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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Roberts, John G.: Files
Folder Title: JGR/Presidential Messages
(03/01/1983-10/21/1983)
Box: 38
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 1, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR DIANNA G. HOLLAND
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
ass
SUBJECT:
Presidential Message for a
Tribute to Leon Jaworski
I have telephoned Jack Wells and advised him that Counsel's
Office has no legal objection to the above-referenced
proposed Presidential message.
ID #
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
0 OUTGOING
H INTERNAL
I . INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent:
Dodie Surngston
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Presidential Message for a tribute
to dem Jaworski
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
W Holland
ORIGINATOR 83/03/01
/
/
Referral Note:
W AT 18
D
83,03,01
583103101
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
-
Referral Note:
/
/
/ /
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A * Appropriate Action
I Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C Comment/Recommendation
R. Direct Reply w/Copy
B - . Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D - Draft Response
S. For Signature
F . Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 1, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED FIELDING
FROM: JACK WELLS for DODIE LIVINGSTON
Attached for your review is a Presidential message
for a tribute to Leon Jaworski. Please immediately
review the draft and advise us of any suggested
comments or changes you may wish to make. Unfortunately,
time is of great essence as the University concerned
is holding up the necessary printing of tribute in
anticipation of this message.
We would appreciate your immediate attention for
this matter.
I am pleased to join the Baylor Law Review of Baylor
University School of Law in this well-deserved tribute to
Leon Jaworski.
This occasion presents an opportunity for me to express
my high regard for a truly outstanding American. Throughout
his career Leon Jaworski repeatedly demonstrated his deep
concern for the future and well-being of our nation. While
he was a most distinguished and respected member of the legal
profession, he came to symbolize much more to the American
people. In a difficult era of our country's history, his resolute
integrity and moral vision helped lead our nation out of that
trying period.
All Americans are thankful for Leon Jaworski's historic
service to the nation and the values he SO ably championed
throughout his life.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 23, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Request for Presidential Message
From Ray Scherer, RCA
The RCA Space Center is planning a celebration to commemorate
its twenty-fifth anniversary on March 28, and Ray Scherer,
RCA Vice President, has asked William F. Sittmann if President
Reagan might send a congratulatory letter to the RCA Chairman
and the General Manager of RCA Astro-Electronics. Mr.
Scherer thought such a message would be in keeping with the
President's recent tributes to high-technology industry.
The "Guidelines for Special Presidential Messages" circulated
August 20, 1982, provide that events sponsored by a profit-
making organization generally do not qualify for messages.
I see no reason to depart from this policy in this case, and
have drafted a memorandum to Sittman for your signature,
reminding him of the established policy.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 23, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM F. SITTMANN
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING Orig. signed by FFF
SUBJECT:
Request for President Message
From Ray Scherer, RCA
You have asked for our comments on the request from Ray
Scherer for a Presidential message commemorating the twenty-
fifth anniversary of the RCA Space Center. The "Guidelines
for Special Presidential Messages," circulated on August
20, 1982, provide that messages over the President's sig-
nature will be issued only for enumerated events and
occasions. The event described in Mr. Scherer's letter does
not fall within any of the accepted categories. In
addition, the Guidelines provide that events sponsored by a
profit-making organization generally do not qualify for
Presidential messages. We see no reason to depart from
established policy in this instance, and the request from
Mr. Scherer should accordingly be denied. I have attached a
copy of the Guidelines for your information and reference.
Attachment
FFF:JGR:aw 3/23/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 23, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM F. SITTMAN
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
SUBJECT:
Request for President Message
From Ray Scherer, RCA
You have asked for our comments on the request from Ray
Scherer for a Presidential message commemorating the twenty-
fifth anniversary of the RCA Space Center. The "Guidelines
for Special Presidential Messages," circulated on August
20, 1982, provide that messages over the President's sig-
nature will be issued only for enumerated events and
occasions. The event described in Mr. Scherer's letter does
not fall within any of the accepted categories. In
addition, the Guidelines provide that events sponsored by a
profit-making organization generally do not qualify for
Presidential messages. We see no reason to depart from
established policy in this instance, and the request from
Mr. Scherer should accordingly be denied. I have attached a
copy of the Guidelines for your information and reference.
Attachment
FFF:JGR:aw 3/23/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj.
Chron
: 30830
ID #.
CU
ME002
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
0 OUTGOING
H INTERNAL
I INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent: William Sitman/ Ray Scherer
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Scherer requests telles from President
to the RCA Space Center in honor of
their 25th anniversary
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code YY/MM/DD
WHolland
ORIGINATOR ,03,16
/
/
Referral Note:
CUAT18
$303,14
583,03,26
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
-
Referral Note:
/ /
/ /
I
Referral Note:
/ /
/
/
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A Appropriate Action
I - Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A. Answered
C Completed
C Comment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Copy
B - Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D Draft Response
S For Signature
F - Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
Roberts
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Fred:
Mike would like your comments on
the attached.
Thanks.
WILLIAM F. SITTMANN
RCA 1800 K Street NW Washington, DC 20006 Telephone (703) 558-4244
FF
30830
Mr. William F. Sittmann
RCA
Special Assistant to the President and
Special Assistant to the Deputy
Chief of Staff
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Ray Scherer
Vice President, Washington
Dear Mr. Sittmann:
February 23, 1983
I used to go to Joe Canzeri on matters like this. Joe tells me
I might try it out on you.
Briefly, The RCA Space Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary
on March 28, 1983. They are planning a big celebration and would
very much like a letter from the President.
RCA Astro is a high tech outfit if there ever was one. We noted
President Reagan's tribute to high tech in the State of the Union
message and hope that such a congratulatory letter would be con-
sistent with the kind of anniversary messages a president sends.
If this is possible, one letter should go to RCA Chairman Bradshaw
and the other to Charles A. Schmidt, general manager of RCA
Astro-Electronics.
The PR people from the space center have sent me a draft of the kind
of letter they'd like. I find it a bit lyrical, but it will give
your message writers the idea. I also enclose a memo on what RCA Astro-
Electronics has accomplished in the years since 1958.
Please send me a copy of whatever letter you might send.
Yours,
and thoules
Enclosure(s)
Ruy S been
THE WHITE HOUSE
Mr. Charles A. Schmidt
Division Vice President and
General Manager
RCA Astro-Electronics
P. O. Box 800
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Dear Mr. Schmidt:
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of RCA Astro-Electronics
in Hightstown, N.J.
When RCA decided to open Astro-Electronics just after the
Soviet Union launched Sputnik, your company demonstrated its
commitment to help put America first in the space race.
You have proven equal to that challenge. It was RCA equipment
that transmitted the first voice in space, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958. Your equipment allowed millions
of Americans to watch Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in
1969. And today you are developing direct broadcast satellites
to expand the entertainment available in our homes across the
country.
As I said in the State of the Union message January 25, Americans
are now pioneering in the miracle industry of high technology.
Your space shuttle cameras and radio equipment serve to demon-
strate that we are first in the world in space exploration. The
satellites you build for the Air Force and the Navy keep our
country's defenses strong.
This administration is committed to keeping America the techno-
logical leader of the world now and into the 21st century. We
need more people like you and your employees.
(s) Ronald Reagan
THE WHITE HOUSE
Mr. Thornton F. Bradshaw
Chairman
RCA Corporation
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10020
Dear Mr. Bradshaw:
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of RCA Astro-Electronics
in Hightstown, N.J.
When RCA decided to open Astro-Electronics just after the
Soviet Union launched Sputnik, your company demonstrated its
commitment to help put America first in the space race.
You have proven equal to that challenge. It was RCA equipment
that transmitted the first voice in space, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958. Your equipment allowed millions
of Americans to watch Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in
1969. And today you are developing direct broadcast satellites
to expand the entertainment available in our homes across the
country.
As I said in the State of the Union message January 25, Americans
are now pioneering in the miracle industry of high technology.
Your space shuttle cameras and radio equipment serve to demon-
strate that we are first in the world in space exploration. The
satellites you build for the Air Force and the Navy keep our
country's defenses strong.
This administration is committed to keeping America the
technological leader of the world now and into the 21st century.
We need more people like you and your employees.
(s) Ronald Reagan
At Will
March 28, 1983
BACKGROUND: RCA ASTRO-ELECTRONICS
MARKS 25 YEARS OF INNOVATION
In March, 1958, a few months after the launch of Sputnik I,
RCA established an "Astro-Electronics Products Division" at Princeton,
N.J. It was the first time an electronics company committed itself
to a major role in America's newborn space program.
RCA Astro-Electronics was given the responsibility to "develop
and produce Earth satellites, space vehicles, and their associated
ground equipment."
RCA Astro-Electronics has designed and constructed more than 100
satellites and subsystems which have logged more than 1,259 years
of orbiting time, traveling over 183 billion miles, and circling
the Earth more than six million times.
Here are some of RCA Astro's most notable achievements:
--1958 As part of Project SCORE, RCA Astro-built radio equipment
placed aboard a suborbital Atlas rocket beams the first recorded
message from outer space back to Earth. It was a Christmas message
of peace from President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
--1960 Echo I, the first passive communications satellite, is
launched. It carried tracking beacons and an associated power supply
system built by RCA Astro.
-2-
--1960 TIROS I, the world's first meteorological satellite,
is launched. Designed and built by RCA Astro, it remained operational
for 89 days and returned more than 22,000 pictures of the Earth's
weather.
--1961 TIROS III, launched in July, sets a dramatic precedent
when it discovers a major hurricane before conventional radar or
search aircraft spotted the storm.
--1962 Relay I, the first medium-altitude active repeater
communications satellite, is developed by RCA Astro and launched
by NASA. It establishes a standard for satellite reliability and
longevity, operating for 26 months.
--1964 In tandem with Relay I, Relay II, launched in January,
conducts 5,000 TV, voice, teletype and facsimile experiments and
demonstrations. Among them: live transmission to the U.S. of a
Soviet military parade in Moscow.
--1964 Before crash-landing on the moon, Ranger VII, carrying
an RCA Astro-built TV system, beams 4,000 high-quality photos back
to the Earth. Included are the first close-ups of the lunar surface.
--1965 TIROS IX returns more than 88,000 photographs, including
the first complete view of the world's weather.
--1966 RCA Astro builds the first operational weather
satellites for the Environmental Science Services Administration --
ESSA 1, 2, and 3.
--1967 For the three Lunar Orbiter missions, RCA Astro builds
communications and power supply systems and assists in spacecraft
design, systems engineering, environmental testing, and on-site
technical support. The spacecraft provided high-resolution pictures
of future Apollo lunar landing sites.
-3-
--1968 A hand-held TV camera built by RCA Astro makes
possible live close-up views of Apollo 7 astronauts in their
Command Module and, in Apollo 8, spectacular live views of the moon
and Earth.
--1970 A second generation of operational meteorological
satellites is introduced with the launching of ITOS I (Improved
TIROS Operational System.)
--1971 Used for the first time on the Apollo 15 mission,
RCA Astro's Ground Commanded Color TV Assembly (GCTA) provided
home viewers with the sharpest pictures ever sent from the moon,
including live coverage of the Lunar Module liftoff from the
lunar surface.
--1971 RCA Astro provides high-resolution return beam vidicon
TV cameras for Landsat I, first in a series of satellites using
remote sensing devices to survey the Earth's natural resources
and monitor man's impact on the environment. These cameras were
the highest-resolution TV systems ever flown by NASA.
--1973 NASA launches the first of three Atmosphere Explorer
satellites. Designed by RCA Astro, they collected data on the
interaction between the sun's energy and the Earth's Upper atmosphere.
--1975 RCA Satcom I is launched, transmitting TV, voice, and
other data signals throughout the U.S.
--1976 After a 450-million mile journey, two Viking spacecraft
touch down on the surface of Mars and beam historic pictures back
to Earth via communications subsystems developed and built by RCA
Astro.
-4-
-1978 TIROS-N, the forerunner of a new TIROS series, is
launched in October.
--1981 Two Dynamics Explorer satellites, built by RCA Astro,
are placed in orbit by NASA. They provide scientists with a
clearer understanding of the interaction between solar winds and
the Earth's magnetic fields.
--1981 The Space Shuttle Columbia successfully completes
its maiden voyage. A closed circuit TV system built by RCA Astro
transmits live TV pictures back to Earth during the flight.
--1982 RCA Astro completes a study on the feasibility of
placing a TIROS satellite into orbit around an asteroid (Asteroid
Rendezvous Mission)
-1982 RCA Satcom V, the world's first operational all-solid
state domestic communications satellite, is launched. RCA Astro
selected to be the first supplier of Direct Broadcast Satellites
(DBS)
-0-
83/515
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 20, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR WHITE HOUSE STAFF
FROM:
RICHARD G. DARMAN
MS.
SUBJECT:
Guidelines for Special Presidential Messages
Attached for your information and use are Guidelines for
Presidential Messages.
The guidelines note what messages and letters may be sent out
over the President's signature to recognize various special
occasions, events, and circumstances.
Presidential messages are handled either in the Office of
Special Presidential Messages (SPM) or the Office of White House
Correspondence (WHC). The guidelines also note the types of
messages and letters for which each of these offices is responsible.
Dodie Livingston, Special Assistant to the President, is
Director of the Office of Special Presidential Messages (SPM).
She can be reached at x2941, Room 480-OEOB.
Anne Higgins, Special Assistant to the President, is Director
of the Office of White House Correspondence (WHC). She can be
reached at x7610, Room 94-OEOB.
If you have questions, please call their offices.
August 1982
GUIDELINES FOR SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES
It is traditional that Presidential Messages be issued over the
President's signature to recognize various special occasions,
events, and circumstances.
These Guidelines reflect traditional practices dating back through
several previous Administrations as well as new program initia-
tives undertaken by the Reagan Administration. Their purpose is
to clarify what messages may be authorized, to assure there is
no unnecessary duplication of effort, and to maintain proper
standards for messages. As in all matters involving the use
of the President's name, no message should be promised before
it has been approved.
Two White House offices -- the Office of Special Presidential
Messages (SPM) and the Office of White House Correspondence
(WHC) -- have operational responsibility for the issuance of
Presidential Messages.
In most instances, the Office of Special Presidential Messages
(SPM) handles messages for public events while the Office of
White House Correspondence (WHC) handles messages for individuals.
However, for your convenience, the acronyms (SPM) and (WHC) will
identify which office processes the messages explained in the
categories that follow:
1. MESSAGES OVER THE PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE USUALLY WILL BE
LIMITED TO:
a. Major national conventions, annual meetings, or events
of significant national organizations. These include
fraternal, religious, trade, ethnic, historical, mili-
tary, educational, and other groups. Local, state, or
regional branches or chapters of these organizations
normally do not qualify. (SPM)
b. Commemorative events. Certain annual observances that
are not accorded Proclamations are recognized with a
Presidential Message. These observances must be on a
national scale. They include Black History Month; Crime
Prevention, Brotherhood, Library, and Secretaries Weeks;
and Lincoln's Birthday, St. Patrick's Day, etc. (SPM)
C. Political/Congressional events. These are handled case
by case in accord with guidelines jointly applied by the
Office of Legislative Affairs, the Office of Political
Affairs, and the Office of Special Presidential
Messages. (SPM)
2
d. Tributes to outstanding national figures. (SPM)
e. Local testimonials when specifically authorized by the
President. (SPM)
f. Significant anniversaries of non-profit service
organizations and institutions. (SPM)
g. Charitable or fundraising events -- only as follows:
The President recognizes certain major fundraising
organizations such as the American Red Cross, Cancer
Association, etc., at their annual dinners or conventions.
Unless the President or Mrs. Reagan or both have specifi-
cally endorsed an event, the Office of the President is
not to be associated with a specific fundraising event.
There is a limited exception to this stringent rule: In
certain instances, when an event is consistent with the
President's Private Sector Initiatives program, messages
may be issued for fundraisers if cleared by the Director
of Special Presidential Messages and the Special Assistant
to the President for Private Sector Initiatives. (SPM)
h. Autographed pictures: Available in connection with
White House business. (WHC)
i. Bar/Bath Mitzvahs, ordinations, confirmations, baptisms,
etc.: Routine requests receive general religious card.
Important members of Congress, White House staff, friends
of the White House receive special letters. (WHC)
j. Birthdays: 100 years and over, form letter; 80-99 years,
card; members of Congress, form letter; White House staff,
members of Cabinet, more important members of Congress,
national celebrities, special letter. (WHC)
k. Birth of baby: Routine requests, card; members of
Congress, friends of the White House, White House staff,
special letter. (WHC)
1. Church, synagogue anniversaries: 50 years and over,
form letter; less than 50, general religious occasion
card. (WHC)
m. City, town, county anniversaries: 50 years or more for
large cities, form letter; centennials or more of large
cities, form letter; centennials or more of small towns,
cities, or counties, form letter. (WHC)
n. Condolence cards and letters: Routine requests, card;
friends of the President, firemen killed in the line of
duty, etc., special letter. (WHC)
O. Human interest: Special letters to those deserving of
special attention on an individual basis. (WHC)
3
p. Newspaper anniversaries: 50 years or more, form
letter. (WHC)
q. Radio station anniversaries: 50 years or more, form
letter. (WHC)
r. Religious anniversaries (nuns, ministers, rabbis, etc.):
35 years or more, form letter. (WHC)
S. Religious retirements: 50 years or more, form
letter. (WHC)
t. Retirements: 35 years or more, form letter; under 35
years, card; special letters to White House employees,
Congressional requests, Uniformed Division of Secret
Service, volunteers, etc. (WHC)
u. Scouting awards: Cards designating specific award. (WHC)
V. Wedding anniversaries: 60 years or more, form letter,
50 years or more, card; special letters to members of
Congress, friends of the White House, etc. (WHC)
2. THE FOLLOWING GENERALLY WILL NOT QUALIFY FOR MESSAGES
a. Events of a commercial nature or events sponsored by a
profit-making organization.
b. Local testimonials (unless the individual is known by
the President).
c. Tributes to members of the Judiciary (other than standard
letters on retirement or assumption of "senior status").
d. Tributes to military personnel.
e. Individuals or groups travelling abroad in an unofficial
capacity or those who are not specifically authorized to
speak for the President -- except as may be specifically
approved by the National Security Adviser.
f. Events sponsored by licensing bodies or local authorities.
g. Ceremonies conferring honorary degrees.
h. Presentation ceremonies, tributes, or awards to U.S.
citizens by foreign governments or their consular services.
3. APPEAL PROCESS: If a staff member believes that an event or
person not qualifying under these policies should receive a
message with the President's signature, he or she should
4
consult with the Office of Special Presidential Messages or
the Office of White House Correspondence -- whichever is
applicable -- on the question. If not satisfied, he should
pursue his inquiry through appropriate Senior Staff channels.
4. TIMING: Message requests should reach either the Office of
Special Presidential Messages or the Office of White House
Correspondence at least ten days ahead of the due date to
allow time for research, preparation, and clearances. The
staffs of both offices do their best to accommodate emer-
gencies but cannot always guarantee delivery of messages to
distant points without sufficient notice. When in doubt
about timing, please consult the appropriate office.
5. SUGGESTIONS: The Office of Special Presidential Messages
and the Office of White House Correspondence welcome back-
ground information and/or suggestions on the content and
tone of messages when staff members have particular insights
or information on the subject.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 20, 1983
FOR:
FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Request for President to Recreate the
Signing of the Last Letter by General
Washington as Commander-in-Chief of
the Continental Army
Frank Finnegan, Press Director of the Steuben Society of America,
has written Larry Speakes to request that the President
"recreate" the signing of Washington's last letter as
Commander-in-Chief to General von Steuben on December 23, 1783.
General von Steuben is apparently something of a patron saint to
German-Americans. Finnegan asks that the President sign his last
letter of 1983 as close to December 23 as possible, and that it
be sent to Steuben Society Chairman Robert Diedolf. Finnegan
also offered to send down someone dressed as General von Steuben,
and some singers and dancers to liven up the ceremony.
I see nothing wrong with the President sending a nice message on
December 23 to Diedolf to commemorate the anniversary (if
Research agrees with Finnegan's history), but I really do not see
the point -- or the possibility -- of having this be the last
Presidential letter of 1983. A draft memorandum to Speakes, copy
to Higgins, is attached.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 24, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR LARRY M. SPEAKES
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
Orig. signed by FFF
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request for the President to Recreate the
Signing of the Last Letter by General
Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the
Continental Army
We have reviewed the letter sent to you by Frank Finnegan,
Press Relations Director of the Steuben Society of America,
requesting that the President "recreate" George Washington's
signing of his last letter as Commander-in-Chief. According
to Finnegan, Washington's last such letter was signed on
December 23, 1783, and sent to General von Steuben.
Finnegan proposes that the President sign his "last letter
of 1983" as close to December 23 as possible, and have it be
a letter to Steuben Society Chairman Robert Diedolf.
We would have no objection to observing the 200th anniver-
sary of Washington's letter to von Steuben with a
December 23 letter from the President to the Steuben
Society, assuming verification of the historical facts.
(This could also tie in with the 300th (Tricentennial) of
German-American relations.) We do not, however, see much
point in making this the last Presidential letter of 1983,
even if that were feasible.
CC: Anne Higgins
FFF: JGR:aea 10/24/83
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 24, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR LARRY M. SPEAKES
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request for the President to Recreate the
Signing of the Last Letter by General
Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the
Continental Army
We have reviewed the letter sent to you by Frank Finnegan,
Press Relations Director of the Steuben Society of America,
requesting that the President "recreate" George Washington's
signing of his last letter as Commander-in-Chief. According
to Finnegan, Washington's last such letter was signed on
December 23, 1783, and sent to General von Steuben.
Finnegan proposes that the President sign his "last letter
of 1983" as close to December 23 as possible, and have it be
a letter to Steuben Society Chairman Robert Diedolf.
We would have no objection to observing the 200th anniver-
sary of Washington's letter to von Steuben with a
December 23 letter from the President to the Steuben
Society, assuming verification of the historical facts.
(This could also tie in with the 300th (Tricentennial) of
German-American relations.) We do not, however, see much
point in making this the last Presidential letter of 1983,
even if that were feasible.
CC: Anne Higgins
FFF: JGR:aea 10/24/83
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chror
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 20, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR LARRY M. SPEAKES
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request for the President to Recreate the
Signing of the Last Letter by General Washington
as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army
We have reviewed the letter sent to you by Frank Finnegan, Press
Relations Director of the Steuben Society of America, requesting
that the President "recreate" George Washington's signing of his
last letter as Commander-in-Chief. According to Finnegan,
Washington's last such letter was signed on December 23, 1783,
and sent to General von Steuben. Finnegan proposes that the
President sign his last letter of 1983 as close to December 23 as
possible, and have it be a letter to Steuben Society Chairman
Robert Diedolf.
We would have no objection to observing the 200th anniversary of
Washington's letter to von Steuben with a December 23 letter from
the President to the Steuben Society, assuming verification of
the historical facts. We do not, however, see much point in
making this the last Presidential letter of 1983, even if that
were feasible.
CC: Anne Higgins
Home: 166 No. Bedford Rd
Chappaqua, N.Y. 10514
National Press Relations Director
SOCIETY
National Council
STATES
OF
Frank D.X. Finnegan
THE
AMERICA
STEUBEN SOCIETY OF AMERICA
6705 FRESH POND ROAD
Home Phone: (914) 238-4291
FOUNDED
MAY
6161
RIDGEWOOD, N. Y. 11385
Tel.: 212-381-0900
ROBERT H. DIEDOLF, National Chairman
ILSE HOFFMANN, National Secretary
Mr. Larry Speakes
Sally
September 19, 1983
Presidential Press Sect.
174233
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Larry:
As an old Reagan supporter - worked on three press conferences
during his NYC campaign including the great Al Smith dinner with
Jimmy Carter - I am trying to keep a good portion of the 52-million
German-Americans on the Republican line. And as a press agent for
some 37-years I can say you are doing a great job in spite of the
ultra-liberal press pounding you from all sides.
The Steuben Society of America, the largest civic, cultural and
educational organization of Americans of German descent in the
country, have a big favor to ask our great President Ronald Reagan.
This coming December 23rd is the 200th Anniversary of the
signing of the last letter by General George Washington as Commander-
in-Chief of the Continental Army. He sent this letter to our patron
Maj. Gen. Friedrich William Baron von Steuben thanking him for the
contribution he made in training the Continental troops at Valley
Forge which led to ultimate victory against the British in the
Revolutionary War. The next day he left for his home in Mount
Vernon.
We are proud of this letter (a copy hangs over my desk).
52-million German-Americans (the largest ethnic group in the
country) would be proud as all heck if President Reagan would
recreate this scene by signing his last letter of 1983 (before he
goes on his Christmas vacation) nearest the Dec. 23rd date as a
tribute to this historic date in American history.
Our National Chairman Robert Diedolf would be the recipient
of this historic letter. Possibly we can bring down one of our
members dressed as Gen. von Steuben, have singers and dancers liven
up the ceremony. You are aware the Germans brought the Christmas
tree to America and Silent Night is a German hymn.
I can assure you if President Reagan gives us this honor he 11
get more German-American votes than any other ethnic group.
Enclosed is background material on
General von Steuben Kimigon
Regards, Frank D.X. Finnagen
Duty, Justice, Charity and Tolerance!
National Council
SOCIETY Of AMERICA
STEUBEN SOCIETY OF AMERICA
6705 FRESH POND ROAD
COUNDED
MAY
RIDGEWOOD, N. Y. 11385
Tel.: 212-381-0900
ROBERT H. DIEDOLF, National Chairman
Frank D.X. Finnegan
ILSE HOFFMANN, National Secretary
National Press Relations Dir.
Home: (914) 238-4291
Broken ground
Congresson had some mee
April 22, 1983
words to say about as Rengin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KNOCKWURST-BRATWURST-SAUERBRATEN TO REPLACE PIZZA AND SUSHI
AS NATIONAL FOOD FAVORITES DURING GERMAN-AMERICAN TRICENTENNIAL YEAR.
CONGRESSMAN STRATTON LAUNCHES SIX MONTH CELEBRATION EATING
SAUERBRATEN AT STEUBEN SOCIETY NATIONAL DINNER - BAVARIAN CHALET,
GUILDERLAND, N.Y., - APRIL 23, 1983.
Some 30-million knockwurst, bratwurst, weisswurst, bockwurst, schnitzles, frank-
furters, sauerbraten and dumplings and apfel strudels will be eaten with over 50-million
gallons of beer quaffed, wine, soda, tea and coffee consumed during 1983 the Tricentennial
(300th Anniversary) of Germans coming to America according to a survey by the Steuben
Society of America.
Robert H. Diedolf, Chairman of the Steuben Society of America, a national civic,
patriotic and cultural fraternal society of Americans of German descent, said today,
"What well may be the largest ethnic celebration in U.S. History will take place in the
next six months when some 20-million German-Americans will take part in over 2,000
festivals, picnics, carnivals, musical, art and literary events and Lutheran and Catholic
Kolping services in such places as New Braunfels, Texas, Nassau County, N.Y., Columbia,
Ill., St. Petersburg, Fla., New Ulm, Minn., San Francisco, Ca., Frankenmuth, Mich.,
Saugerties and Hunter Mt. N.Y., Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, N.J., as well as
such heavily populated centers of German-American activity as St. Louis, Chicago,
Duty, Justice, Charity and Tolerance!
-2-
Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, New York, Westchester and Putnam Counties, N.Y.,
Rochester, N.Y., and all over Florida."
The Steuben Society will launch this six month celebration of the Tricentennial
at its Annual National Council Dinner to be held in the Bavarian Chalet in Guilderland,
N.Y. (outside of Albany) with guest of honor Congressman Samuel S. Stratton (Dem.-
Amsterdam, N.Y.), dean of the New York Congressional delegation and a high ranking member
of the Armed Services Committee, taking repast in a sauerbraten and dumpling dinner.
The 300th Anniversary celebration comes to a close during the Oktoberfest season with a
gala banquet in Philadelphia on October 6, 1983, with President Ronald "Dutch" Reagan
and Federal Republic of West Germany's President Karl Carstens as guests of honor.
It was 300-years ago October 6, 1683 when the first group of settlers (13
families - 33 people in all - mostly Mennonites) from Krefeld, Germany on the good ship
"Concord" (considered by many to be the German-American "Mayflower") landed in Phila-
delphia, Pa. "Deutschstadt" was the name given to their first settlement, some six
miles north of Philadelphia. Before long, the name was changed to Germantown which
is an integral part of the bustling city of "Brotherly Love."
The 1980 figures of the U.S. Census Bureau list 52-million Americans, or
28.8 per cent of the total population to have some German ancestry. Only a small part
of this the largest ethnic group in the U.S. was born in Germany. The vast majority
are descendants of the seven million Germans who immigrated to America over the course
of three centuries.
From the North Sea to the Rhine from the Elbe to the Baltic to the Bavarian
Alps they came with their music, their festivals, their religious fervor, their colorful
costumes, their industriousness, their gemutlichkeit (cordiality and friendliness) to
make a contribution second to none as an ethnic group to the building of America.
They may have been Swabians, Hamburgers, Berliners, Cannstatters, Hanover-
ians, Plattdeutsches, Bavarians, Gottscheers and Silesians but in their adopted country
they and their descendants were proud to be Americans.
-3-
A 20-cent commemorative stamp marking the 300th Anniversary year of the
arrival of the first German immigrants in the U.S. will be issued April 29 in German-
town, Pa. The eyes of the world will be focused on the 100th Anniversary celebration
of the birthday of the Brooklyn Bridge on May 24, 1983. The bridge's designer
Johann Augustus Roebling was born in Mulhausen, Germany. A 20-cent commemorative
stamp marking this occasion will be issued on May 17, 1983 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Some of the top Tricentennial festivals during this summer and fall will be
A German Summer Fest and the Visit of the German tall ship "Gorch Foch" to Penn's
Landing in Philadelphia, the performance of "The Bamberg Symphony Orchestra" at
Carnegie Hall in N.Y.C., the marching of some 50,000 German-Americans and guests from
Germany up New York's Fifth Avenue in the annual Steuben Day Parade on September 24,1983
the German Heritage Festival at the Garden State Art Center, Holmdel, N.J., the
Bavarian Family Festival in Frankenmuth, Michigan, the St. Louis, Mo. Strassenfest
(Street Festival), the Heritagefest in New Ulm, Minn., the huge Tricentennial fests
at the 300th birthday of the founding of the Hudson Valley at Saugerties, N.Y., the
German Alps Festival at Hunter, N.Y., the German Night at Eisenhower Park, East
Meadow, L.I.
The Steuben Society of America was founded in 1919 and has a long record
of activity in public, cultural and educational affairs. This national society of
German-Americans is named after Maj. Gen. Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben
(pronounced oy as in toy) - the Prussian born Revolutionary War hero who came to our
shores in 1777 to train the ragged troops of General George Washington at Valley
Forge in the Fight for Independence. Steuben is buried in a State Memorial site
in Remsen, N.Y., outside of Utica, N.Y.
With his battle experience gained in Prussia under Frederick The Great,
Steuben was the only officer in command at Yorktown who had ever been present at
a siege. He had the honor of being Commander of the lead division in the trenches
when the British flag was lowered. His manual on "rules and order of discipline"
called the "Blue Book" were used by the U.S. Army for generations. He instituted
-4-
the first military maneuvers, inspection of troops, drills and military formation for
an American Army. He was the creator of the discharge papers from military service.
He instituted the first discipline in our armed forces and was organizer of its militar
system and economy. The first budget for military wares was drawn up by Steuben
saving our Treasury over $600,000 (a lot of money for Revolutionary times). He was
both a military and economic genius.
Steuben proposed plans to George Washington for a military academy of
officers who would have to take courses in Latin, Greek, Math., Science, literature,
physical education, social graces as well as military science and training. This
plan developed into the Citadel of the South and West Point. Of all the ethnic
people after whom a parade is named in N.Y.C. St. Patrick, Columbus, Pulaski
Steuben is the only person ever to live in N.Y.C. (at the Lourve on East 68 St.
where now stands New York Hospital) and the only one to have become a citizen of
the United States. He was honored with Alexander Hamilton, Generals Knox, Greene
and Wayne and New York Mayor James Duane and Samuel Fraunces (owner) to be present
at Washington's "farewell to his troops" speech at Fraunces Tavern in N.Y.C., now
a historic museum.
He was chosen a regent of the State University of N.Y., and a founder of
the Order of Cincinnati (the alumni organization of Revolutionary officers).
Congress voted him a pension of $2500 for his military service and the State of N.Y.
gave him a gift of 16,000 acres in Remsen, N.Y. (outside of Utica) where he is buried
in a memorial grove. Outside of Washington Steuben probably had more headquarters
than any other Revolutionary general at Valley Forge, the battle of Monmouth, N.J.,
the James River in Virginia, the Siege at Yorktown, River Edge, N.J., West Point, N.Y.,
Knox Headquarters in Vails Gate, N.Y. (Orange Co. the Highlands overlooking the
Hudson River. A huge statue and monument of Steuben stands in our nation's capitol
(Washington, D.C.)
However distinct and valuable were the material contributions, such as
-5-
agriculture, its paper manufacturing, its weaving and milling industries, the German
settlement in colonial Pennsylvania was still more remarkable for another feature, -a
monument built more enduring than brass, erected for the cause of humanity, that will
make Germantown forever memorable in the annals of the people of the United States.
This was Germantown's protest against negro slavery, made in the year 1688, the first
formal action ever taken against the barter in human flesh within the boundaries of the
United States.
On the 18th of April, 1688 the Germans had the courage to petition in protest
to the Quakers, the proprietors of the Colony of Pennsylvania, to take steps to abolish
the barbarous institution of slavery. This document is still in existence. The German
town Germans denounced slavery as immoral and against the laws of God and morality.
One of the most patriotic events ever chronicled in American history is that
memorable scene which took place in the Lutheran Church in Woodstock, Va., when Pastor
Peter Muhlenberg gave his last sermon in January 1776. At the close of his sermon
the minister spoke of the duties we owe our country, saving with a fervor born of
conviction that "there was a time for preaching and praying, but also a time for
battle, and that such a time had now arrived." He pronounced the benediction threw
off his clerical robe, and behold, minister no more, he stood in the uniform of a
Colonel of the Continental Army. As he slowly descended from the pulpit the drums were
beaten outside the church, for the mustering of the soldiers in the cause of freedom.
Four hundred recruits were at once taken into the regiment of Muhlenberg which later
distinguished itself at Brandywine, Germantown, Valley Forge and the battle of Monmouth
N.J.
Duty, Tolerance, Charity and Justice are not only cornerstones of the
Structure of the Steuben Society of America but are fundamental to the existence
of the American Republic itself.
The contribution of Americans of German descent which will be highlighted
during this Tricentennial (300th Birthday) Celebration is the top news story of 1983
National Press Relations Director
National Council
Frank D.X. Finnegan
SECURITY SOCIETY OF AMERICA
STEUBEN SOCIETY OF AMERICA
6705 FRESH POND ROAD
Home Phone: (914) 238-4291
MAY
Blat
RIDGEWOOD, N. Y. 11385
Tel.: 212-381-0900
ROBERT H. DIEDOLF, National Chairman
September 13, 1983
ILSE HOFFMANN, National Secretary
For Immediate Release
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEDICATES BUST OF GENERAL von STEUBEN
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERO AT GERMAN-AMERICAN TRICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. - Saturday - September 17th - 3:00 p.m.
The Steuben Society of America, the largest national patriotic,
civic and cultural organization of Americans of German descent, will
have the honor of having the National Park Service dedicate a life
size bust in honor of its patron Maj. Gen. Friedrich Wilhelm Baron
von Steuben at Valley Forge National Park, Valley, Forge, Pa. on
Saturday, Sept. 17th at 3:00 p.m. it was announced today by
Robert H. Diedolf, National Chairman of the Steuben Society of
America. (Mr. Diedolf hails from Patchogue, N.Y.)
The bust, paid for by the United States government, was
executed by Hungarian-born sculpter Professor Josef Kendetagi Orsolya
whose studio is in Norfolk, Va.
The ceremony at Valley Forge is sponsored by the Pastorius
Unit No. 38 of Philadelphia whose chairlady is Ms. Kathe E. Kaiser.
Mr. Herman Witte, vice chairman of the Pastorius Unit will
be master of ceremonies.
The Rev. Engelbert Michel of St. Henry's of Philadelphia will
give the invocation. Wallace B. Elms, Superintendent of the Valley
Forge National Park Service, will welcome Steubenites from throughout
the country to the bust unveiling. The main speaker at the event
Duty, Justice, Charity and Tolerance!
Steuben Bust Dedication No. 2
will be Professor Russell F. Weigley of the History Dept. of
Temple University
The annual "Von Steuben Cadet Military Training Award" will
be given to Nicholas L. Manthos of the Valley Forge Military Academy
and Junior College.
Ms. Beth Woodward, of Huntingdon Valley, Pa. the Cornflower
Queen of the Philadelphia Steuben Day Parade, to be held on Oct. 1,
will unveil the bust along with Richard L. von Steuben, a student
at Widener Univ., who is a direct descendant of General von Steuben's
uncle.
Princesses Christina Roesler and Karin C. Hehlinger of the
Steuben Day Parade will lay a wreath at the bust. Music at the
event will be supplied by the Damenchor Heimatecho singing society
of Philadelphia.
Ms. Ilse Hoffmann of Larchmont, N.Y., National Secretary of
the Steuben Society of America will deliver the closing prayer.
Sept. 17th, the day of the bust dedication, is the 253rd
anniversary of General von Steuben's birthday. A replica of his
headquarters is at one end of Valley Forge National Park and a
huge statue of Steuben overlooks the parade grounds where he drilled
a ragged group of volunteers during the winter of 1778 into America's
first organized army. Steuben's appearance at Valley Forge is
hailed by historians as the turning point of the Revolutionary War--
without his service we Americans may well be under British rule today.
The Steuben bust dedication is one of several thousand ceremonies
taking place across America during this the Tricentennial Year of
the first organized immigration of German settlers to America- the
300th Anniversary celebration taking place in Philadelphia on
Oct. 6th, 1983. :-
Philadelphia contact:
Vathe E Kaiser (215)
REPORTER DISPATCH
The, for your own Gonnett paper mere me en White flairs..
White Plaine, ILY.
MAY 20 -83
Germans have lots to celebrate
By J. Franklin Jones Silb
they did and defeated the British
Next Tuesday is gonna be one
right across the river at Stony Point.
helluva noisy, raucus day from the
All surveys indicate that during
It was the first battle ever won by
Gowanus to Greenpernt. Thousands
the summer and early fall about 30
the Americans without ever having
of barrels of beer, millions of pretzels
million knockwurst, bratwurst,
fired a shot.
and miles of frankfurters will be
weisswurst, schnitzeles, frankfurters,
You
After the war, von Steuben pro-
unleashed as the burghers celebrate
sauerbraten, dumplings and apfel
posed plans to Washington for a mili-
the 100th anniversary of "The eighth
strudeks - washed down with 50
and me
tary academy at the Citadel of the
wonder of the world," as it was
million gallons of beer - will be
South and for our own West Point. He
called in 1883 - the BROOKLYN
eaten and drunk as we carry out part
was present when Washington deliv-
BRIDGE!
of the Tricentennial celebration. Es-
ered his "farewell to the troops" at
This event is mentioned here be-
pecially in Brooklyn!
Westchester County and the arrival
the establishment of another German
cause the bridge, the greatest suspen-
You see, all the beer and hot dogs
of the first Germans in America
known as Fraunces Tavern.
sion bridge of its time, was planned
are just the German part of the
coincide. They both came about in
But there's one strange thing we
and built by a German named John
Tricentennial whing-ding and spon-
1683. That's when the Germans
might call Ed Koch's attention to,
Augustus Roebling. Unfortunately, he
sored by the Steuben Society of
joined up with us Irish and Welsh and
and that is that of all the ethnic
died of lockjaw while building it.
America. The other nationalities un-
French and Dutch and English and
leaders for whom a parade is named
However, his son Washington saw the
doubtedly will follow during the year
Scandinavians to build a new country
in Manhattan - St. Patrick, Colum-
bridge completed from his window in
and I'll get around to them as they
of freedom and independence.
bus, Pulaski - Steuben was the only
Brooklyn Heights after he suffered
happen.
It was on Oct.6, 1683 that the first
one who lived in New York and who
the bends. But he saw the Roebling
German settlers - 13 families, 33
became a U.S. citizen.
family's dream come true.
Unfortunately, a lot of people,
including me, are all mixed up with
people - first came to this country.
It's to be noted that von Steuben
They had quite a shebang in
the Bicentennial we had seven years
A hundred years later, when we were
was a regent of the State University
Brooklyn that day 100 years ago.
ago and this Tricentennial we're hav-
fighting our Revolutionary War, the
of New York (SUNY) and founded the
President Chester A. Arthur and New
ing now. The Bicentennial celebrated
Germans did their part. One of the
Order of Cincinnati. Later Congress
York Gov. Grover Cleveland led the
the time when the United States
generals who came over here to help
gave him a pension of $2,500 and the
way across the bridge. Washington
became a nation. The Tricentennial is
out Washington, along with Lafayette,
state gave him a gift of 16,000 acres
Roebling could only watch the culmi-
to celebrate when Westchester be-
was Maj. Gen. Freidrich Wilhelm
at Remsen where he is buried.
nation of 14 years work from his
came a political entity under the
Baron vob Steuben.
Many Germans who migrated to
bedroom window. However, he lived
colonial government in the 17th cen-
America left their mark in the many
to the ripe old age of 89, dying in
We gotta get one thing straight-
tury.
ened out at the outset. The baron's
contributions they left us. All of us
1926.
After browsing for three hours in
name is NOT pronounced "stewben"
newspaper ginks probably wouldn't
A week after the bridge opened,
the White Plains Library the other
like in oyster stew. It's pronounced
have a job today if it weren't for
on Memorial Day, catastrophe struck.
another young fellow who came over
With 20,000 people on the bridge a
afternoon all I could come up with
"oy" like in toy or ship ahoy. Baron
was this: "Westchester County as a
von Steuben as he was known in
from Germany and settled in
woman fell on one of the stairways,
Prussia.
Eastchester known as John Peter
another woman screamed, some nut
unit of government MAY BE SAID to
Zenger. He was a printer and journal-
shouted that the bridge was collaps-
begin in 1683." However, that "may-
The baron was in all the major
ist who came here in 1710 and started
ing and a stampede broke out killing
be" is what we're celebrating this
battles of the war and was at Valley
year. As I read on, "The County Town
the "New York Weekly Journal" to
12 people.
Forge but he had more headquarters
where the court was held was at first
oppose the policies of the provincial
But today, 100 years later, the
than anyone except George himself.
Westchester. The town which gave its
government. He was brought to trial
bridge still stands as a memorial to
At Monmouth, Yorktown, River's
name to the county is no longer a
for seditious libel in 1734, was de-
the Germans who built it - John A.
Edge, N.J.; West Point and Vails Gate
part of the county" It's in the Bronx
fended by Alexander Hamilton and
and Washington Roebling.
in Orange County.
erhe
acquitted. The decision in his case
J. Franklyn Jones writes a twice-
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS OPR
SUBJECT:
Request from Harry Dent, Billy Graham
Lay Center, for a Presidential Message
for Radio Station WMHK Regarding Year
of the Bible
Radio station WMHK, a non-commercial "Christian" radio
station in South Carolina, is planning to celebrate The Year
of the Bible by reading the entire Bible over the air the
last three days of 1983. Station director J.D. Morrison
wrote the President to invite him to open the event by
providing a taped reading of Genesis Chapter One. Harry
Dent raised the matter with Lee Atwater, who told Dent WMHK
may have to settle for a letter. Dodie Livingston sent the
entire package to us, asking for our comments by close of
business Monday.
It seems clear that the President should not participate
directly in the WMHK program by providing a taped segment.
While I would have no serious objection to a brief message
concerning WMHK's program, there is always the danger that
the station would use the message to promote itself and the
program. Since the station competes for listeners with
other stations, I do not think the fact that it is
"non-commercial" makes much of a difference. The safest
course would be simply to let the Proclamation on the Year
of the Bible speak for itself, and to advise WMHK that the
President's thoughts on the subject are contained in the
Proclamation. The attached drafts implement this course of
action.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR DODIE LIVINGSTON
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING Orig. signed by FFF
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request from Harry Dent, Billy Graham
Lay Center, for a Presidential Message
for Radio Station WMHK Regarding Year
of the Bible
You have asked for our views on WHMK's request that the
President participate in its reading of the Bible over the
air during the last three days of the year in commemoration
of the Year of the Bible. In the alternative it has been
suggested that the President send a message to WMHK
concerning the program.
We recommend that the President neither provide a taped
reading nor send a special message. There is, in our view,
too great a danger that the President's name will be misused
in promotional efforts should it become associated with a
particular radio station or particular radio program. The
Year of the Bible Proclamation was carefully crafted to
convey the President's views on this subject, mindful of the
sensitivities involved, and we should let it speak for
itself. I propose to send the attached response to Mr.
Morrison.
Attachment
FFF: JGR:aea 10/21/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1983
Dear Mr. Morrison:
This is written in response to your letter of, September 20
to the President. In that letter you described the plans of
radio station WMHK to celebrate the Year of the Bible by
reading through the entire Bible over the air during the
last three days of 1983. You invited the President to
participate in the program by preparing a taped reading of
Genesis Chapter One.
We appreciate the kind sentiments expressed in your letter,
but we must decline your gracious invitation. I trust you
will appreciate the difficulties that would arise were the
President to participate in your program. Such action would
in all likelihood generate a flood of similar requests from
other stations, and we would be hard-pressed to distinguish
them. Accordingly, fairness dictates that we adhere to a
policy of not accepting such invitations, however laudable
the program in question. The President's views on the
subject of your planned program were of course conveyed in
the Proclamation he signed designating this year as the Year
of the Bible.
Thank you for writing. I am sorry our reply could not be
more favorable.
Sincerely,
Orig., signed by FFF
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. J. David Morrison
Post Office Box 3122
Columbia, SC 29230
FFF:JGR:aea : 10/21/83
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS OZR
SUBJECT:
Request from Harry Dent, Billy Graham
Lay Center, for a Presidential Message
for Radio Station WMHK Regarding Year
of the Bible
Radio station WMHK, a non-commercial "Christian" radio
station in South Carolina, is planning to celebrate The Year
of the Bible by reading the entire Bible over the air the
last three days of 1983. Station director J.D. Morrison
wrote the President to invite him to open the event by
providing a taped reading of Genesis Chapter One. Harry
Dent raised the matter with Lee Atwater, who told Dent WMHK
may have to settle for a letter. Dodie Livingston sent the
entire package to us, asking for our comments by close of
business Monday.
It seems clear that the President should not participate
directly in the WMHK program by providing a taped segment.
While I would have no serious objection to a brief message
concerning WMHK's program, there is always the danger that
the station would use the message to promote itself and the
program. Since the station competes for listeners with
other stations, I do not think the fact that it is
"non-commercial" makes much of a difference. The safest
course would be simply to let the Proclamation on the Year
of the Bible speak for itself, and to advise WMHK that the
President's thoughts on the subject are contained in the
Proclamation. The attached drafts implement this course of
action.
Attachment
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1983 / Feb. 3
heaven,
but
enriched and strengthened us; and we have
And one of the little group of war corre-
not
with
vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our
spondents who were on hand went up to
God
had
in
hearts, that all these blessings were pro-
him and said, "If I were God and could
think
duced by some superior wisdom and virtue
grant you anything you wished, what would
one
that
I
of our own
we have become too proud
you most like?" And the marine stood there
after
I
had
to pray to the God that made us!" Well,
for a moment, looking down at that cold tin
in-is
isn't it time for us to say, "We're not too
one
of beans, and then he raised his head and
resentment
proud to pray"?
said, "Give me tomorrow."
netimes
feel
We face great challenges in this country,
Now I would like to sign a proclamation
in
business
but we've faced great challenges before and
which will make 1983 the Year of the Bible.
whatever
conquered them. What carried us through
And I want to thank Senator Bill Armstrong
hat
was a willingness to seek power and protec-
we
are
and Representative Carlos Moorhead and
of
them
tion from One much greater than ourselves,
is
all those inside and outside of Congress who
to turn back to Him and to trust in His
as
we
feel
assisted them and made this all possible.
mercy. Without His help, America will not
Thank you, and God bless you. And I'm
go forward.
always
be
going down and sign the proclamation.
I have a very special old Bible. And
all
over
alongside a verse in the Second Book of
ighbors
and
Note: The President spoke at 9:03 a.m. in
Chronicles there are some words, handwrit-
of
what
the International Ballroom at the Washing-
our
ten, very faded by now. And, believe me,
ton Hilton Hotel.
out
in
the
the person who wrote those words was an
Jesus
was
authority. Her name was Nelle Wilson
great
com-
Reagan. She was my mother. And she wrote
He
replied,
about that verse, "A most wonderful verse
God
with
all
for the healing of the nations."
Year of the Bible, 1983
and
with
all
Now, the verse that she'd marked reads:
great
com-
"If my people, which are called by my
Proclamation 5018. February 3, 1983
it,
thou
name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
thyself. On
and seek my face, and turn from their
By the President of the United States
all
the
law
wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven
of America
and will heal their land."
and
try
to
I know that at times all of us-I do-feel
A Proclamation
written-
that perhaps in our prayers we ask for too
Of the many influences that have shaped
Inside
its
much. And then there are those other times
the United States of America into a distinc-
the
problems
when we feel that something isn't impor-
tive Nation and people, none may be said
tant enough to bother God with it. Maybe
to be more fundamental and enduring than
osition;
but
I
we should let Him decide those things.
the Bible.
loyal
opposi-
The war correspondent Marguerite Hig-
Deep religious beliefs stemming from the
me
to
leave
gins, who received the Pulitzer Prize for
Old and New Testaments of the Bible in-
enthusi-
International Reporting because of her cov-
spired many of the early settlers of our
as
honorary
erage of the Korean war, among all her
country, providing them with the strength,
writings had an account one day of the
character, convictions, and faith necessary
people
in
the
Fifth Company of marines who were part
to withstand great hardship and danger in
harassed
of an 18,000-man force that was in combat
this new and rugged land. These shared be-
to
read
with a hundred thousand of the enemy.
liefs helped forge a sense of common pur-
should
real-
And she described an incident that took
pose among the widely dispersed colonies—
of
what
we
place early, just after dawn on a very cold
a sense of community which laid the foun-
and
the
great
morning. It was 42 degrees below zero.
dation for the spirit of nationhood that was
comfort,
And the weary marines, half frozen stood
to develop in later decades.
And
when
we
by their dirty, mud-covered trucks, eating
The Bible and its teachings helped form
like Charlie,
their breakfast from tin cans.
the basis for the Founding Fathers' abiding
that
Abra-
She saw one huge marine was eating cold
belief in the inalienable rights of the indi-
ago:
beans with a trench knife. His clothes were
years
vidual, rights which they found implicit in
hand
that
frozen stiff as a board; his face was covered
the Bible's teachings of the inherent worth
nultiplied and
with a heavy beard and crusted with mud.
and dignity of each individual. This same
181
Feb. 3 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1983
sense of man patterned the convictions of
the United States of America the two hun-
those who framed the English system of law
dred and seventh.
inherited by our own Nation, as well as the
ideals set forth in the Declaration of
Ronald Reagan
Independence and the Constitution.
For centuries the Bible's emphasis on
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Regis-
compassion and love for our neighbor has
ter, 10:10 a.m., February 3, 1983]
inspired institutional and governmental ex-
pressions of benevolent outreach such as
Pennsylvania Avenue Development
private charity, the establishment of schools
Corporation
and hospitals, and the abolition of slavery.
Many of our greatest national leaders—
Appointment of Three Members of the
among them Presidents Washington, Jack-
Board of Directors. February 3, 1983
son, Lincoln, and Wilson-have recognized
the influence of the Bible on our country's
The President today announced his inten-
development. The plainspoken Andrew
tion to appoint the following individuals to
Jackson referred to the Bible as no less than
be members of the Board of Directors of
"the rock on which our Republic rests."
the Pennsylvania Avenue Development
Today our beloved America and, indeed,
Corporation. The President also intends to
the world, is facing a decade of enormous
designate Henry A. Berliner, Jr., as Chair-
challenge. As a people we may well be
man and Arthur A. Fletcher as Vice Chair-
tested as we have seldom, if ever, been
man.
tested before. We will need resources of
spirit even more than resources of technol-
Henry A. Berliner, Jr., to serve for a term expir-
ing October 26, 1988. He will succeed Thomas
ogy, education, and armaments. There
F. Murphy. He has been a senior partner in the
could be no more fitting moment than now
law firm of Berliner & Maloney, Washington,
to reflect with gratitude, humility, and ur-
D.C., since 1969. He is married, has three chil-
gency upon the wisdom revealed to us in
dren, and resides in Washington. He was born
the writing that Abraham Lincoln called
February 9, 1934.
"the best gift God has ever given to man
Arthur A. Fletcher to serve for a term expiring
But for it we could not know right
October 26, 1988. He will succeed Leonard A.
from wrong."
Haft. He is president of Arthur A. Fletcher &
The Congress of the United States, in rec-
Associates, Washington, D.C. He is married, has
ognition of the unique contribution of the
five children, and resides in Washington, D.C.
Bible in shaping the history and character
He was born December 22, 1924.
of this Nation, and so many of its citizens,
Carl L. Shipley to serve for the remainder of the
has by Senate Joint Resolution 165 author-
term expiring October 26, 1984. He will suc-
ceed Nathaniel Alexander Ownings. He is a
ized and requested the President to desig-
senior member of the law firm of Shipley,
nate the year 1983 as the "Year of the
Smoak & Henry in Washington, D.C. He is
Bible."
married, has two children, and resides in Wash-
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, Presi-
ington. He was born December 16, 1919.
dent of the United States of America, in
recognition of the contributions and influ-
National Institute of Justice
ence of the Bible on our Republic and our
people, do hereby proclaim 1983 the Year
Appointment of Bishop L. Robinson as a
of the Bible in the United States. I encour-
Member of the Advisory Board.
age all citizens, each in his or her own way,
February 3, 1983
to reexamine and rediscover its priceless
and timeless message.
The President today announced his inten-
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set
tion to appoint Bishop L. Robinson to be a
my hand this third day of February, in the
member of the National Institute of Justice
year of our Lord nineteen hundred and
Advisory Board for a term expiring January
eighty-three, and of the Independence of
11, 1986. This is a reappointment.
182
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR DODIE LIVINGSTON
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request from Harry Dent, Billy Graham
Lay Center, for a Presidential, Message
for Radio Station WMHK Regarding Year
of the Bible
You have asked for our views on WHMK's request that the
President participate in its reading of the Bible over the
air during the last three days of the year in commemoration
of the Year of the Bible. In the alternative it has been
suggested that the President send a message to WMHK
concerning the program.
We recommend that the President neither provide a taped
reading nor send a special message. There is, in our view,
too great a danger that the President's name will be misused
in promotional efforts should it become associated with a
particular radio station or particular radio program. The
Year of the Bible Proclamation was carefully crafted to
convey the President's views on this subject, mindful of the
sensitivities involved, and we should let it speak for
itself. I propose to send the attached response to Mr.
Morrison.
FFF:JGR:aea 10/21/83
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1983
Dear Mr. Morrison:
This is written in response to your letter of, September 20
to the President. In that letter you described the plans of
radio station WMHK to celebrate the Year of the Bible by
reading through the entire Bible over the air during the
last three days of 1983. You invited the President to
participate in the program by preparing a taped reading of
Genesis Chapter One.
We appreciate the kind sentiments expressed in your letter,
but we must decline your gracious invitation. I trust you
will appreciate the difficulties that would arise were the
President to participate in your program. Such action would
in all likelihood generate a flood of similar requests from
other stations, and we would be hard-pressed to distinguish
them. Accordingly, fairness dictates that we adhere to a
policy of not accepting such invitations, however laudable
the program in question. The President's views on the
subject of your planned program were of course conveyed in
the Proclamation he signed designating this year as the Year
of the Bible.
Thank you for writing. I am sorry our reply could not be
more favorable.
Sincerely,
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. J. David Morrison
Post Office Box 3122
Columbia, SC 29230
FFF: JGR:aea 10/21/83
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chror
ID #
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
0 . OUTGOING
H - INTERNAL
JR (noth
I - INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent: Dodie Livingston
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Request Prom Harry Dent, Billy Graham
Lay Center, for a Presidential message for
Radio Station WMHK re: year of the Beble
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CUHOLL
ORIGINATOR 83/10/20
/ /
Referral Note:
WAT 18
D 83,10,20
5 83,10121
Referral Note:
/
/ /
Referral Note:
/ /
/ /
I
Referral Note:
/ /
/ /
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A Appropriate Action
I - Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C * Comment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Copy
B . Non-Special Referral
S. Suspended
D - Draft Response
S For Signature
F - Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 19, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
FRED DODIE FIELDING LIVINGSTON D.R.
SUBJECT:
REQUEST FOR PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE FOR
RADIO STATION WMHK
Please review the attached request from Harry Dent and
return to us with any comments by COB on Monday,
October 24.
Many thanks.
roig
The Billy Graham Lay Center
A MINISTRY OF THE COVE
9/28/83
Loe-
I realize this request
Ain't eAsy, but do you
think the President might
just do a one OR two-
sinute recording SAying
that he comends
WMHK-Fm for pushing
The YEAR of the Bible by
reading three the Bible
on the radio ?
magle Jurs. ROASAN
might do something
The Apparance in
Columbia + the ST
dianer hit the bull's
eye. I WAS in
California -
Harry
The
THE BILLY GRAHAM LAY CENTER
Cove
BEN LIPPEN SCHOOL, CONFERENCE & CAMPS
Suite 200
170 Woodfin St
(704) 298-0166
PO Box 19010
Asheville, NC 28815
Christian Radio
WMHK
a new wayof life
September 21, 1983
Mr. Harry Dent
The Cove
c/o Ben Lippen School
10 Ben Lippen School Road
Asheville, N.C. 28806
Dear Harry:
Pursuant to our phone conversation on the land line, here is a copy
of my letter to the President with attached enclosure just as I
submitted it to him.
Thanks again for anything you can do.
In Him live and
J.D. Marizon
JDM/cj
Enclosure
A Columbia Bible College Media Ministry
P.O. Box 3122
Columbia, S.C. 29230 (803) 754-5400
Christian Radio
WMHK
a new wayof life
September 20, 1983
Mr. Ronald W. Reagan
President, United States of America
The White House
Dear Mr. President:
By way of personal comment, let me highly commend you for your service
to our country. I congratulate you especially for your designation of
1983 as the Year of the Bible.
We are presently making plans to celebrate the Y-O-T-B by reading through
the entire Bible over WMHK during the last three days of the year. I
can think of no better way to usher in 1984 and we expect to have many
listeners even on New Year's Eve.
Would you do us the honor of opening the event by preparing a taped
reading of Genesis Chapter One? The remainder of the reading would be
done by clergy and laypersons from our community selected specifically to
communicate that the Scriptures are applicable across racial and ethnic
lines and for young and old alike.
We don't need an immediate answer but if the idea appeals to you we
would appreciate one of your aides getting back to us at an early date
and will be awaiting a tape from the White House at your convenience but
hopefully sometime in October as we will have a monumental tape editing
task before us prior to the year's end.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this request. God bless
you, Mr. President!
In Somourizon Him we live and move (Acts 17:28),
J. D. (David) Morrison
Director, WMHK
PS: WMHK is a 100,000-watt non-commercial station heard throughout the
Midlands of South Carolina and of course we would share the broadcasts
with any other stations wishing to go the full three days with us or
wishing to use other lesser portions of the broadcast.
A Columbia Bible College Media Ministry
P.O. Box 3122
Columbia, S.C. 29230 (803) 754-5400
EQUALiZER,
of people like that - and proud of
it.
To The Editor
ussians Lack Moral Absolutes
of the public's increased
know that the people are intended to
if the nuclear arms race,
control the government and not vice
Letters to the editor are wel-
are now more people in the job
ting that SALT II is once
come. They must be legible and
market than there were a year ago,
versa. When a state agency refuses
consideration. Although
to discuss matters with the public it
brief, not exceeding 250 words. They
thus bringing up the figure on the
clear disarmament, I am
is intended to serve, something is
should contribute worthwhile com-
number unemployed.
nereasingly skeptical of
ment on timely topics and avoid libel
Every newspaper in this country
surely amiss. We have had our
eness of the SALT II
and bad taste. All letters will be
should publish his speech on the front
Teapot Domes and Watergates.
have no surety that the
What next? DHEC?
edited, but will not be censored.
page and let the readers interpret
1 honor such a treaty.
Each letter must bear the writer's
the message from their President.
on treaties with the Sovi-
BRAD DARBY
correct signature and address. Mail
e doomed to failure is
to Letters To The Editor, The State,
be situation ethic which
P.O. Box 1017
P.O. Box 1333. Columbia, S.C. 29202.
he Soviets' foreign poli-
Ballentine
U.S.S.R., the end always
liam J. Bennett, who was recently
means. They sincerely
Ethical Relativism
appointed by President Reagan, and
publicly
sup-
norally correct for them
Edward J. Delattre, president of St.
WMHK,
break any pact that
Basis Of Values Course
John's College in Annapolis, are also
not hear the President
the eradication of capi-
critics of the program.
unents.
Mrs. Burbage (Letters, April 29)
Values clarification is not one of
JOHN H. SHERWOOD
they believe capitalism
objected to you. April 20 editorial on
the "basics" but is, rather, a device
est evil, they will lie,
values clarification
which will continue to anger parents
Box 232 Route 1
1 and terrorize in order
Mrs. Burbage contended that val-
who resent some unknown teacher's
Columbia
with it. Because com-
ues clarification in public schools
probing into matters of family
eds better in unstable
was one of the "basics." She further
privacy.
re U.S.S.R. will even aid
implied that the people who were
The schools have enough bead-
Smoking Advertisement
g government of Argen-
opposed to the imposition of values
aches without unnecessarily cul-
war with Britain.
clarification upon their children
tivating more. Public funds should
Damaging To Youths
1st be some element of
were moved more by emotion that
not be wasted on such programs
treaty to be effective.
rational reflection.
when the real "basics" go wanting.
In regard to the article about
the U.S.S.R. holds no
Those in favor of values clari-
Garry Moore and alcoholism (April
are can be no trust. We
fication need to understand that
THOMAS H. CURLEE JR.
24), I'm happy for his stand against
eded absolutes in the
there are many quite rational pa-
Chairman
it, but take a look at the picture.
andates integrity in the
rents who strongly object to the
What about tobacco? That's hazard-
dments. Such absolutes
program, and who base their objec-
Committee for Public Education
ous to health also. They both are
e Judeo-Christian ethic
tions on personal experience and
P.O. Box 5415
killers.
form the principles of
reason. There are concerned parents
Columbia
It's disgusting to pick up a news-
cy.
who rightfully resist a teaching tech-
paper and see more than half a page
untries hold to moral
nique which indoctrinates their chil-
covered with cigarette and liquor
re can be no real peace
dren in ethical relativism.
Reagan's Messages
advertisements. What is this doing to
be nuclear arms race
It is important to note that schol-
Should Be Published
our young people? Doesn't anyone
late until we create our
are from major universities, includ-
care?
Idon.
ing Professors Kenneth A. Strike of
May 8 was the occasion of Presi-
Your newspaper represents our
Cornell, Alan L Lockwood of the
dent Reagan's fifth message to the
state and I'm not proud of some of
BRUCE CAIN
University of Wisconsin and John S.
nation. In it be exposed the boax
the things I see in it.
Stewart, formerly of Michigan State
about Social Security cuts and re-
sta Drive
University, have faulted values clar-
ported about his plans concerning
FRANCES P. PURDUE
ification on at least a dozen counts.
the budget cuts. He brought up the
The chairman of the National En-
exact figures on spending and the
Wildwood Estates No. 81
ent Created
dowment for the Humanities, Wil-
budget for the last two years. There
Greenwood
The People
e to time, our state
gencies need to be re-
water function is to serve
I not themselves. Quite
sight
this
fact
and
utitude,
that
are
the
people
they
of
by