Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
7345035
label
Remarks of the President at a Concert and Reception to Celebrate the Bicentennial [Ford Speech or Statement]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
7345035
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Remarks of the President at a Concert and Reception to Celebrate the Bicentennial [Ford Speech or Statement]
citationUrl
collections
White House Press Releases (Ford Administration)
Press Releases
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
7345035
levelOfDescription
item
productionDates
day
20
logicalDate
1976-07-20
month
7
year
1976
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
17db8697b7fc86c0
ocrText
Digitized from Box 29 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 20, 1976
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT
AT A
CONCERT AND RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL
THE ROSE GARDEN
10:04 P.M. EDT
Ladies and gentlemen of the Diplomatic Corps,
and distinguished guests:
Mrs. Ford and I are delighted to have all of you
here on this occasion this evening. On behalf of the
American people, I thank you for your very generous and
enthusiastic response of your Governments and your peoples
on our 200th birthday of the United States of America.
Among the many Bicentennial events, this one has
a very special significance. A unique aspect of America's
development has been its relationship between our nation and
the other countries of the world. Our strength and character
are derived from all corners of the globe. The Declaration
of Independence addressed itself to the entire world.
Today, just as two centuries ago, a decent respect
to the opinions of mankind continues to be our guide.
America's strength and America's well being arise from the
principles embodied in the Declaration of Independence.
In our country, we have united many races and many
ethnic groups, and that unity, equality and freedom will be
maintained in the years ahead. Americans are convinced that
constant devotion to the individual and national freedom
is essential to the highest and finest human aspirations.
Americans have never been satisfied with the
status quo. We see a future of steady movement toward a
better life through prosperity and justice shared by all.
We are proud of our success, and we are aware that no
nation can pursue its prosperity in isolation.
Our economies are closely linked. Neither security
nor justice can be assured in a world tormented by
deprivation andby suffering.
MORE
Page 2
The peoples of the world must, in our opinion,
live in peace to prosper. As President, I will continue
America's role of leadership throughout the world. Our
country could not have become what it is without the
enormous contributions of the many nations all of you
represent here this evening:
Today, in this very special year, I speak for
215 million Americans in expressing thanks to all those
nations with whom we have ties of family, culture, of
friendship, of trade and alliance. We rededicate ourselves
to working with you and with all humanity. Together
let us seek a human community responsive to all citizens.
Now, with my good and old friend, His Excellency
the distinguished Ambassador of Nicaragua, Dean of the
Diplomatic Corps, here in the national capital, Ambassador
Sevilla-Sacasa, please step forward.
In commemoration of America's Bicentennial, I am
pleased to present to you, Your Excellency, as representative
of the entire Diplomatic Corps, a gift that symbolizes the
spirit of this very special year in America's history. It
is a redwood carving bearing the American symbol, the
Bald Eagle, and carrying the legend, "Of America, Out of
Many, One."
This token, I should say to all of you here,
will be sent to each of you. Also, it represents how proud
we are in 1976 to enjoy the friendship and the good will of
all the countries that are represented here this evening.
Mr. Ambassador.
END
(AT 10:09 P.M. EDT)