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7346156
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Remarks of the President at a Wreath-Laying Ceremony honoring Christopher Columbus [Ford Speech or Statement]
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7346156
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Remarks of the President at a Wreath-Laying Ceremony honoring Christopher Columbus [Ford Speech or Statement]
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White House Press Releases (Ford Administration)
Press Releases
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11
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1976-10-11
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1976
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a56b031163eae1be
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Digitized from Box 32 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 11, 1976
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT
AT A
WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY
HONORING CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
UNION STATION
1:42 P.M. EDT
Bonnie, Reverend Clergy, Mr. Ambassador, Mr.
Minister, Senator Domenici, Governor Lee, Mr. Mayor,
distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
Almost 500 years ago, a bold Italian mariner
dared to challenge the unknown. Each October, we set
aside a day to honor his memory. But Columbus Day, in
our Bicentannial Year, reminds us that the courage of
1776 was preceded by the courage of 1492.
Much has changed in the five centuries since
Columbus ventured into the Atlantic Ocean in command of
three small ships, flying the flag of Spain. In an
age of computers, laser beams and space probes of Mars,
it is hard for us to appreciate the awesome dangers
Columbus faced --- a wide and treacherous ocean, fickle
winds, and unreliable equipment.
Columbus knew full well that his daring adventure
could easily end in total disaster. Yet, in spite of the
enormous risk, he went forward, not just once, but four
times. In doing so, he not only discovered a new world,
but blazed a nautical trail for generations of Europeans
to follow.
Today, the thread of many cultures and many
nations are woven into the American fabric, which reminds
me of a story many times told to me by a Sunday School
teacher in my early youth. He used to talk about the
beauty of Joseph's coat -- the many colors -- the beauty
of Joseph's coat and its many colors. I believe that
the beauty and strength of America is its diversity,
just like the beauty of Joseph's coat is its beauty.
I salute the Italian-American Bicentennial
Commission, and the Knights of Columbus of the metropolitan
area for cosponsoring this wonderful occasion on this
gorgeous day. Columbus Day is not just a celebration
for Americans of Italian or Hispanic heritage, but a
truly national tribute by all Americans.
MORE
Page 2
Over the years, millions of immigrants have
come to America from every corner of the globe. Many
millions have been sons and daughters of Italy following
the course of Columbus. Like Columbus, they crossed an
ocean to pursue a dream. Like Columbus, they took great
risks. Their greatest reward was the fine careers of their
children and grandchildren who have risen to the highest
levels of achievement and respect in this great country.
Today, the problems we face in building a better
world can be just as difficult as the ones Columbus overcame
in finding a new one. The people of the old world still
look to the new world as the champion of freedom, the
champion of human rights. America has been their hope
and their health, and we will never let them down.
Our goal of peace with freedom requires every
bit as much courage, faith and endurance, and as much
toil, for Americans today as Columbus demanded of his
wonderful crew.
We can build a better world. We can do it by
working to preserve our neighborhoods and the influence
of the family on American life. We can do it by ensuring
a decent education and equal opportunity for every
American. We can do it by working to give our children
the very best legacy -- continued peace with freedom
throughout the world.
Today, we honor the bravery, the imagination,
the initiative of Christopher Columbus by laying the
wreath. We can honor him every day of the year by
being just as brave, just as imaginative and showing
as much initiative in facing the challenges before us.
We seek not a new trade route or a new continent,
but a new world of freedom, equality and lasting peace
among nations. Over the years, America has made great
strides toward that goal. As Columbus, himself, might
have thought, we have come too far to turn back now.
The course has been set.
Our mission to achieve the American dream
here at home, but also worldwide, will be achieved.
Thank you very much.
END
(AT 1:48 P.M. EDT)