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Presidential Briefing Papers
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual
collections.
Collection: President, Office of the: Presidential
Briefing Papers: Records, 1981-1989
Folder Title: 10/19/1981 (Case File: 043521)
Box: 8
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
ID #. 045512
TR
WHITE HOUSE
OFFICE OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT
WORKSHEET
X MEDIA
H . INTERNAL
Name of Document:
BRIEFING PAPERS FOR
PR007.01 Subject Codes:
PRESIDENT'S SCHEDULED
APPOINTMENTS FOR
OCT1981
Subject:
/,
Summary Schedule for Mrs Reagan
PP005.01
for September 17-19
2. audio Toping /Filming Sessions for:
PR 011
A. message week for Chicago Law Enforcement
JL
006.
ME ME002. 002.
B. Salutets James CAGNEY
AR
C. differ message for Vincent LOMBARDI
RE RE010. 010.
HE 001.02
D. Interview with jim ZABEL
ME 00206
of WHO Radio to be broadcast
PR 016.01
during University of Iowa
football game.
3. Speaking notesfor yorktown
IR 022
Battlefield ceremony.
SP 553.
PR 005.02
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
RMMATT
RSZ
81/11/02
(81,11,02
Referral Note:
MONORY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Schedule Distribution List
FROM:
Gregory J. Newell
DATE:
October 19, 1981
SUBJ:
The President's Schedule
Following is the revised schedule for the President for today:
2.48
Arrive back South Grounds
South Grounds
2.52
Taping Session
Library
3:17
- EM, MIKD mt6 - OUAL OFC
3:23 4:13
Briefing for Cancun Trip
Cabinet Room
(60 min)
(Richard Allen)
3
Personal Staff Time for remainder
4:13 -
Oval Office/
4:22 - RESIDENCE
of the afternoon
Residence
5:30 pm
Staff Time
Residence
(30 min)
UNPUBLISHED
October 16, 1981
5:00 pm
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE PRESIDENT'S SCHEDULE
Monday, October 19, 1981
Approx.
The President and Mrs. Reagan return from
South Grounds
1:35 pm
Virginia trip
1:40
2:00 pm
Personal Staff Time
Oval Office
(60 min)
3:00 pm
Briefing for Cancun Trip
Cabinet Room
(60 min)
(Richard Allen)
4:00 pm
Personal Staff Time
Oval Office
(15 min)
4:15 pm
Taping Session (Mark Goode)
Library
(30 min)
(1) Message for Chicago Law Enforcement
Week
(2) Salute to James Cagney
(3) Lombardi Dinner
(TAB A)
(4) WHO Interview
4:45 pm
Staff Time
Residence
(30 min)
(Baker, Meese, Deaver)
5:15 pm
To Private Quarters
Residence
October 16, 1981
5:00 pm
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE PRESIDENT'S SCHEDULE
Monday, October 19, 1981
Approx.
The President and Mrs. Reagan return from
South Grounds
1:35 pm
Virginia trip
2:00 pm
Personal Staff Time
Oval Office
(60 min)
3:00 pm
Briefing for Cancun Trip
Cabinet Room
(60 min)
(Richard Allen)
4:00 pm
Personal Staff Time
Oval Office
(15 min)
4:15 pm
Taping Session (Mark Goode)
Library
(30 min)
(1) Message for Chicago Law Enforcement
Week
(2) Salute to James Cagney
(3) Lombardi Dinner
(4) WHO Interview
4:45 pm
Staff Time
Residence
(30 min)
5:15 pm
To Private Quarters
Residence
As of 10/16/81
- 2:00 pm
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MRS. REAGAN'S SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1981
5:30 pm
Private appointment in Family Residence
6:30 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Reagan depart White House
en route Washington Hilton for "Salute to the
USO" Dinner
10:15 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Reagan return to
White House
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1981
11:40 am
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Reagan depart South Lawn
en route Yorktown Bicentennial Celebration
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1981
1:35 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Reagan return to
White House
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 15, 1981
FILMING SESSION
DATE: October 19, 1981
LOCATION: The Library
TIME: 4:15 PM i.us
FROM: Mark Goode
I. PURPOSE
To film a message from the President.
II. BACKGROUND
This message will be used as the keynote address for
Chicago Law Enforcement Week (October 19 - 23). - This
event is sponsored by the Chicago Crime Commission which
is the oldest and most important citizen organizations
of its kind, and is clearly supported by business,
Chicagoians and law enforcement groups. The purpose is
to support the law enforcement officials; local, State
and Federal, and to endorse the orderly administration
of justice.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
IV.
PRESS PLAN
none
V. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
This message will be one in many which will be read from a
teleprompter in the Library.
(Rohrabacher/TD)
October 16, 1981
CHICAGO CRIME COMMISSION -- OCTOBER 19, 1981
For 62 years the Chicago Crime Commission has demonstrated
what it means for citizens to get involved in their community's
problems. In this case the problem is a tough one: CRIME.
America is experiencing an epidemic of crime today
inconceivable only a few years ago. From 1973 to 1979, for
example, there were over 40 million rape, robbery and assault
victims in this country. And during that time, there were
over 118, victims of homicide.
The latest figures indicate this brutality continues to
grow. Nineteen-eighty violent crime jumped 11 percent and
overall serious crime rose 9 percent over 1979. Over
the last 10 years, while the population increased only 9
percent, violent crime rose a staggering 60 percent.
These cold statistics have a way of masking the human
suffering they represent. But our people are not unaware
of what the statistics mean.
Because of the gravity of the problem, early in the
Administration Attorney General Smith proclaimed violent
crime a primary target of his Department. And while Washington's
role is limited by the very nature of our Federal system,
there are some things that can and should be done at this
level.
In April Attorney General Smith put together a task
force to make specific suggestions of how to stop this
onslaught of violent crime. I would like to take this
opportunity to thank your speaker today, Governor James
Page 2
Thompson, for his outstanding service as co-chairman of that
task force. Under his leadership, it provided us with an
action plan to tackle this problem. Governor Thompson
shares my commitment to the safety of all our citizens. I
am sure his speech today will reflect that concern.
Each of you also deserves a special thanks. Your
presence at the meeting of the Chicago Crime Commission
demonstrates an admirable community spirit. Over the years
your organization has had a program that can and has served
as a model for similar efforts in major cities around the
Nation. Members of your commission provided important
testimony to the Attorney General's task force -- testimony
which was instrumental in formulating its final recommendations.
Your influence on the Criminal Justice System has been
invaluable. Civic minded associations like your Commission
are islands of independence in a sometimes confusing sea of
political and governmental power.
But more than anything else, your organization is a
reminder that we cannot just sit back and expect Government
to solve this Nation's problems. In the face of a rising
tide of crime and violence, citizen involvement is essential.
Today I join you in saluting the individuals who are outstanding
examples of good citizenship. I also join you in honoring
those dedicated law enforcement professionals whose duty it
is to protect our safety 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
My best wishes to all of you -- and, in behalf of all
Americans, thank you for the great work you are doing.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 15, 1981
TAPING SESSION
DATE: October 19, 1981
LOCATION: The Library
TIME: 4:15 PM 1:45
FROM: Mark Goode
I. PURPOSE
To record an audio-taped message.
II. BACKGROUND
This message will be used to give the final salute to Cagney
for a CBS radio special, "The Return of Cagney" on his return
to film.
The 55 minute special presented by CBS Radio will feature
among others, Pat O'Brien, Milos Forman, Jack Lemmon, John
Travolta. According to CBS, the President first worked
with Cagney in "Boy Meets Girl" in 1938.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
IV.
PRESS PLAN
none
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
This message will be one of many read from a teleprompter in
the Library.
(Rohrabacher/TD)
October 16, 1981
SALUTE TO CAGNEY, NOVEMBER 2, 1981
In 1936 Jimmy Cagney starred in a film entitled Great Guy.
Those of us who have had the honor of working with him can
tell you that the title of the film describes the Cagney we
know and love.
In 1938 I was in a film with Jimmy called Boy Meets
Girl. His professionalism and unmatched enthusiasm are
something anyone who's ever done a picture with him won't
forget.
Early in his career he developed that tough guy image
projected in many of his films. But off camera Jimmy is one
of the most compassionate people around. He probably won't
like this description
You see, he may be tough on
camera, but he is a real soft touch the rest of the time --
always willing to help and to lend a hand.
Over the years he's used his influence in the film
business -- which is considerable to help those factors
struggling to make ends meet. - As President of the Screen
Actors Guild, I could always count on Jimmy. And there were
times when his support kept a lot of us going when the going
got rough.
All of this is, of course, consistent with his upbringing.
Jimmy was raised in the "hell's kitchen" section of New York
City. There he learned his values of hard work, compassion
and loyality. He learned how to act tough.
He played in numerous roles, but many Americans will
remember him as George M. Cohan in Yankee Doodle Dandy. His
Page 2
academy award winning performance in that film inspired the
Nation at a time in the Second World War when we sorely
needed inspiration.
His tough guy image may be a fine job of acting, but I
know that Jimmy's patriotism is deep and genuine.
Unfortunately for this generation of Americans, James
Cagney went into retirement about 20 years ago. So I am
more than happy tonight to be part of this welcome back
broadcast. The film industry has missed this great artist --
America has missed James Cagney and we're happy he's coming
back.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 15, 1981
FILMING SESSION
DATE: October 19, 1981
LOCATION: The Library
TIME: 4:15 PM 1:45
FROM: Mark Goode
I. PURPOSE
To film a message.
II. BACKGROUND
The message will be used at the Lombardi Dinner in Houston
sponsored by the Rotary Club of Houston, benefitting the
American Cancer Society. The Lombardi award is presented
to the American college football player of the year who
best typlifies and exhibits the philosophies of the late
coach Vince Lombardi. Over the last eleven years, the
dinner has raised well over $500,000 for the American Can-
cer Society.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
IV.
PRESS PLAN
none
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
This message will be one of many read from a teleprompter in
the Library.
(Parvin/TD)
October 19, 1981
TAPING: LOMBARDI DINNER IN HOUSTON
OCTOBER 19, 1981
Good evening to all of you at the Lombardi Dinner in
Houston. You know there was a football coach by the name of
Gil Dobie who had an interesting method of recruitment.
"When I'm traveling," he used to say, "I ask farm boys how
to get to a certain place. If they point with their finger
I move on. If they pick up the plow and point with it, I
stop and sell them on the University of Minnesota."
Well, the outstanding players you are honoring tonight
also know something about plowing -- plowing through their
opponent's line. You four players are being honored in the
name of a man who believed in winning, yes, but even more he
believed in the basic, decent values. He trusted courage
and country, family and religion -- these made winning
meaningful and worthwhile.
I understand one of you will become the Lombardi College
Lineman of the Year and with that honor goes a 40-pound
block of granite trophy with one word written on it --
discipline. Wish I could give a trophy with that same word
on it to those who want to bust the budget.
Discipline was a word Vince Lombardi liked. He practiced
it and he preached it. Vince knew that through discipline
was the fulfillment of potential. He found that potential
in the men he coached and then made them find it in themselves.
Page 2
To Vince it was a sin not to use the talent God gave you to
the fullest, and I think the man this dinner is named after
believed potential was another of those words that belongs
carved in granite.
And really that is what this gathering is all about
tonight -- the players here who are exploring the heights of
potential and our other citizens who, struck down by cancer,
will never realize theirs.
I want to commend the citizens of Houston, the Rotary
Club and the fundraising efforts you have undertaken over
the years for the American Cancer Society. Well, I better
go -- I can see Woody Hayes pacing back and forth behind the
dais. Good night and God bless you.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 15, 1981
TAPING SESSION
DATE: October 19, 1981
LOCATION: Library
TIME: 4:15 PM 1:45
FROM: Mark Goode
I. PURPOSE
Audio taped interview with Jim Zabel of WHO Radio, Des Moines, Iowa.
II. BACKGROUND
The first football game the President announced for WHO radio was
the Iowa-Minnesota game of 1932. On October 24, Iowa will play
Minnesota. This interview is to discuss the President's days of
Iowa football sportscasting for a pre-game and half-time show on
WHO October 24.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
Jim Zabel - Interviewer and sportscaster for WHO.
IV. PRESS PLAN
none
V. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
After the conclusion of the other tapings scheduled in the Library,
we will proceed with the 15 minute interview.
UNPUBLISHED
October 16, 1981
5:00 pm
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE PRESIDENT'S SCHEDULE
Monday, October 19, 1981
Approx.
The President and Mrs. Reagan return from
South Grounds
1:35 pm
Virginia trip
2:00 pm
Personal Staff Time
Oval Office
(60 min)
3:00 pm
Briefing for Cancun Trip
Cabinet Room
(60 min)
(Richard Allen)
4:00 pm
Personal Staff Time
Oval Office
(15 min)
4:15 pm
Taping Session (Mark Goode)
Library
(30 min)
(1) Message for Chicago Law Enforcement
Week
(2) Salute to James Cagney
(3) Lombardi Dinner
(TAB A)
(4) WHO Interview
4:45 pm
Staff Time
Residence
(30 min)
(Baker, Meese, Deaver)
5:15 pm
To Private Quarters
Residence
A
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 15, 1981
FILMING SESSION
DATE: October 19, 1981
LOCATION: The Library
TIME: 4:15 PM
FROM: Mark Goode
I. PURPOSE
To film a message.
II. BACKGROUND
The message will be used at the Lombardi Dinner in Houston
sponsored by the Rotary Club of Houston, benefitting the
American Cancer Society. The Lombardi award is presented
to the American college football player of the year who
best typlifies and exhibits the philosophies of the late
coach Vince Lombardi. Over the last eleven years, the
dinner has raised well over $500,000 for the American Can-
cer Society.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
IV.
PRESS PLAN
none
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
This message will be one of many read from a teleprompter in
the Library.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 15, 1981
TAPING SESSION
DATE: October 19, 1981
LOCATION: The Library
TIME: 4:15 PM
FROM: Mark Goode
I. PURPOSE
To record an audio-taped message.
II. BACKGROUND
This message will be used to give the final salute to Cagney
for a CBS radio special, "The Return of Cagney" on his return
to film.
The 55 minute special presented by CBS Radio will feature
among others, Pat O'Brien, Milos Forman, Jack Lemmon, John
Travolta. According to CBS, the President first worked
with Cagney in "Boy Meets Girl" in 1938.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
IV.
PRESS PLAN
none
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
This message will be one of many read from a teleprompter in
the Library.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 15, 1981
FILMING SESSION
DATE: October 19, 1981
LOCATION: The Library
TIME: 4:15 PM
FROM: Mark Goode
I. PURPOSE
To film a message from the President.
II.
BACKGROUND
This message will be used as the keynote address for
Chicago Law Enforcement Week (October 19 - 23). This
event is sponsored by the Chicago Crime Commission which
is the oldest and most important citizen organizations
of its kind, and is clearly supported by business,
Chicagoians and law enforcement groups. The purpose is
to support the law enforcement officials; local, State
and Federal, and to endorse the orderly administration
of justice.
III. PARTICIPANTS
The President
IV.
PRESS PLAN
none
V. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
This message will be one in many which will be read from a
teleprompter in the Library.
OCTOBER 19, 1981
OPENING REMARKS: YORKTOWN BATTLEFIELD
SINCE TODAY IS A DAY TO CELEBRATE
FREEDOM, I FEEL IT ONLY APPROPRIATE THAT
I EXERCISE ONE OF THE MORE PLEASANT POWERS
OF THE PRESIDENCY.
AFTER CONSULTATION WITH
GOV. DALTON & WITH HIS APPROVAL, BY THE
POWER VESTED IN ME AS PRES. OF THE U.S.,
I HEREBY GRANT AMNESTY TO THE CORPS OF
CADETS OF THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
UNDER THE TERMS & CONDITIONS TO BE SPECIFIED
BY THE SUPERINTENDENT.
HANDWRITING FILE
(MASENG/RR)
OCTOBER 19, 1981
YORKTOWN BATTLEFIELD
MR. PRES., LORD CHANCELLOR, GOV. DALTON,
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS & MY FELLOW CITIZENS,
THIS FIELD, THIS CEREMONY & THIS DAY HOLD
SPECIAL MEANING FOR P. THE WRLD OVER,
I
WHETHER FREE IN THEIR LIVES OR ONLY IN THEIR
DREAMS.
NOT LONG AFTER. BATTLE OF YORKTOWN,
LAFAYETTE WROTE HOME TO FRANCE. HERE,
HE SAID, HUMANITY HAS WON ITS BATTLE,
LIBERTY NOW HAS A COUNTRY,
IT WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY MOMENT IN HIST.
THE CONTINENTAL ARMY HAD MARCHED MORE THAN
400 MILES, FROM THE HUDSON RIVER IN N.Y. TO
THE TIDEWATERS OF VIRGINIA.
THEY SURPRISED
& STRANDED LORD CORNWALLIS ON THE TIP OF
THIS PENINSULA.
WHEN ADMIRAL DE GRASSE &
HIS FRENCH FLEET BLOCKADED THE CHESAPEAKE,
THE TRAP WAS SPRUNG:
THERE COULD BE NO
RESCUE BY LAND OR BY SEA.
2
NEARLY 8,000 BRITISH SOLDIERS HAD SWEPT
FROM CHARLESTON TO RICHMOND TO THIS SPOT
BTWN THE YORK & THE JAMES RIVERS, WITH FAR
MORE VICTORIES THAN DEFEATS.
BUT, AS THEY
WERE ENCIRCLED & BESIEGED BY THE CONTINENTALS,
AS THEY WITHSTOOD DAY AFTR DAY OF GRUELING
BOMBARDMENT, THEY MUST HAVE KNOWN IN THEIR
HEARTS THEY WERE FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE THAT
COULD NOT WIN.
THEIR ENEMIES WERE A BAND OF COLONISTS,
WITH BANDAGED FEET & MUSKETS THAT COULDN'T
BE COUNTED ON TO FIRE BUT THE BRITISH WERE
THOUSANDS OF MILES FROM HOME, & THE AM's
WERE FIGHTING WHERE THEY LIVED.
THOSE REBELS
MAY NOT HAVE HAD FANCY UNIFORMS, OR EVEN
ADEQUATE RESOURCES, BUT THEY HAD SOMETHING
THEIR ADVERSARIES COULD NEVER HAVE HAD:
A PASSION FOR LIBERTY BURNING IN THEIR
HEARTS.
3
IN A MASTERLY EXECUTION OF A TEXTBOOK
SIEGE, GEN'L WASH. & HIS GRAB-BAG ARMY
DEFEATED THE FINEST TROOPS KING GEORGE
COULD FIELD.
THE MORNING OF THE SURRENDER MUST HAVE
BEEN VERY MUCH LIKE THIS ONE TODAY:
THE
FIRST REAL CHILL OF AUTUMN WAS IN THE AIR.
THE TREES WERE TURNING BRILLIANT WITH HUES
OF RED & GOLD & BROWN, & THE SKY WAS BRIGHT
& CLEAR. QUIET HAD FINALLY RETURNED TO
THIS LOVELY COUNTRYSIDE.
HOW STRANGE THE
SILENCE MUST HAVE SEEMED AFTER THE THUNDERING
VIOLENCE OF WAR.
THEN THE SILENCE WAS BROKEN BY A
MUFFLED BEAT OF BRITISH DRUMS, COVERED WITH
BLACK HANDKERCHIEFS, AS THE REDCOATS MARCHED
TO SURRENDER.
THE PAGEANTRY WAS SPECTACULAR.
THE FRENCH IN THEIR SPOTLESS WHITE UNIFORMS
LINED ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
4
PLUMED & DECORATED OFFICERS WERE AT THEIR
HEAD & SILK FLAGS WITH GOLDEN FLEUR-DE-LIS
WAVED IN THEIR RANKS
THE RAGGED CONTINENTALS WERE BROWN &
DREARY ON THE OTHER SIDE, BUT THE JOURNALS
OF THOSE WHO WERE PRESENT MENTION THAT THE
AM's STOOD EVERY BIT AS STRAIGHT & EQUALLY
AS PROUD AS ANY ARMY COULD.
THEY HAD, ON
THAT DAY, A MILITARY BEARING THAT WAS NOT
TO BE OUTDONE BY THEIR COMRADES IN
WHITE & BLUE NOR KING GEORGE'S MEN IN
THEIR BRILLIANT RED.
AS THE BRITISH MARCHED BTWN THE ALLIED
ARMIES TO THIS FIELD OF SURRENDER, TEARS
STREAMED DOWN MANY OF THEIR FACES.
THEIR
MUSICIANS PLAYED A TUNE POPULAR IN ENGLAND
AT THE TIME:
"THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN."
& THAT'S JUST WHAT THE COLONISTS HAD DONE.
5
BUT THOSE AM's WERE NOT PROFESSIONAL
SOLDIERS AT ALL.
THEY HAD FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM
FROM QUEBEC TO SARATOGA, FROM CAMDEN &
COWPENS TO GERMANTOWN, VALLEY FORGE &
MONMOUTH - TOWNS & COUNTRYSIDES ONCE SO
ANONYMOUS KING GEORGE COMPLAINED HE COULD
NEITHER PRONOUNCE THEM NOR FIND THEM ON
THE MAP.
BY YORKTOWN, THEY WERE VETERANS BUT
THEY STILL WERE NOT SOLDIERS.
THEY WERE
FARMERS, BACKWOODSMEN, TRADESMEN, CLERKS &
LABORERS - COMMON MEN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE;
-
ANXIOUS TO RETURN TO THEIR FAMILIES & THE
BUILDING OF A NATN. ON THAT DAY IN 1781
A PHILOSOPHY FOUND A PEOPLE & THE WORLD
WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME.
6
WE WHO HAVE TRAVELED HERE TODAY -
& I AM TOLD WE NUMBER MORE THAN 60,000 -
DID NOT COME JUST TO ADMIRE THE STRATEGIES,
BATTLEMENTS & TRENCHES OF A SIEGE.
WE DID
NOT COME TO IDEALIZE HUMAN SUFFERING.
THE WOUNDS OF THIS BATTLE HAVE LONG
SINCE HEALED.
OUR NATIONS HAVE MATURED &
Nov
BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP EXIST BETWEEN ONE TIME
ENEMIES.
THE SAME HAS BEEN TRUE OF OTHER
WARS; SINCE WHICH MAKES YOU WONDER D IF, AFTER ALL
THE HATRED, ALL THE PAIN & ALL THE SACRIFICE,
WE FIND OURSELVES ABLE TO BE FRIENDS, allies
WHY COULDN'T WE FIND OURSELVES ABLE TO BE
FRIENDS WITHOUT GOING TO WAR?
BUT WE HAVE COME TO THIS FIELD TO
CELEBATE THE TRIUMPH OF AN IDEA.
THE
SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN WAS A VICTORY FOR\THE
RIGHT OE SELF-DETERMINATION.
IF WAS & IS
THE AFFIRMATION THAT FREEDOM WILL EVENTUALLY
TRIUMPH OVER TYRANNY.
7
IT IS & ALWYs WILL BE A WARNING TO THOSE WHO
WOULD USURP THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS:
TIME WILL
FIND THEM BEATEN. THE BEACON OF FREEDOM
SHINES HERE FOR ALL WHO WILL SEE, INSPIRING
FREE MEN & CAPTIVES ALIKE, & NO WALL, NO
CURTAIN NOR TOTALITARIAN STATE CAN SHUT
IT OUT.
THE COMMEMORATION OF THIS BATTLE MARKS
THE END OF THE REVOLUTION & THE BEGINNING
OF A NEW WORLD ERA.
THE PROMISE MADE ON
JULY 4TH WAS KEPT ON OCTOBER 19TH.
THE
DREAM DESCRIBED IN THAT PENNSYLVANIA HALL
WAS FULFILLED ON THIS VIRGINIA FIELD.
THROUGH COURAGE, THE SUPPORT OF OUR ALLIES
& BY THE GRACIOUS HAND OF GOD, A REVOLUTION
WAS WON, A P. WERE SET FREE & THE WORLD
WITNESSED THE MOST EXCITING ADVENTURE IN THE
HISTORY OF NATIONS:
THE BEGINNING OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
8
BUT WE DID NOT WIN THIS BATTLE OR THIS
WAR BY OURSELVES.
FROM YOUR CO., MR. PRES.
CAME MEN & SHIPS & GOODS.
GENERALS
ROCHAMBEAU & LAFAYETTE & ADMIRALS DE GRASSE
& DE BARRAS WERE AMONG THOSE WITHOUT WHOSE
HELP THIS BATTLE & THIS WAR COULD NEVER
HAVE BEEN WON.
FRANCE WAS 1ST TO OUR SIDE,
1ST TO RECOGNIZE OUR INDEPENDENCE, &
STEADFAST IN FRIENDSHIP EVER SINCE
WE ARE
BONDED IN SPIRIT & IN FACT BY FREEDOM.
ENTRE VOUS, ENTRE NOUS, A LA VIE, A LA MORT," "
ROCHAMBEAU SAID - - BETWEEN YOU, BETWEEN US,
THROUGH LIFE, OR DEATH.
AND OTHERS CAME TO OUR AID - POLES,
SPANIARDS, SCOTS, CANADIANS, SWEDES,
GERMANS, DUTCH, IRISH, & STILL MORE.
OUR REVOLUTION WAS WON BY & FOR ALL
WHO CHERISH THE TIMELESS & UNIVERSAL RIGHTS
OF MAN.
9
THIS BATTLE WAS A VINDICATION OF IDEAS THAT
HAD BEEN FORMING FOR CENTURIES IN THE
WESTERN MIND.
FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN HAD COME THE
PHILOSOPHIES OF GREECE & THE LAWS OF ROME.
ENGLAND CONTRIBUTED REPRESENTATIVE GOV'T &
THE FRENCH & THE POLES SHARED THEIR DREAMS
OF EQUALITY & LIBERTY. ON OUR OWN FRONTIER
WE LEARNED DEPENDENCE ON FAMILY & NEIGHBORS,
& IN OUR REVOLUTION FREE MEN WERE TAUGHT
RELIANCE ON OTHER FREE MEN.
DYNAMIC FORCES
THAT HAD LONG BEEN BLOWING IN EUROPE
CRYSTALIZED ON THIS BATTLEFIELD, WHICH LIKE
A PRISM HAS SINCE SENT THE LIGHT TO THE
REST OF THE GLOBE.
WE OF THE WEST HAVE LIVED THE CENTRAL
TRUTHS - THE VALUES - AROUND WHICH WE NOW
MUST RALLY: HUMAN DIGNITY, INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS
& REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY.
10
OUR NATIONS SHARE THE FOUNDATION OF COMMON
LAW, SEPARATION OF POWERS & LIMITED GOV'T.
WE MUST UNITE BEHIND OUR COMMON CAUSE OF
FREEDOM.
THERE ARE THOSE IN THE WORLD TODAY,
AS THERE ALWYs HAVE BEEN, WHO RECOGNIZE
HUMAN RIGHTS AS ONLY SELECTIVE FAVORS TO BE
DOLED OUT BY THE STATE.
THEY PREACH
REVOLUTION AGAINST TYRANNY, BUT THEY INTEND
TO REPLACE IT WITH THE TYRANNY OF
TOTALITARIANISM.
ONCE AGAIN, TODAY, THOUSANDS OF FREE
M & W HAVE GATHERED ON THIS BATTLEFIELD IN
TESTIMONY TO THEIR BLIEFS, LEJ US REMEMBER
OUR FOREBEARS 200 YRs AGO, THE PRICE THEY
WERE WILLING TO PAY FOR LIBERTY, & REDEDICATE
OURSELVES TO THE RRINCIPLES OF OUR REVOLUTION.
LET THE STRUGGLE THAT TOOK PLACE HERE REMIND
US ALL: THE FREEDOM WE ENJOY TODAY HAS NOT
ALWAYS EXISTED, & CARRIES NO GUARANTEE.
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IN OUR SEARCH FOR AN EVERLASTING PEACE,
LET ALL OF US RESOLVE TO REMAIN SQ FILLED
WITH SPIRIT & SO SURE OF STRENGTH THAT THE
VICTORY FOR MANKIND WE WON HERE IS NEVER
THREATENED.
WILL WE MEET
ALL OF US WHO ARE FREE SHOULD REMEMBER
THE CHALLENGE JOSEPH WARREN PUT TO AM's
200 YRs AGO, & ASK: WILL WE ACT~ WORTHY
OF OURSLVS?
WE MUST - OUR HERITAGE CONFERS ON US
A SOLEMN OBLIGATION. EACH GENERATION BFOR
US HAS STRUGGLED & SACRIFICED FOR FREEDOM.
CAN WE DO ANY LESS?
TODAY, WHEN P. TELL ME SOME OF WHAT WE
ARE TRYING TO DO CANNOT BE DONE, I REMEMBER
THAT MOMENT AT YORKTOWN; WHEN WE ACHIEVED
A MIRACULOUS SUCCESS WITHOUT THE HELP OF A
MASSIVE & CENTRALIZED GOV T.
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THE MEN & BOYS WHO FOUGHT ON THIS FIELD
SOMEHOW UNDERSTOOD THAT GOV'T MUST BE CLOSE
TO I P. & RESPONSIVE TO THEM
THAT IF ALL
W/CC
MEN AERE FREE TO PROSPER, ALL WOULD BENEFIT.
TODAY, IN OUR CO., THOSE CONCEPTS ARE
THREATENED BY GOVT's BLOATED SIZE & THE
DISTORTION OF ITS TRUE FUNCTIONS.
OUR P.
ARE STRUGGLING UNDER A PUNISHING TAX BURDEN
MANY TIMES HEAVIER THAN THAT WHICH IGNITED
OUR 1ST REBELLION:
REGULATIONS THAT INHIBIT
OUR GROWTH & PROSPERITY WOULD BE
INCOMPREHENSIBLE TO THE COLONISTS WHO
REVOLTED BCUS OF THE STAMP ACT.
OUR FOUNDING FATHERS DESIGNED A SYSTEM
OF GOV'T UNIQUE IN ALL THE WORLD - A
FEDERATION OF SOVEREIGN STATES WITH AS MUCH
LAW & DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY AS POSSIBLE
KEPT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.
13
THIS CONCEPT OF FEDERALISM HAS BEEN THE
SECRET OF AM's SUCCESS, & WILL BE A PRIORITY
AGAIN AS WE RESTORE THE BALANCE BTWN THE
FED'L, STATE & LOCAL LEVELS THAT WAS
INTENDED IN THE CONSTITUTION.
BUT OF EQUAL CONCERN TO ME IS THE
UNCERTAINTY SOME SEEM TO HAVE ABOUT THE NEED
FOR A STRONG AMERICAN DEFENSE.
THAT IS A
PROPER TASK FOR THE NATIONAL GOV'T.
MILITARY INFERIORITY DOES NOT AVOID A CONFLICT,
IT ONLY INVITES ONE, & THEN INSURES DEFEAT.
WE MUST KEEP THIS NATN STRONG ENOUGH TO
REMAIN FREE.
WE HAVE BEEN TRUSTED WITH FREEDOM & MUST
ENSURE IT FOR OUR CHILDREN & FOR THEIRS.
WE ARE RESTORING OUR ECONOMY TODAY SO THAT IT
WILL WORK FOR TOMORROW'S GENERATION
WE ARE REBUILDING OUR DEFENSES SO THAT OUR
SONS & DAUGHTERS NEED NEVER BE SENT TO WAR.
14
WHERE ARE THE VOICES OF COURAGE & VISION
THAT INSPIRED US IN THE PAST?
ARE WE EVER
TO HEAR THOSE VOICES AGAIN?
YES
WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH TROUBLED
TIMES BFOR, & KNOW BETTER THAN TO CONFUSE
THE P. WHO COMPLAIN THE LOUDEST WITH THOSE
WHO KNOW THE MOST. THOMAS PAINE, A VOICE
OF PATRIOTISM, SAID, "THOSE WHO EXPECT TO
REAP THE BLESSINGS OF FREEDOM MUST UNDERGO
THE FATIGUE OF SUPPORTING IT."
WE ALWYs HAVE & WE ALWYs WILL. THAT'S
JUST PART OF BEING AN AMERICAN.
OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE HAS
BEEN COPIED BY EMERGING NATN's AROUND THE
GLOBE - ITS THEMES ADOPTED IN PLACES MANY
OF US HAVE NEVER HEARD OF.
LET US REMEMBER THAT HERE, IN THIS LAND,
FOR THE 1ST TIME, IT WAS DECIDED THAT MAN IS
BORN WITH CERTAIN GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS.
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WE THE PEOPLE = & THAT IS STILL THE MOST
POWERFUL PHRASE - WE THE P. DECLARED THAT
GOV'T IS CREATED BY THE P. FOR THEIR OWN
CONVENIENCE. NT, HAS NO POWERS EXCEPT THOSE
WE
VOLUNTARILY GRANTED TO IT BY THE PEOPLE.
THERE HAVE BEEN REVOLUTIONS BFOR &
SINCE OURS, REVOLUTNS THAT SIMPLY EXCHANGED
ONE SET OF RULERS FOR ANOTHER.
OURS WAS A
PHILOSOPHICAL REVOLUTION THAT CHANGED THE
VERY CONCEPT OF GOV'T. A FACT WE SHOULD
ALWYs REMEMBER.
JOHN ADAMS WROTE HOME FROM PHILADELPHIA
SHORTLY BFOR SIGNING THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE, & SAID, "I AM WELL AWARE OF THE
TOIL & BLOOD & TREASURE, THAT IT WILL COST
US TO MAINTAIN THIS DECLARATN, & SUPPORT &
DEFEND THESE STATES: YET THRU ALL THE GLOOM,
I CAN SEE THE RAYS OF RAVISHING LIGHT & GLORY.
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I CAN SEE THAT THE END IS MORE THAN WORTH
ALL THE MEANS
& THAT POSTERITY WILL
TRIUMPH
IT IS THAT VISION WE MUST RECALL TODAY.
WE HAVE EC. PROBLEMS AT HOME & WE LIVE IN A
TROUBLED & VIOLENT WORLD.
BUT THERE IS A
MORAL FIBRE RUNNING THRU OUR P. THAT MAKES
US MORE THAN STRONG ENOUGH TO FACE THE TESTS
AHEAD.
WE CAN LOOK AT OUR PAST WITH PRIDE,
& OUR FUTURE CAN BE WHATEVER WE MAKE IT
WE ONLY HAVE TO ACT WORTHY OF OURSELVES.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.