as to form and legality.
Respectfully,
Antonin Scalia
Assistant Attorney General
Office of Legal Counsel
OCT 21 1975
MEMORANDUM
Re: Proposed Proclamation Entitled "Thanksgiving
Day, 1975"
The attached proposed proclamation was presented by
the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration and
has been forwarded for the consideration of this Department
as to form and legality by the Office of Management and
Budget with the approval of the Director, after minor revi-
sion in that agency.
The proposed proclamation proclaims Thursday, Novem-
ber 27, 1975, as a day of national thanksgiving. Section
6103 of Title 5, United States Code, designates the fourth
Thursday of each November as Thanksgiving Day and makes that
day a legal public holiday. It does not request the President
to issue a proclamation with respect to Thanksgiving Day.
However, the President may do so if he wishes, and similar
proclamations have been issued annually for many years.
The proposed proclamation is acceptable as to form and
legality.
Antonin Scalia
Assistant Attorney General
Office of Legal Counsel
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
GENERAL COUNSEL
OCT 8 1975
Honorable Edward H. Levi
Attorney General
Washington, D. C. 20530
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
There is enclosed, in accordance with the provisions of
Executive Order No. 11030, as amended, a proposed procla-
mation entitled "Thanksgiving Day, 1975."
The proposed proclamation, along with the enclosed trans-
mittal letter, was submitted by the American Revolution
Bicentennial Administration, and calls for the observ-
ance of Thursday, November 27, 1975, as Thanksgiving Day.
It has been slightly revised in this office but no change
has been made in the basic sentiment expressed therein.
The issuance of this proposed proclamation is based on
tradition and is in accord with Section 6103 of Title 5
of the United States Code, making Thanksgiving Day a
legal holiday.
The proposed proclamation has the approval of the Director
of the Office of Management and Budget.
Sincerely,
(Signed) William M. Nichols
William M. Nichols
Acting General Counsel
Enclosures
DERALD B. FORD
THANKSGIVING DAY, 1975
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Two hundred years ago the frontier colonies of
America were bracing for a long and determined conflict
with the strongest military power of colonial times.
The petition of our Founding Fathers for redress of
their grievances was rejected by King and Parliament,
and the people of America began to build this great
Nation whose origin was later described by President
Lincoln as "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the
proposition that all men are created equal." "
Our Nation is the oldest continuously surviving
republic in the world. For 200 years our freedoms
have been questioned, challenged, tested, and rein-
forced. Our freedoms have shaped our destiny while
serving as a beacon to other peoples. Our Nation is
made of people of every creed, of every color, of
every race--people from every nation in the world
who for 200 years have come to America to share in
the work of democracy and to make a new nation with
a new hope.
On the eve of our 200th year, Thanksgiving Day
should be a day of special reflection upon the
qualities of heart, mind, and character of the men
and women who founded and built our great Nation. Let
us join in thanksgiving for our cultural pluralism.
Let us celebrate our diversity and the great strengths
we have drawn not from melting, but from sharing our
traditions, our ideas, our resources, our hopes, and
our dreams. Let us be grateful that for 200 years our
2
people have been dedicated to continue the search for
fulfillment of the democratic ideal and to secure
"liberty and justice for all."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President
of the United States of America, in accord with
Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code,
do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 27, 1975, as
a day of national thanksgiving.
Let each of us, in his own way, join in expres-
sing personal gratitude for the blessings of liberty,
peace, and abundance which are ours today, and in
so doing, let us reaffirm our belief in a dynamic
spirit that will continue to nurture and guide us
as we prepare to meet the challenge of Century III.
I call upon all Americans on this day to gather
together with family, friends, and loved ones, in
homes and places of worship, to join in offering
gratitude for the countless blessings our people
enjoy, and to share with our senior citizens and with
those less fortunate than ourselves, this special
day that brings us all closer together.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this
day of
/ in the
year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-five,
and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundredth.
THE WHITE HOUSE
PANERICAN REVOLUTION DENTENNING
1776-1976
October 2, 1975
Mr. William M. Nichols
Acting General Counsel
Office of Management and Budget
Executive Office of the President
Washington, D.C. 20503
Dear Mr. Nichols:
In accordance with your request of September 5, 1975, to
Mr. John W. Warner, Administrator, American Revolution
Bicentennial Administration, there is enclosed a proposed
draft proclamation for Thanksgiving Day 1975. Please let
us know if we can be of further assistance.
In the Spirit of '76,
Emm/th
Eugene J. Skora
General Counsel
Enclosure
Becent
November 21, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BOB HARTMANN
TED MARRS
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
SUBJECT:
Bicentennial Messages
In reference to the conversation we had yesterday with Eliska
Hasek, it seems to me that Bicentennial messages that are
incorporated in publications, such as yearbooks, would be a
bery helpful thing.
Therefore, it seems to me that it would be useful to follow-up
on this type of request and see if they cannot be honored.
JOM/dl
$ FORD LIS
GERALD
Jack -
FORD is LIBRARY QERALD
Please note
each of the
attachments,
letter from
especially the
the "II it is
quite good Russ !
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
M
November 24, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
BOB HARTMANN
FROM:
TED MARRS sem
SUBJECT:
BICENTENNIAL MESSAGES
Your suggestion concerning Bicentennial
messages for publications, yearbooks and the
satisfaction of other significant requests,
has been implemented.
We are using the message attached, which is
intended for special printing, as a typewritten
message with the final paragraph modified to
fit the group to which it is being sent. I
believe this will satisfy the requirement and
permit us to respond to all requests which merit
a Presidential message for the Bicentennial.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 21, 1975
NOV 24 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BOB HARTMANN
TED MARRS
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
SUBJECT:
Bicentennial June
In reference to the conversation we had yesterday with Eliska
Hasek, it seems to me that Bicentennial messages that are
incorporated in publications, such as yearbooks, would be a
very helpful thing.
Therefore, it seems to me that it would be useful to follow-up
on this type of request and see if they cannot be honored.
A Bicentennial Message
By the President of the
United States of America
J
uly 4, 1976 marks the beginning of our Third Century
as an INDEPENDENT NATION and the 200th Anniversary -
of the AMERICAN REVOLUTION. For two centuries our Nation
has grown, changed and flourished. A diverse people, drawn
from all corners of the EARTH, have joined together to fulfill the
Promise of Democracy.
AMERICA'S BICENTENNIAL is rich in History and in the promise
and potential of the years that lie Ahead. It is about the events
of our PAST, our ACHIEVEMENTS, our TRADITIONS, our
DIVERSITY, our FREEDOMS, our form of GOVERNMENT and our
continuing COMMITMENT to a better LIFE for all AMERICANS.
The BICENTENNIAL offers each of us the OPPORTUNITY to join
with our fellow CITIZENS in honoring the Past and preparing
for the Future in COMMUNITIES across the Nation. THUS, in
joining together as RACES, NATIONALITIES, and INDIVIDUALS. we
also retain and strengthen our TRADITIONS. BACKGROUND AND
personal FREEDOM.
As we lay the cornerstone of AMERICA'S Third Century, your very
SPECIAL PART in this great National UNDERTAKING Is MOST
COMMENDABLE.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Next year marks the beginning of our Third
Century as an independent Nation as well as the
200th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
For two centuries our Nation has grown, changed
and flourished. A diverse people, drawn from
all corners of the earth, have joined together to
fulfill the promise of democracy.
America's Bicentennial is rich in history and in
the promise and potential of the years that lie
ahead. It is about the events of our past, our
achievements, our traditions, our diversity,
our freedoms, our form of government and our
continuing commitment to a better life for all
Americans. The Bicentennial offers each of us
the opportunity to join with our fellow citizens
in honoring the past and preparing for the future
in communities across the Nation. Thus, in
joining together as races, nationalities, and
individuals, we also retain and strengthen our
traditions, background and personal freedom.
As we lay the cornerstone of America's Third
Century, your very special part in this great
national undertaking, the production of a Bi-
centennial edition of THE BELL for the 1976
class of the United States Army Command and
General Staff College, is most commendable.
MEMORANDUM
DEC 12 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 11, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
TED MARRS
FROM:
JIM J
In your memorandum of November 14th you recommended
that a Presidential Bicentennial Statement be filmed (16 mm)
to be sent, on request, to groups for use at their meetings
throughout the nation.
Bob Mead can make arrangements for the filming of the
Presidential message and it should probably be done on the
same day the President films his New Year's Day proc lamation.
To confirm the discussion today, Paul Theis will prepare the
60 second statement and forward it to Bill Nicholson for
attachment to the schedule proposal.
cc: Jack Marsh
Paul Theis
Bill Nicholson
Milt Mitler
Bob Mead
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Jack-
This is a good idea,
but it should have
gone to Connor through
you 1 perhaps Ted
told you about it
verbally?
Due
T
MEMORANDUM
DEC 5 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 4, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RON NESSEN
BOB MEAD
FROM:
JIM CONNOR
I'd appreciate having your views on the proposal by Ted Marrs
that we do a Presidential Bicentennial statement on film
for use at various meetings around the country.
encl.
cc: Jack Marsh
you're 1. right Ted
to
Aik gun AIK given
2
help
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 14, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM CONNOR
FROM:
TED MARRS
As we draw closer to 1976, we are receiving more and more
requests for a Presidential Bicentennial statement on
film which can be used at various meetings around the
nation. In many cases, the requests come from groups
which are planning Bicentennial commemorative activities and
would like to have the President attend but realize this is
not possible. Although a prepared message would be accept-
able as an alternative, there would be greater impact if the
President's remarks were on film. I envision about a five
minute presentation with the President reiterating some of the
things he has already said at the Old North Church, Concord,
Fort McHenry, etc.
I know there would be a cost involved in this but I believe
the values gained in terms of the President identifying
himself with the Bicentennial activities around the country,
which he has espoused, would far exceed the cost.
I would appreciate your assistance in helping to bring this
about.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 20, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Num
Jack, please note that the Bicentennial message taping is not on the
schedule for Monday. There may be a FCC equal time problem
here. I am working with Milt, Nicholson and Theis on this today.
Will keep you advised.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 19, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BOB MEAD
PAUL THEIS
FROM:
WILLIAM W. NICHOLSON WWN
SUBJECT:
Approved Presidential Activity
Please take the necessary steps to implement the following
and confirm with Mrs. Nell Yates, ext. 2699. The appropri-
ate briefing paper should be submitted to Dr. David Hoopes
by 4:00 p.m. of the preceding day.
Meeting: TAPING SESSION
Date: Mon., Dec. 22, '75
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 mins.
Location:
Press Coverage:
Purpose: Tape Christmas Message; and New Year's Message to be used
at Tournament of Roses event.
cc: Mr. Cheney
Mr. Hartmann
Mr. Marsh
Dr. Connor
Dr. Hoopes
Mr. Jones
Mr. Nessen
FORD LIBRARY s GERALD
Mr. O'Donnell
Mrs. Yates
Dr. Goldwin
Dr. Marrs
Mr. Mitler
DEC 22 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO: John Marsh
FROM: Robert A. Goldwin KG by nd
COMMENTS: This is a draft
I prepared at Jim Cannon's request
of a New Year's statement on a
bicentennial theme.
12/22/75
(Goldwin)
First Draft
12/22/75
New Year's Day, 1976, marks the beginning of our bicen-
tennial year. Behind us are 200 years of struggle and
accomplishment, 200 years of disappointments and triumphs.
Now we stand at the beginning of our Third Century of national
life.
Our national life began in danger and with uncertain pros-
pects that we could achieve national independence or sustain
it. But we won that struggle and today we are the oldest
unchanged constitutional republic in the world.
We began our national life in a world hostile to our founding
principles. Never before had a people founded a nation on
universal human rights and the principle that all legitimate
political authority derives from the people themselves.
That great legacy bears with it tremendous responsibilities.
We have always known that there is something special about
us because of the way we were founded. To illustrate this we
need only ask one simple question, what makes us "one people"?
-2-
After all, our population is composed of countless nationalities,
colors, races, and creeds.
What holds us together as one people is not national origin
nor a common religion, but rather it is allegiance to the
principles that founded us: justice for all, and the equal
right of very human being to life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness.
This year, beginning on this New Year's Day and continuing
throughout our observance of the bicentennial, I call on all
Americans to keep in mind these sobering thoughts:
First, much of the world is still hostile to the idea
that the people can and must govern themselves. Most of the
rulers of the world do not believe in political liberty, nor
do they practice it although many of them preach it. They
do not allow freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom
of the press, or freedom of religion.
We still live in a world hostile and dangerous to those
nations, like ourselves, who believe in and practice government
ARE
by the consent of the governed. Because we a minority in the
-3-
WE
world, must remain vigilant. The enemies of liberty are
still strong and numerous and persistent.
--Second, we must keep in mind that we are men and
women, not angels. We are not perfect. It is unreasonable
for us to demand perfection of ourselves, as individuals and
as a nation. But we are right to set very high standards and
to demand much of ourselves. We are wrong to lose faith in
ourselves if we sometimes fall short of our standards. We
have sound principles to guide us, and that is the source of
our strength. But human beings are fallible, and we often
do less than our best. It is true that too often, in practice,
we do not respect the equality of rights of all persons, we
do not follow our own precepts of equal justice, and crimes
are committed by persons in high places, in and out of
government, much to our shame.
But from this frank acknowledgment of human fallibity we
must draw the right conclusions. It does not mean that we
are no better than other nations with tyrannical governments.
We are better, because our aspirations are higher. I mean
our aspirations for liberty and human decency, in a world in
which the people of many other nations cannot realistically
-4-
ANYTHING BUT
hope for 1 regimentation and even degradation.
The essential fact is that we always have a standard to
guide us to better accomplishments, to the full realization
of a nation committed to liberty, equality, and justice. You
don't have to be an angel to be on the side of the angels.
Right principles sustain our faith and pride in ourselves as
Americans.
The world has changed in remarkable ways since 1776, but one
thing has remained remarkably unchanged-- the constitutional
system of government under which this nation lives. When we
see how little progress political liberty has made in the
rest of the world in those 200 years, we must be thankful
for the blessings of liberty we ourselves have enjoyed
throughout that time. In close co-operation with other
peoples and governments who value freedom, we must build our
strength to struggle on to preserve liberty and independence,
for our sake, for the sake of our friends, and for the sake
of the yearnings for freedom among all the peoples of the
world.
We must never stop believing in the power of that universal
-5-
desire of the human spirit to be free. We must never shirk
our responsibility to the world as a spokesman for liberty
and decency. We have a duty to defend what is right when
tyranny threatens. With all our faults and errors, openly
visible to ourselves and all the world, we still stand as
the world's best continuing hope for freedom from oppression,
poverty, and fear.
The problems of the day are many and severe. We are experiencing
inflation, unemployment, too much violent crime, excessive
growth of government, and internal struggles that are not
constructive and that seem very difficult of resolution.
Also, during an election year we Americans do tend
to
exaggerate our troubles and burdens.
But the coming of a New Year is a time for reckoning our
blessings as well as our burdens. We continue to be the
most prosperous great nation. We govern ourselves; we
protect rights; we enjoy liberties; and we maintain our
independence. We are at peace. Those are true blessings,
and for them we must give thanks.
We have had economic setbacks, largely because of outside
-6-
influences, but we are steadily and sensibly working our way
back to better times. If we stick to our present methods,
and do not give way to impulse or rashness, our economic
situation will be greatly improved in the course of this
year.
But our greatest national blessing is the one we started
with--political freedom based on the equal rights of every
man and woman to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
No nation has ever preserved liberty without great exertions.
We are no exception. Let us resolve to dedicate our Third
GREATER
Century of national life to great efforts to preserve and
enhance liberty for every individual among us.
Mrs. Ford joins me in sending to everyone in the world who
hears or may read my words our most sincere wishes for a New
Year of happiness, good health, freedom, satisfying accomplishmen
and peace throughout the world.