Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
1563314
label
Jefferson, Thomas - Birthday Celebration, 4/13/76 (1)
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1563314
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Jefferson, Thomas - Birthday Celebration, 4/13/76 (1)
citationUrl
collections
John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
John Marsh's Bicentennial Subject Files
subjects
American Revolution Bicentennial, 1776-1976
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
1563314
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1976-05-01
month
5
year
1976
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1975-08-01
month
8
year
1975
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
79505003b8887df6
ocrText
The original documents are located in Box 70, folder "Jefferson, Thomas - Birthday
Celebration, 4/13/76 (1)" of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
159: Groundbreaking for Jefferson Memorial
158 [Indorsing University Scholarships for
Refugees from Germany. December 14, 1938
My dear Mr. Lane:
I HAVE received your letter of December 2, 1938, and am deeply
interested to note the plans which the President and Corpora-
tion of Harvard University and the student body are making to
provide for scholarships and support for refugees of all creeds
from Germany.
This program appears to be in the best traditions of the Uni-
versity, and I sincerely hope that it will be taken up by other
institutions throughout the country.
Very sincerely yours,
Mr. Robert E. Lane,
Harvard Committee
To Aid German Student Refugees,
Cambridge, Massachusetts.
159 Address at Groundbreaking for the
Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washing-
ton, D. C. December 15, 1938
Mr. Gibboney, Members of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Commission:
NEARLY a hundred years ago, the Congress of the United States,
in response to a general public demand, undertook to provide
a memorial in the Nation's Capital to the first President of the
United States, George Washington. There followed many years
of controversy both as to the type of memorial and as to its loca-
tion. The Washington Monument emerged as the result of Con-
gressional action.
Half a century ago, again in response to public demand, the
645
Digitized from Box 70 of The John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
159. Groundbreaking for Jefferson Memorial
Congress began the consideration of a monument to the memory
of Abraham Lincoln, the preserver of the Union. Years went by
and a distinguished committee, following the broad objectives
of the original plan for the development of the National Capital,
recommended the creation of two broad axes in the general
form of a cross-one - axis from the Capitol through the Mall
past the Washington Monument to the river bank, and the other
axis from the White House past the Washington Monument
to another point near the river.
In line with this well considered plan, the Congress erected
the Lincoln Memorial at the end of the longer axis and it was
then the clear intention both of the Congress and of the many
planning committees and commissions who studied the subject
to complete the other axis from the White House to the river
by the erection of a public monument at the fourth corner of
the cross.
For far more than fifty years, Thomas Jefferson, the third
President of the United States, has been recognized by our citi-
zens not only for the outstanding part which he took in the
drafting of the Declaration of Independence itself, not only for
his authorship of the Virginia statute for religious freedom, but
also for the services he rendered in establishing the practical
operation of the American Government as a democracy and not
as an autocracy.
For very many years, it has seemed appropriate that with
Washington and Lincoln, his services should be held in memory
by the erection of a monument of equal dignity. We are break-
ing ground, today, for such a memorial. The Congress of the
United States, through a distinguished Commission, has, after
long consideration, chosen this site and made the first appropria
tions for the creation of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
In the days to come, the millions of American citizens who
each year visit the National Capital will have a sense of gratitude
that at last an adequate permanent National Memorial to
Thomas Jefferson has been placed at this beautiful spot because
as the Joint Resolution of the Congress says: "The American
646
BALD
160. Aid to Spanish Sufferers
people feel a deep debt of gratitude to Thomas Jefferson" and
"honor the services rendered by him."
160 (A Letter in Behalf of Giving Aid to the
Spanish Sufferers. December 19, 1938
My dear Mr. McDonald:
FACTUAL REPORTS on conditions in Spain give me deep concern
over the extreme hardships and sufferings there of millions of
civilians and particularly of the women and children.
Since the outset of the war in Spain the American Red Cross
has expended a considerable sum in emergency assistance to
Americans stranded in that country and in humanitarian work
in the territories of both factions through the International
Red Cross Committee. In view, however, of the increased suf-
fering in Spain, the American Red Cross recently contributed
the funds necessary to secure 60,000 barrels of flour for im-
partial distribution among the women and children in propor-
tion to need in order to prevent starvation.
For this purpose the Red Cross obtained wheat from the Fed-
eral Surplus Commodities Corporation at a nominal cost and
the United States Maritime Commission provided free ocean
transportation to France. The Red Cross paid the cost of process-
ing the wheat into flour, the rail transportation and other inci-
dental charges and thus by an expenditure of some $66,000 it
was able to furnish flour to the value of about $250,000.
The flour thus furnished by the Red Cross was distributed
under the supervision of the American Friends Service Commit-
tee which has been carrying on impartial relief activities in
Spain. The aid thus far rendered by the American Red Cross
and the American Friends Service Committee has been of ines-
timable value but wholly inadequate to meet the needs. The
60,000 barrels of flour which were shipped will be entirely
consumed by the end of January. Every effort should, therefore,
647
37. Dedication of Thomas Jefferson Memorial
ruary 28, 1943, the remaining bor-
working men and women were
rowing authority under the existing
being stabilized and men were being
debt limit was 8.160 billion dollars,
drafted into the armed forces at
and it was estimated that by April
$600 per year, net incomes after
12 it would be down to 6 billion
taxes should not be tolerated over
dollars. On March 12, 1943, the
$25,000. Added to this was the
President had announced a pro
President's objection on constitu-
gram designed to raise 13 billion
tional grounds to the rider method
dollars of new funds during the
of legislation, a form of shotgun
month of April in a Second War
action on the part of the Congress
Loan Drive. At the time, war ex-
which forced the acceptance of a
penditures were being made at an
manifestly bad bill because it was
average rate of more than 200 mil-
tacked onto a bill that had to be
lion dollars a day in excess of the
signed in order to win the war.
daily revenue from taxes. It was
The President could not possibly
essential that the Treasury be em-
veto the bill. Therefore he issued
powered to borrow the money neces-
the foregoing statement, and al-
sary for the huge war expenditures.
lowed it to become a law without
The President strongly felt that
his signature (57 Stat. 63).
during a period when wages of
37 Address at Dedication of the Thomas
Jefferson Memorial, Washington, D. C.
April 13, 1943
TODAY, in the midst of a great war for freedom, we dedicate a
shrine to freedom.
To Thomas Jefferson, Apostle of Freedom, we are paying a
debt long overdue.
Yet, there are reasons for gratitude that this occasion falls
within our time; for our generation of Americans can under-
stand much in Jefferson's life which intervening generations
could not see as well as we.
He faced the fact that men who will not fight for liberty can
lose it. We, too, have faced that fact.
He lived in a world in which freedom of conscience and free-
dom of mind were battles still to be fought through not prin-
1 62
37. Dedication of Thomas Jefferson Memorial
ciples already accepted of all men. We, too, have lived in such a
world.
He loved peace and loved liberty - yet on more than one OC-
casion he was forced to choose between them. We, too, have been
compelled to make that choice.
Generations which understand each other across the distances
of history are the generations united by a common experience
and a common cause. Jefferson, across a hundred and fifty years
of time, is closer by much to living men than many of our lead-
ers of the years between. His cause was a cause to which we also
are committed, not by our words alone but by our sacrifice.
For faith and ideals imply renunciations. Spiritual advance-
ment throughout all our history has called for temporal
sacrifices.
The Declaration of Independence and the very purposes of
the American Revolution itself, while seeking freedoms, called
for the abandonment of privileges.
Jefferson was no dreamer - for half a century he led his State
and his Nation in fact and in deed. I like to think that this was
so because he thought in terms of the morrow as well as the day
- and this was why he was hated or feared by those who thought
in terms of the day and the yesterday.
We judge him by the application of his philosophy to the cir-
cumstances of his life. But in such applying we come to under-
stand that his life was given for those deeper values that persist
throughout all time.
Leader in the philosophy of government, in education, in the
arts, in efforts to lighten the toil of mankind -exponent of plan-
ning for the future, he led the steps of America into the path
of the permanent integrity of the Republic.
Thomas Jefferson believed, as we believe, in Man. He be-
lieved, as we believe, that men are capable of their own govern-
ment, and that no king, no tyrant, no dictator can govern for
them as well as they can govern for themselves.
He believed, as we believe, in certain inalienable rights. He,
163
37. Dedication of Thomas Jefferson Memorial
as we, saw those principles and freedoms challenged. He fought
for them, as we fight for them.
He proved that the seeming eclipse of liberty can well become
the dawn of more liberty. Those who fight the tyranny of our
own time will come to learn that old lesson. Among all the peo-
ples of the earth, the cruelties and the oppressions of its would-be
masters have taught this generation what its liberties can mean.
This lesson, so bitterly learned, will never be forgotten while
this generation is still alive.
The words which we have chosen for this Memorial speak
Jefferson's noblest and most urgent meaning; and we are proud
indeed to understand it and share it:
"I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against
every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
NOTE: As the President pointed
The dedication of the Thomas
out during one of his press confer-
Jefferson Memorial was held on
ences (see Item 148, PP. 604-607,
Jefferson's birthday. The entire
1938 volume), there had been a
ceremony, including the President's
long delay in the authorization of
address, lasted fifteen minutes and
a memorial for Thomas Jefferson.
was staged with the simplicity which
The delay appeared to have been
Jefferson himself would have liked.
caused by political reasons. After
Two years later, the President
President Roosevelt's first inaugural
had prepared an address for deliv-
in 1933, there arose renewed inter-
est in the project; and the Congress
ery on Jefferson Day, 1945, in which
in 1934 authorized the construction
he set forth the hopes of humanity
of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
for enduring peace. The President
on the edge of the Tidal Basin in
died the afternoon before this Jef-
Washington. The President deliv-
ferson Day speech was to have been
ered an address at ground-breaking
delivered (see Item 148, 1944-1945
ceremonies on December 15, 1938
volume, for the text of this unde-
(see Item 159, pp- 645-647, 1938
livered address).
volume).
1 64
-2-
--
President of the University of Virginia Alumni Association
--
Former President of the University of Virginia, Edgar Shannon
--
President of William and Mary (Jefferson was a graduate of
William and Mary)
--
State Legislator in the House from Albemance
--
State Senator representing Albemarle County
Doorstin
I also think it would be a good idea to have the Proclamation repro-
duced but without the President's signature so he can sign them
personally, as we did with the Robert E. Lee Citizenship bill.
Many thanks.
-4-
There is a spiritual bond between Jefferson and Lincoln.
Jefferson was the political philosopher and apostle of individual
freedom. Lincoln took the principles of Jefferson's Declaration
and translated them for the rank and file of all the people. The
great emancipater, gave it meaning to the common man. He took
to the crossroads and grassroots of America the democracy of
which Jefferson wrote.
Jefferson suggested an aristocracy for America. The aristocracy
of talent and virtue. This Nation more than any other nation of the
world has opened the ranks of its citizens to that aristocracy.
Jefferson's aristocracy is demonstrated by our national preeminence
today.
Jefferson was an early believer in freedom of the press.
Although harshly attacked, vilified he maintained an unfettered
press was essential to American freedom.
- -5-
Jefferson is remembered as a foremost exponent of American
individualism. However, this was an individualism based on
enlightenment and responsibility. Learning and reason he argued
are essential ingredients of political freedom.
His credo was embodied in his epitaph:
Author of the Declaration of Independence--
which expressed his dedication to political freedom.
Author of the Virginia Statute for Religious
Freedom.
Founder of the University of Virginia.
Tom Jefferson's pen is still mightier than the sword. Let
us remember this today. Mankind in the 20th century still draws
- -6-
today. Mankind in the 20th Century still draws its inspiration from
the Delcaration of Independence and not from the writings of Karl
Marx.
Let us honor this man this year and in the next century of
our Independence as a people by translating into our national life
the qualities, the talents and the ideas which were the warp and
woof of his.
Let us seek to be an enlightened Nation with appreciation
for learning, for reason and for justice for all of our people.
-7- -
Let us dedicate ourselves to achievement in order that we
make this country what it has the opportunity to be.
Let us carve out for America itsrightful place of leadership
in the Council of Nations of this world.
Let us extend the boundaries of human freedom here at home
and beyond our shores.
Let us accept and discharge the responsibility as a people
upon whom Providence has bestowed SO much.
Let us practice an enlightened individualism and thereby
pay tribute to the man we honor this day.
-4-
There is a spiritual bond between Jefferson and Lincoln.
Jefferson was the political philosopher and apostle of individual
freedom. Lincoln took the principles of Jefferson's Declaration
and translated them for the rank and file of all the people. The
great emancipater, gave it meaning to the common man. He took
to the crossroads and grassroots of America the democracy of
which Jefferson wrote.
Jefferson suggested an aristocracy for America. The aristocracy
of talent and virtue. This Nation more than any other nation of the
world has opened the ranks of its citizens to that aristocracy.
Jefferson's aristocracy is demonstrated by our national preeminence
today.
Jefferson was an fervent early believer in freedom of the press.
often
FORD & LIBRAN DERALD
Although harshly attacked, vilified he maintained an unfettered
press was essential to American freedom.
-5- -
Jefferson is remembered as a foremost exponent of American
individualism. However, this was an individualism based on
enlightenment and responsibility. Learning and reason he argued
are essential ingredients of political freedom.
His credo was embodied in his epitaph:
Author of the Declaration of Independence--
which expressed his dedication to political freedom.
Author of the Virginia Statute for Religious
Freedom.
Founder of the University of Virginia.
in
twant
of the 18 century
the
in
Tom Jefferson's pen is still mightier than the sword. Let
k
us remember this today. Mankind in the 20th century still draws
FORD & LIBRA,
-6-
its inspiration from the Declaration of Independence and not from
the writings of Karl Marx.
Let us honor this man this year and in the next century of
our Independence as a people by translating into our national life
the qualities, the talents and the ideas which were the warp and
woof of his.
Let us seek to be an enlightened Nation with appreciation
for learning, for reason and for justice for all of our people.
Let us dedicate ourselves to achievement in order that we
can make this country what it has the opportunity to be.
-7-
its night plan of leadership
Let us carve out for America aplace in the Council of
1
Nations of this world and this 1 hog fellow, Americans we
can do.
Let us extend the boundaries of human freedom here at home
and beyond our shores. TP Let us accept and discharge this the
responsibility as a people upon whom Providence has bestowed
IP
so much, let us practice individual responsibility.
and thenky Pay t while
(
to the man
an enlig tenal
we wonn
The day
FORD & LIBRA
-6-
its inspiration from the Declaration of Independence and not from
the writings of Karl Marx.
Let us honor this man this year and in the next century of
our Independence as a people by translating into our national life
the qualities, the talents and the ideas which were the warp and
woof of his.
Let us seek to be an enlightened Nation with appreciation
for learning, for reason and for justice for all of our people.
Let us dedicate ourselves to achievement in order that we
can make this country what it has the opportunity to be.
-7-
Let us carve out for America a place in the Council of
Nations of this world -- and this matter, fellow, Americans, we
can do.
Let us extend the boundaries of human freedom here at home
and beyond our shores. Let us accept and discharge this
responsibility as a people upon whom Providence has bestowed
so much, let us practice individual responsibility.
Becenlenned
August 6, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
TED MARRS
FROM:
JACK MARSH
It is customary to have a ceremony on the occasion of Jefferson's
Birthday, April 13, at the Jefferson Memorial here in Washington.
The program is a short one, consisting of a few introductory
remarks and a main talk of 10-20 minutes.
It occurred to me that this would be a very natural place for the
President to make a Bicentennial statement which would not require
a great deal of investment of his time from the standpoint of travel
and yet would focus public attention on the event that he is commem-
orating.
Can you make some quiet inquiry into how this program is put
together, and who is responsible for it. It is my understanding
that it is the National Park Service with the National Capitol
Park Region having the principle responsibility for the planning.
JOM/d1
FORD is LIBRARY 078830
see: marrs
Been
December 2, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
TED MARRS
FROM
JACK MARSH
Ted, I got your telephone message re the attached. Please prepare
an appropriate schedule proposal.
Thanks.
(re Jefferson Memorial memo re birthday - - April 13 - from JOM to
Marre - 8/6/75)
FORD is LIBRARY GENALD
December 11, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BILL NICHOLSON
FROM:
JACK MARSH
I strongly recommend the President participate in the 33rd Annual
Celebration commemorating the birth of Thomas Jefferson.
A
schedule proposal is attached and also a memo to the President.
Many thanks.
JOM/dl
FORD is LIBRARY 92
December 11, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JACK MARSH
The accompanying schedule proposal relates to an annual
observance each year at the Jefferson Memorial here in
Washington.
It is held on the occasion of Jefferson's birthday, which is the
13th of April. Because of the Bicentennial year, and Jefferson's
authorship of the Declaration of Independence, I believe the
significance of the propoam this year is on a national scale.
Additionally, it gives you the opportunity to identify with the
Jeffersonian principles of government and an excellent opper-
tunity to speak out on such American goals as those involved in
the Declaration of Independence.
cc: Dick Cheney
Bob Hartmann
Jerry Jones
Bill Nicholson
JOM/dl
FORD is LIBRANT 078839
THE WHITE HOUSE
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL FOR THE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON
DATE: DECEMBER 9, 1975
FROM: TED MARRS
VIA: BILL NICHOLSON June
THRU: JACK MARSH
MEETING:
Participation in the 33rd Annual Celebration
commemorating the birth of Thomas Jefferson.
DATE:
Tuesday, April 13, 1976 at 12:00 Noon.
PURPOSE:
To commemorate the 232nd Anniversary of the
birth of Thomas Jefferson in appropriate
ceremonies to be held at the Jefferson
Memorial.
FORMAT:
-Jefferson Memorial, Tidal Basin, Washington, D.C.
-Participants: Various dignataries. List to be
supplied.
-Length: Twenty to Thirty Minutes.
CABINET
PARTICIPATION:
Secretary of the Interior
SPEECH MATERIAL:
To be supplied by Paul Theis.
PRESS COVERAGE:
Full Press Coverage
STAFF:
Jack Marsh
Ted Marrs
Milt Mitler
RECOMMEND:
Jack Marsh
Ted Marrs
Milt Mitler
OPPOSED:
None
PREVIOUS
PARTICIPATION:
None
BACKGROUND:
Annually, the District of Columbia Society,
Sons of the American Revolution, in cooperation
with the National Park Service and the Military
District of Washington, holds a special ceremony
at the Jefferson Memorial, Tidal Basin, in
commemoration of the birth of our third
President.
Page 2
1976 will mark the 33rd year the occasion has
been observed in this manner.
The ceremony, which does not generally exceed
thirty minutes, consists of presentation of
memorial wreaths by various interested groups
and a commemorative speech.
In the past, the event has drawn from 500 to
1,000 spectators.
This would be a very natural place for the
President to make a Bicentennial statement
which would not require much investment of
time from the standpoint of travel and yet
would focus public attention on the event he
is commemorating.
It is recommended the President make the
commemorative address at the 33rd Annual
Celebration of the birth of Thomas Jefferson.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
Berent
February 28, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Check with Ted Marro and Milt Mitler and let's be certain
we follow-up on the President's appearance at the Jefferson
Memorial. I think the consensus is still to have him do that
notwithstanding some other indications we received.
Many thanks.
JOM/dl
GERALD 7217 ? FORD
Becent
March 10, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DAVE GERGEN
FROM:
JACK MARSH
This is for your information inasmuch as we had talked about
what activities might occur at the Jefferson memorial. If the
Congress enacts this legislation as mentioned, it could give
greater emphasis to the President's appearance at the Jeffer-
son Memorial even if he does not sign the bill there.
Many thanks.
JOM/dl
FORD is LIBRARY 9ERALD
Become
March 10, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
TED MARRS
MILT MITLER
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
SUBJECT:
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday
April 13, 1976
There is an effort in Congress to designate April 13 as Thomas
Jefferson Day. As you know, this is Jefferson's birthday.
We should track this bill very closely and arrange a signing
ceremony. I would suggest if it can be timed, he could per-
haps sign it at the Jefferson memorial.
However, it may be helpful to go ahead and have it signed
before that date in order to focus attention on the 13th of
April.
Many thanks.
ce: Dave Gergen.
JOM/dl
FORD is LIBRARY DERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 10, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH John
Susan Porter was supposed to send me an options paper, setting
out proposals for the First Lady to do something at the Jefferson
Memorial. The idea was to submit several different options for
this date to see which one the President wanted to select.
Please call Susan and see what the status of this paper is.
Many thanks.
#
MEMORANDUM TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE Pum
Jack, Susan is out until Monday. Her assistant, Sally, will bug
her about the requested paper. Sally indicated that, while Susan
was working on certain aspects of the effort itself, she had not
as yet prepared the options paper. Sally will ask Susan to complete
the requested action ASAP.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 19, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
THRU:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF
VERN LOEN
m.6.
FROM:
CHARLES LEPPERT, JR. Cg.
SUBJECT:
H.J.Res. 670-To Designate April 13,
1976 as "Thomas Jefferson Days
In accordance with your request, I am attaching hereto, a copy of
H.J. Res. 670, designating April 13, 1976 as "Thomas Jefferson
Day. " This would not create a public holiday, but merely a day of
commemoration.
This Joint Resolution was introduced by Rep. McClory in the House
on September 25, 1975, with 233 co-sponsors. It was referred to
the Subcommittee on Census and Population of the Committee on Post
Office and Civil Service.
On Thursday, March 18th, the Committee on Post Office and Civil
Service reported the resolution out of Committee, however a report
was not filed. The report will probably be filed next week.
94TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. J. RES. 670
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SEPTEMBER 25, 1975
Mr. McCLoRY introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service
JOINT RESOLUTION
To designate April 13, 1976, as "Thomas Jefferson Day".
1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That April 13, 1976, the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, is
4 designated as "Thomas Jefferson Day", and the President is
5 authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling
6 for the observance of such day with appropriate ceremonies
7 and activities.
I
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 19, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
THRU:
VERN MAX L. LOEN FRIEDERSDORF m.6. 6.
FROM:
CHARLES LEPPERT, JR. CLg.
SUBJECT:
H.J. Res. 670 - To Designate April 13,
1976 as "Thomas Jefferson Day."
In accordance with your request, I am attaching hereto, a copy of
H.J. Res. 670, designating April 13, 1976 as "Thomas Jefferson
Day. " This would not create a public holiday, but merely a day of
commemoration.
This Joint Resolution was introduced by Rep. McClory in the House
on September 25, 1975, with 233 co-sponsors. It was referred to
the Subcommittee on Census and Population of the Committee on Post
Office and Civil Service.
On Thursday, March 18th, the Committee on Post Office and Civil
Service reported the resolution out of Committee, however a report
was not filed. The report will probably be filed next week.
is
FORD
sand plstat v' RTH to done 3/23 all QERALO VIBRARY
3. 4. Nesson
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TT7ile
March 23, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
JACK MARCH
I call to your attention the attached Resolution to designate
April 13, 1976 as "Thomas Jefferson Day. "
THE June PRESIDENT
This is merely a day of commemoration and does not create
a public holiday.
March 23, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JACK MARSH
I call to your attention the attached Resolution to designate
April 13, 1976 as "Thomas Jefferson Day." "
This is merely a day of commemoration and does not create
a public holiday.
dl
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 2, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Jack, the attached memos from Cheney and Nicholson
both address themselves to the possibility of an April 13
signing ceremony at the Jefferson Memorial.
I have advised Nicholson of your support for this event.
Nicholson informs me that, unless OMB objects, they will
program the signing ceremony for the 13th. Please note
Charlie's March 25 response to Lindy Boggs. Once the
event is locked in, Nicholson will contact Lindy Boggs
directly.
cc: DCheney
TMarrs
MMitler
CLeppert
BNicholsorr
....
APR 8 1976
April 6, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BILL NICHOLSON
FROM:
MAX FRIEDERSDORF
SUBJECT:
M.C. Bob McClory (R-ILL)
Congressman McClory is the prime sponsor of H.J. Res. 670
which authorizes the President to proclaim next Tuesday,
April 13th, as "Thomas Jefferson pay."
He is most interested in being present when the President
signs this bill. He also suggested that perhaps we would
want to invite the Joint Bicentennial Committee on the Hill
which includes:
Chairman Lindy Boggs
Vice Chairman Ed Brooke
Rep. Tip O'Neill
Sen. Mike Mansfield
Rep. John Rhodes
Sen. Hugh Scott
Rep. J. J. Pickle
Sen. Nubert Humphrey
Rep. Marvin Esch
Sen. Walter Mondale
Rep. Caldwell Butler
Sen. Roman Hruska
The Congressman suggests, if at all possible, this be
scheduled for next Monday, April 12th.
00: Jack Marsh
Charlie Leppert
Bob Linder
Judy Johnston
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
DRAFT/JOMARSH/4-6-76
THE PEN OF JEFFERSON
The countdown to Independence Day has begun. In less than
100 days the Nation shall mark its 200 years of Independence.
233 years ago today marked the birth of the author of one of
the greatest documents of freedom in the history of this planet.
Tom Jefferson for al of his intellect for all of his polish and bis
his place of
asphistication was a product of America's frontier. Shadwell in
buth
X
Vnginia
Albermarle County in 1743 was at the outer reaches of the American
1
West.
coincidate
It was one of the singular incidents of American history that
Tom Jefferson and John Adams, both of whom
signers served in the of the
Gontinental Congress which shaped, drafted and adopted the
the
Declaration of Independence, would to this day 50 years later
minutes
FORD is LIBRARY 038470
on July 4, 1826 die, Jefferson within months of the official time
that the Declaration was adopted. John Adams' last words were
Attests
"Jefferson still survives. Our presence here today contests to
-2-
ACCURACY
the wisdom of that remakr.
1 would not today examine Jefferson assa political philosopher
which he yet I would set out for your consideration few of the
achievements of the man from Monticello.
-- President of the United States
-- Vice President of the United States
-- First Secretary of State
-- Ambassador to France
-- Author of the Declaration of Independence
-- Member of the Continental Congress
-- Governor of Virginia
-- Author of the Statute of Religious Freedom
-- Colonial Legislator
FORD is LIBRARY 838870
-- Justice of the Peace
-- Founder of the University of Virginia
-3-
In addition to these achievements, his interests included music
and he was an accomplished violinist. He was an inventor and gained
renown as an architect. An agronomist, he was also an excellent
linguist and read or spoke 5 languages reluding the New I estament
Jackson
Greek. He was a giant who was marched across the pages of world
he
3
history, continues to this day to excite scholars, political leaders
gives inspirator
and the common man in the four corners of the globe. He is a
persuay.
1
from which Americans can learn great deal. He is a
source of strength on which we should draw.
His achivements
were so great, his intellect SO vast that we are apt to be overwhelmed
and not see the man nor his humanity.
It has been observed that he plead the cause of the common
man.
Jefferson was not only a theorist but an advocate of human
freedom.
Others have said that he set the course of American
democracy. And there was no question that he influenced every
-4- -
political leader of every succeeding age whether they agree or
disagree with his views.
There is a spiritual bond between Jefferson and Lincoln.
Jefferson was the great political and individual freedom philosopher.
Lincoln, the great emancipater, gave it meaning to the common man.
Lincoln took the principles of Jefferson's Declaration and translated
them for the rank-and-file of all the people. Lincoln would
Ieffersonian democracy to American life.
for
Jefferson
an aristocracy in America. The aristocracy
of talent and virtue. This Nation more than any other nation of the
world has opened the ranks of its citizens to that aristocracy and
Jefferson's wisdom is atcoted by our national preeminence today.
Jefferson was an early believer in freedom of the press.
Although harshely attacked, validified he constantly maintained
that unfettered the Fourth estate was essential for American freedom.
DRAFT (2)/JOMARSH/4-6-76
THE PEN OF JEFFERSON
The countdown to Independence Day has begun. In less than
100 days the Nation shall mark its 200 years of Independence.
233 years ago today marked the birth of the author of one of
the greatest documents of freedom in the history of this planet.
Tom Jefferson was a product of America's frontier. Shadwell, his
place of birth in Albemarle County, Virginia, was at the outer
reaches of the American West.
It was one of the coincidents of American history that Tom
Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of
Independence, would to the day 50 years later on July 4, 1826 die,
Jefferson within minutes of the official time that the Declaration
was adopted. John Adams' last words were "Jefferson still survives. 11
Our presence here today attests to the accuracy of that remark.
-3-
gained renown as an architect. An agronomist, he was also an excellent
linguist and read or spoke 5 languages.
Jefferson was a giant who was marched across the pages of world
history. To this day he excites scholars, inspires political leaders
and gives inspiration to the common man in the four corners of the
globe. His achievements were so great, his intellect so vast that
we are apt to be overwhelmed and not see the man nor his humanity.
He is a personage from which we can learn much. He is a source
of strength on which we should draw.
Jefferson was not only a theorist but an advocate of human
freedom. It has been observed that he plead the cause of the common
man. Others have said that he set the course of American democracy.
And there is no question that he influenced every American political
leader of every succeeding age whether they agree or disagree with
his views.
-4-
There is a spiritual bond between Jefferson and Lincoln.
Jefferson was the political philosopher and apostle of individual
freedom. Lincoln took the principles of Jefferson's Declaration
and translated them for the rank-and-file of all the people. Lincoln,
the great emancipater, gave it meaning to the common man.
Jefferson suggested an aristocracy for America. The aristocracy
of talent and virtue. This Nation more than any other nation of the
world has opened the ranks of its citizens to that arisocracy.
Jefferson's wisdom is attested by our national preeminence today.
Jefferson was an early believer in freedom of the press.
Although harshly attacked, validified he constantly maintained
that unfettered the Fourth Estate was essential for American freedom.
-5-
Jefferson is remembered as a foremost expert on American
individualism. However, this was a individualism based on
enlightenment and responsibility. Learning and reason are
essential ingredients of political freedom.
His credo was embodied in his epitaph:
Author of the Declaration of Independence -- which
expressed his dedication to political freedom -- author of
the Virginia Statute for Religious Liberty, founder of the
University of Virginia
set forth his prinicples that without learning there cannot be
enlightenment and without enlightenment and reason there cannot
be freedom but only oppression.
Tom Jefferson's pen is still mightier than the sword. Let
us remember that this day. Mankind in the 20th century still draws
-6-
its freedom and inspiration from the Declaration of Independence not
from the writings of Karl Marx.
The words -- the slogans that are written on the posters
and placards that men and women have carried in every continent
of the world have such words as freedom, equality, liberty on them --
words that flowed from the quill of Jefferson and not from the writings
of Lennin.
Let us honor this man this year and in the next century of
our Independence as American people by translating into our
national writing the qualities, the talents and the ideas which were
the warp and woof of his.
Let us seek to be an enlightened Nation with appreciation
for learning, for reason and for justice for all of our people.
Let us dedicate ourselves to achievement in order that we can make
this country what it has the opportunity to be. Let us carve out for
-7- -
this Nation its earned place in the Council of Nations of this
world - - and this matter, fellow Americans, we can do.
Let us extend the boundaries of human freedom here at
home and beyond our shores. As less accept and discharge there
responsibility as a people upon whom problems have bestowed so
much, let us practice individual responsibility.
April 8, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BOB HARTMANN
FROM:
JACK MARSH
This is a very rough draft of the Jefferson speech.
1 would suggest a greater emphasis on Jefferson's view on
limited government and the application of that view today.
JOM/dl
cc: Bob Orben
GERALD R. FORD
April 8, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
SUBJECT:
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday,
April 13, 1976
1 would like you to identify for me precisely what the events are
that are scheduled place for April 13, Thomas Jefferson's Birthday,
to include: please of event; time of event; participants; speakers,
other than the President.
At the Thomas Jefferson ceremony on the Proclamation, I think
the following people should be invited and I would appreciate your
notifying the appropriate office handling the invitations:
:
Members of Congress who are graduates of the University of
Virginia.
:
The Virginia Congressional Delegation.
--
President of the Virginia Senste
:
Speaker of the Virginia House
--
Minority Leader of the House.
is
FORD
:
Minority Leader of the Senate
GERALD
:
Former Governors of Virginia
:
President of the University of Virginia
--
Chairman of the Board of Visitors for the University of Virginia
-2-
President of the University of Virginia Alumai Association
:
Former President of the University of Virginia, Edgar Shannon
:
President of William and Mary (Jefferson was a graduate of
William and Mary)
--
State Legislator in the House
:
State Senator representing Albemarie County
I also think it would be a good idea to have the Proclamation repro-
duced but without the President's signature so he can sign them
personally, as we did with the Robert E. Lee Citizenship bill.
Many thanks.
dl
FORD i LIGRARY 076830
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 8, 1976
Mr. Marsh:
Nancy Kennedy called re McClory and Thomas
Jefferson Day.
Charlie Leppert called McClony and McClory has
not problem with the President signing the bill
on Tuesday if he can be there.
donna