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POW/MIA: National League of Families, 01/28/1982
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POW/MIA: National League of Families, 01/28/1982
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: POW/MIA: National League of Families,
01/28/1982
Box: 45
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/
Clark event
streetly nsc
Hyatt Regency
Crystal city
9:30
per fance from
scheduling Nilla
1/24
Preservation Copy
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 27, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR ELIZABETH H. DOLE
FROM:
MORTON C. BLACKWELL
SUBJECT:
Draft Presidential Remarks -
National League of Families
These are fine remarks.
9:26 A
EHD/RC/JB/MB
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
11:00 A.M. THURSDAY
DATE: 1/26/83
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
January 27, 1983
SUBJECT: DRAFT PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES OF AMERICAN
PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
FULLER
MEESE
GERGEN
BAKER
HARPER
P
DEAVER
JENKINS
STOCKMAN
MURPHY
CLARK
ROLLINS
DARMAN
P
SS
WILLIAMSON
DOLE
VON DAMM
DUBERSTEIN
BRADY/SPEAKES
FELDSTEIN
ROGERS
FIELDING
Bakshian
Remarks:
Please forward comments/edits directly to Aram Bakshian, with a
copy to my office, by 11:00 a.m. tomorrow, January 27.
Thank you.
Richard G. Darman
Assistant to the President
(x2702)
Response:
(Dolan/AB)
January 26, 1983
5:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES OF AMERICAN
PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1983
George Brooks, Ann Griffiths, members of the board, family
members, and Members of the Congress:
I think most of you know that during the course of any given
day, we meet with an assortment of groups who represent a cross
section of interests and causes.
None of these meetings are routine but I must tell you that
this meeting today is more than special. The anguish you've
suffered -- the families of brave men listed as prisoners of war
or as missing in action -- is unspeakable, something the rest of
us can never really know even in partial measure. Twelve years
ago, I said something, to a group of you in California that I
believe is even more true today: If they could be here today,
millions of Americans, from every corner of this land, who have
only a glimmer of your pain, would say to you "we want with all
our hearts to share your burden."
And what a burden you have had to bear. You watched as we
disengaged from Vietnam and many of our POW's returned for an
emotional homecoming. You have seen task forces and committees
hold hearings and issue reports that attempted to foreclose hope.
But as the tragic flow of refugees from Indochina began a few
years ago, those columns of humanity who had suffered hunger and
thirst, disease and piracy, brought with them first-hand, "live
sighting" reports of American prisoners held captive after 1973.
As this information was investigated, respected figures in the
Page 2
intelligence community reached personal conclusions that these
reports were credible, even though the circumstances of the
sightings prevented confirmation.
But with these refugees and the news they brought, another
tragedy was unfolding here at home. You, the families of our
missing men, were trying to be heard, and yet, you were sometimes
unfairly and cruelly branded as an emotionally distraught group
that ignored reality and simply hoped against hope.
Government and public attention began to wane. And instead
of being a full partner with your Government in attempting to
learn the fates of your loved ones, you were confronted with
legal rulings that presumed your loved ones dead; you found
yourselves quite literally on the outside, driven in some cases
to demonstrate for attention in front of the White House gates.
Well, today I want you to know that your vigil is over.
Your Government is attentive and the intelligence assets of the
United States are fully focused on this issue. Furthermore, I
pledge to you that we will take decisive action on any live
sighting reports that can be confirmed.
We are also working to achieve an accounting of our missing
men. I am sure you understand that some of these approaches must
be done quietly. As Judge Clark told you yesterday, despite the
differences between our governments, we have followed up the
encouraging Lao response to the recent visit by the League's
delegation. We are fully prepared to take additional, concrete
steps with the Loatian government to improve relations. I pledge
to you that progress on the POW/MIA issue will be a principle
Page 3
measure of their sincerity. I wish to recognize publiclý their
positive steps to date and call upon them to continue with us in
this humanitarian effort to end the years of uncertainty you have
endured.
I also call on the government in Hanoi to honor their
pledges to the American people on the POW/MIA issue. Not for me,
not for our Government -- but for our missing men and those of
you who did nothing to deserve this terrible emotional ordeal you
have endured.
Now these steps are an indication of how things are changing
for the better and how the work of those of you in the National
League of Families has helped bring about this change.
You are the ones who have forged a partnership to realize
our common quest: the return of all POW's, the fullest possible
accounting for those still missing, and the repatriation of
remains of those who died serving our Nation. The myth that this
effort is partisan or needlessly raises your hopes has now been
dashed.
The Government bureaucracy now understands that these goals
are of the highest national priority and there is strong
bipartisan support in the Congress. Those Americans who
attempted to discharge Government responsibilities through
private efforts should now understand that the full resources of
our Government are now committed to these goals.
Today is a time for remembering many -- the private donors,
the Congressmen and the Government employees, all those who are
dedicated to organizing and supporting a variety of projects to
Page 4
achieve our goals. Because of the very nature of their work,
they must shun publicity, but I want them to know that their.
quiet and responsible efforts represent the highest patriotic
humanitarian values. I urge them to continue on with their work
regardless of the obstacles and frustrations -- for the return
home of only one of our men will be a personal reward of far
greater value than any words spoken here today.
But beyond all those I have mentioned, there are of course
those of you here today. Today, this is a room of heroes who
kept a vigil of unprecedented faith and devotion. Through all.
the years of heartbreak and mistrust you have been the ones who
have cared, you have been the ones who asked for justice, for
deeds not words.
The membership of the National League of Families, past and
present board members, and your national office staff deserve the
gratitude and accolades of this Nation. And I think I should
mention other individuals who share our goals such as Fred
Travelena, and returned POW Captain Jerry Coffee, have also given
without regard to personal gain.
So all of us can be gratified that progress is being made --
but never satisfied. We need greater public awareness from the
American people. So I ask each American who hears or reads of
this to find a way to help. No matter how small each individual
effort may seem, it is needed.
I ask too that you continue to provide us with positive
suggestions through your Washington office. We welcome and
solicit your help and cooperation, as well as your criticism when
Page 5
you feel we deserve it. It is possible there will be differences
from time to time on tactics and strategy, but I repeat: We are
heartfelt allies and friends, our goals are the same.
The Government is large, it's possible that sometimes you
will hear voices that will sound contradictory or insensitive.
But we're doing what we can to eliminate that. So, please, don't
let it shake our larger faith. Only if we are united, only if we
have faith in each other can we finally hope to end the tragic
ordeal that you have endured with such steadfast and wondrous
courage.
191
FINAL DRAFT PROGRAM - JANUARY 27TH MEETING
Duck Children
HYATT REGENCY, CRYSTAL CITY
3576
JANUARY 26
4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION
WASHINGTON ROOM
8:30 - 12:00 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
WASHINGTON ROOM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
WASHINGTON ROOM
JANUARY 27
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
OPENING BUSINESS SESSION
REGENCY ROOM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
(A & B)
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
LUNCHEON clark
REGENCY ROOM
4:00
2:30 - 3.30 p.m.
NSC BRIEFING Briefing
JCRC /C/L
(C & D)
REGENCY ROOM
41.00
(A & B)
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
BUSINESS MEETING Refuge Info
REGENCY ROOM
(A & B)
5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
DINNER BREAK
7:30 p.m.
DEPART TO CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
COMMEMORATIVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
FT. MYER
MEMORIAL CHAPEL
JANUARY 28
President Reagan
1
9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
REFUGEE INFORMATION SEMINAR
REGENCY ROOM
2
CIL Brainess & JCRC BRIEFING matury Bus mty
(A & B)
10:00 - 12:30 a.m.
REGENCY ROOM
(A & B)
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK
3
2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
PUBLIC AWARENESS SEMINAR
REGENCY ROOM
(A & B)
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
FINANCE REPORT
REGENCY ROOM
I
(A & B)
5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
DINNER BREAK
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
BUSINESS MEETING
REGENCY ROOM
OPEN DISCUSSION
(A & B)
JANUARY 29
9:00 a.m.
BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S MEETING
WASHINGTON ROOM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 10, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR RED CAVANEY
FROM
MORTON C. BLACKWELL
M
SUBJECT:
National League of Families of American
Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia
In consultation with Dick Childress from the NSC
staff I have been informed that the best time for
the President to address the National League of
Families on January 28 would be at 9:30 a.m.
There is still a great deal of action and interest
relating to POW/MIAs. I hope the President is able
to make this event.
THE WHITE HOUSE 12/2/82
WASHINGTON
Red
would it be possible
to do this POW/MIA event
on the 28th of January ?
We are still showing
it as tentative, but I
believe that there in a
acceptance. strong Lillhhood of
7nd
4999
8/3/82
Date. 1/27/83
Bill
Time. TBD
THE WHITE HOUSE
I would
Length TBD
FJR WASHINGTON
sugget are put
Date 8/5/83
the on Tentative.
SCHEDULE OUTLINE
August 2, 1982
7nd
TO:
FRED RYAN
FROM:
MIKE DEAVER M
OKAY
REQUEST:
To participate in the next meeting of the National
League of Families of American Prisoners and
Missing in Southeast Asia.
PURPOSE:
To reaffirm the President's commitment to the
families of our missing men and stress our
stepped-up efforts to resolve the issue.
BACKGROUND:
National League is the major organization
representing the families. There was great
disappointment that the President could not speak
to them at their recent meeting (8-11 July).
Through extraordinary symbolic gestures such as
the flying of the POW/MIA Flag and a substantive
address by Secretary Weinberger originally written
for the President, some of the disappointment was
neutralized. The next meeting will coincide with
the Tenth Anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords.
PREVIOUS
Rose Garden signing of the POW/MIA Proclamation in
PARTICIPATION: 1981. President Reagan is the first President who
has not held substantive discussions with the
League or addressed them in a meeting. Presidents
Nixon and Ford spoke at the League's Annual Banquet
and President Carter had a 45-minute meeting in the
Cabinet Room with League officials thirteen days
after taking office.
DATE:
January 27, at Breakfast, Luncheon or Dinner.
LOCATION:
Local hotel, to be determined.
PARTICIPANTS:
500-600 POW/MIA family members and friends.
OUTLINE OF
Address to League (10-15 minutes)
EVENT:
MEDIA
Major coverage by all national networks and
COVERAGE:
news media.
RECOMMENDED BY:
NSC, State and Defense.
TALKING
Speech to follow.
POINTS:
4999
CC: thed
THE WHITE HOUSE
Helen
WASHINGTON
SCHEDULE OUTLINE
August 2, 1982
HCD to
Aptach
TO:
FRED RYAN
FR
FROM:
MIKE DEAVER M
REQUEST:
To participate in the next meeting of the National
League of Families of American Prisoners and
Missing in Southeast Asia.
PURPOSE:
To reaffirm the President's commitment to the
families of our missing men and stress our
stepped-up efforts to resolve the issue.
BACKGROUND:
National League is the major organization
representing the families. There was great
disappointment that the President could not speak
to them at their recent meeting (8-11 July).
Through extraordinary symbolic gestures such as
the flying of the POW/MIA Flag and a substantive
address by Secretary Weinberger originally written
for the President, some of the disappointment was
neutralized. The next meeting will coincide with
the Tenth Anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords.
PREVIOUS
Rose Garden signing of the POW/MIA Proclamation in
PARTICIPATION: 1981. President Reagan is the first President who
has not held substantive discussions with the
League or addressed them in a meeting. Presidents
Nixon and Ford spoke at the League's Annual Banquet
and President Carter had a 45-minute meeting in the
Cabinet Room with League officials thirteen days
after taking office.
DATE:
January 27, at Breakfast, Luncheon or Dinner.
LOCATION:
Local hotel, to be determined.
PARTICIPANTS:
500-600 POW/MIA family members and friends.
OUTLINE OF
Address to League (10-15 minutes)
EVENT:
MEDIA
Major coverage by all national networks and
COVERAGE:
news media.
RECOMMENDED BY:
NSC, State and Defense.
TALKING
Speech to follow.
POINTS:
LRSM
THE WHITE house
NOV 4 1982
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
12
NOVEMBER 2, 1982
TO:
RED CAVANEY
FROM: WILLIAM K. SADLEIR, DIRECTOR
PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING
SUBJ: REQUEST FOR SCHEDULING RECOMMENDATION
PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR RECOMMENDATION ON THE FOLLOWING
SCHEDULING REQUEST UNDER CONSIDERATION:
EVENT:
Attend a special meeting of the National
League of POW/MIA Families.
DATE:
January 27, 1983
LOCATION:
Washington, D.C.
BACKGROUND:
See attached
YOUR RECOMMENDATION:
Accept X Regret
Surrogate
Message
Other
Priority
Routine
IF RECOMMENDATION IS TO ACCEPT, PLEASE CITE REASONS:
And
Feelings were very benef last year
When the President could not
attand + they are very hopeful that
he will go antoy his way to he -
hand tn This year.
FAR
RESPONSE DUE
11-10-82
TO
Fred J. Ryan
Jan
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES
OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
1608 K STREET, N.W., WASHINGTON, D. C. 20006 (202) 223-6846
scheduling
UND
October 22, 1982
106292
APP Date. 1/27/82
The President
The White House
Time. Length. 11:30 40 min
Washington, D.C. 20500
WKS
Date 11/11/82
Mr. President:
January 27, 1983, will signify the tenth year since the signing
of the Paris Agreement to End the War in Vietnam. To mark that
anniversary when all the POWs were supposed to be returned and
the missing accounted for, the National League of POW/MIA Families
is holding a special meeting in Washington, D.C. As part of that
meeting, we want to bring our members up to date on the many
significant events which have transpired in recent months.
Past presidents of both parties have met with us, and our members
were deeply disappointed this past July when you were unable to
attend our 13th Annual Meeting. In January, as we begin the third
year of your administration, we feel it would be an opportune
time for the Commander-In-Chief to speak to the assembled POW/MIA
relatives and supportive veterans organizations. As a result of
your personal commitment and that of the members of your adminis-
tration, there is significant progress to report.
The League's meeting is scheduled for the 27th and 28th of January
at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City. We would specifically like
for you and Mrs. Reagan to join us and for you to address our noon
luncheon on the 27th.
For the first time in these ten years, we feel the President and
the U.S. government are truly committed to resolving this important
humanitarian issue. We are hopeful you can attend to personally
express your deep commitment.
Respectfully,
an Mill Daffills
Ann Mills Griffiths
Executive Director
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 6, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR MORTON BLACKWELL
FROM:
RED CAVANEY
a
SUBJECT:
National League of Families of American Prisoners
and Missing in Southeast Asia
As a result of a scheduling conflict, it will be unable for the
President to accept on January 27. Without extending a specific
commitment, would you please contact the group to ascertain what
times might be available on 1/28 for Presidential participation.
Please advise.
Thanks.