Remarks at the Bicentennial

Convocation at the Phillips Academy in
Andover, Massachusetts
November 5, 1989

Thank all of you very much on this beautiful fall day. My thanks to our headmaster, Don McNemar. I was accompanied here by two Members of the United States Congress, fellow alumni of Phillips Academy, Congressman Tony Beilenson and Congressman Andy Ireland, who are out here someplace. But I just want to introduce them. And to the board of this great school, to our outstanding faculty, to the students, administrators, the entire Andover family and community, and friends, I am just delighted to be back here. I'm sorry Barbara isn't with me. I know that's why this crowd is so big. [Laughter] But she didn't feel so hot. She's doing okay. But she just had a bad day yesterday, and so, she couldn't make it. But she sends her love and affection.

I want to thank you for this chance to visit-and revisit-the site of so many wonderful memories for me and to celebrate such an historic moment in the life of this academy, because as Don said, it was 200 years ago to this very day that the founder of our country visited one of this country's oldest academies. And George Washington would later write fondly of Andover. And in that vein legend says that he kissed a young girl at the Andover Inn. [Laughter] It is reported that she never washed that cheek again. [Laughter] But now, I can't bear living testimony to his visit, but I can speak very briefly of my time here. I loved those years. They did, indeed, teach the great end and real business of living. And even now its lessons of honesty, selflessness, faith in God-well, they enrich every day of our lives.

You remember, I'm the guy that said Pearl Harbor Day was on September 7. I want to clear that up-[laughter-because it was right about here, where that guy in a red coat is standing, that I heard that our

country was at war on December 7th, 1941. And it was over there, in Cochran Chapel, that in June of 1942, a graduate of Phillips Academy gave our commencement address-Henry Stimson. He was then Secretary of War, and he observed how the American soldier should be brave without being brutal, self-reliant without boasting, becoming a part of irresistible might without losing faith in individual liberty. I never forgot those words.

For 211 years, Phillips Academy has embodied the qualities that Secretary Stimson alluded to. And it has shown how we are "one nation under God." It has inculcated into its sons and daughters a sense of service to country and a sense of service to others. Each day I'm reminded of this. This is the message of our years here and the message with which I close. Without God's help we can do nothing. With God's help there is nothing we cannot do, for our children and for the world.

Thank you for inviting me. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.

Note: The President spoke at 10:45 a.m. in Samuel Phillips Hall. Following his remarks, he participated in a tree-planting

ceremony.

Remarks to the Board of Trustees of the Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts

November 5, 1989

Thank you all. Excuse the slight delay. I was out there talking to the captain of Andover's victorious football team, Tony Pittman. I don't know whether he came in with us. Is he there? I want to show him off to you guys that came here with me. Small but fast-laughter]-tough. I don't know where he went. Is he coming? Tony, get up here now. I need them to see my excuse for

my being late. I don't want to embarrass him. Stay there.

I single him out, not to embarrass the poor guy, which I probably have just done, but to make a point about this school. One of the things that I, at least, got an awful lot out of was the athletic program. And I saw my old mentor, Frank DiClemente, sitting in the front row there. And I thought, my gosh, I haven't even left the place; he looks just the same as he did back in those highly competitive days.

But I want to thank Headmaster Don McNemar for arranging a wonderful visit, a fine reunion, if you will. Again, I want to single out the two Congressmen that were here with me, back here, Andy Ireland and Tony Beilenson, standing way in the back there, as enthusiastic as I about the return to Andover Hill. And of course, to the board and to Tim Ireland, who really did a lot of the planning on this and working out the schedule-old friend. And of course, David Underwood, whom I've known for years, fellow Houstonian, now serving so unselfishly as chairman of this board.

And again, I don't want to miss by failing to emphasize the affection I have for members of the faculty, present and past. We did a little interview a minute ago with not only the editor of the Phillipian but from the Lawrence paper. And I pointed out that those of us who studied here were privileged to be taught by outstanding faculty. And it's still, I'm sure, just exactly that way.

I'm very sorry Barbara's not here. She just didn't feel well. But she's doing well. And I'm very, very proud of her. And she had been looking forward to this very much.

I was going through the yearbook the other day. It said something about: Captain Bush was a powerful batter at the plate. It's marvelous how little time takes care of a lot of myths, you know. [Laughter] But, freedom of the press-we're all for that. [Laughter] And those of you from Washington, I hope you'll note it.

I emphasized in that little interview we had the importance of friendships. Doesn't matter whether you're President of the United States or a senior at Phillips Academy or just beginning here or whatever. Friendships matter. And the friendships you make here last you for the rest of your life,

and I'm grateful for that. Some other things don't change. Kindness doesn't change. The education and service that is embodied in the Phillips Constitution-talk about-it says: Both goodness and kindness form the noblest character and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind. And many young people have passed through these halls since those words were written. And yet, Andover's mission-excellence in education-remains as true in 1989 as it was when President Washington visited Phillips Academy 200 years ago to this very day.

The Andover Mission states that education has always been the great equalizer and uplifter. And that, public or private, large or small, the schools of America are precious centers of intellectual challenge and creativity. And yet, they're more than that. For it is in school, as it was for me here at Phillips Academy, that we come to understand real values: the need to help the less fortunate, make ours a more decent, civil world.

As a student, for example, I remember we had in those days the Society of Inquiry, it was called. Community service. We did drives, sponsored by what was then known as the Society of Inquiry. And today, you have the Blue Key and the Community Service Program. All three reflect service to nation and service to neighbor.

And as a student, too, I learned, as I said, about education through some absolutely outstanding teachers. I don't like to single them out, but I was talking to Don about it. And I think my favorite was Dr. A.B. Darling. He lived right around the corner. We always tried to avoid his house, because you were summoned over there if you did real bad. [Laughter] But I learned from the discipline of his classes, and it's gone on for years and years in this great institution.

Today, as Don observed a few minutes ago, a new generation of teachers are helping to challenge and inspire. Excellence in education-a belief that we were put on Earth to help others. And back in the early forties, this formed the essence and character of Phillips Academy. And you can still feel its power today. For Phillips has much to be proud of as it enters a brand-new decade. Its curricula has never been more extensive. Its exchange program is broaden

ing its horizons. Its minority recruitment and scholarship programs have brought a new vital diversity to the student body, and keeping Phillips such a special, even wondrous place. A place where we forge friendships for life with faculty, housemasters and ministers, administrators, and yes, our class

mates.

Even the father of our country was impressed by Phillips Academy. As he wrote his nephew, and Don referred to some of this, in a letter after visiting the community: "Schooling, board, washing, and lodging will not much, if any, I am told, exceed $2 a week for each boy." Now, costs have changed a little since then. [Laughter] Quality has not. And in the capable hands of this headmaster, of this faculty, of the board, it will not.

And so, thank you for ensuring Andover's excellence, making one of America's oldest academies one of America's finest academies. And thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for what has been a joyous occasion, one I shall not forget. And I'll go back to work tomorrow feeling uplifted in knowing that I have the friendships that really make a difference. Thank you very, very much.

Note: The President spoke at 12:01 p.m. in Borden Gymnasium. In his remarks, he referred to Frank DiClemente, faculty member emeritus, and David Underwood, chairman of the board of trustees.

Appointment of William D. Fritts, Jr., as an Executive Branch CommissionerObserver on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe November 6, 1989

The President today announced his intention to appoint William Douglas Fritts, Jr., as an Executive Branch Commissioner-Observer on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. He would succeed Louis F. Laun.

Mr. Fritts served as Senior Advisor on Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Commerce. Prior to this, he served as director of political affairs

for the Health Insurance Association of America, 1985-1989; Senior Assistant to the Commissioner for the Social Security Administration, 1985; Senior Advisor to the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, 1984-1985; and manager for Federal Government relations for Philip Morris, Inc., 1982-1984. He was Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation at Health and Human Services, 1981-1982; executive assistant/legislative director to Senator Robert Dole, 19791981; assistant director of the Joint Republican Leadership Office and special assistant to House Minority Leader John Rhodes, 1977-1979; and floor assistant to the Republican Cloakroom at the United States House of Representatives, 1975-1977.

Mr. Fritts graduated from the University of Vermont (B.A., 1974). He was born November 13, 1950, in Glen Gardner, NJ. Mr. Fritts currently resides in Arlington, VA.

Appointment of Stephen J. Hadley as an Executive Branch CommissionerObserver on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe November 6, 1989

The President today announced his intention to appoint Stephen John Hadley as an Executive Branch Commissioner-Observer on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. He would succeed Ronald F. Lehman II.

Since 1989 Mr. Hadley has served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy at the Department of Defense in Washington, DC. Prior to this, he was a partner with the law firm of Shea and Gardner in Washington, DC, 1981-1989, and an associate, 1977-1981. From 1974 to 1977, he was a staff member in the Office of Program Analysis for the National Security Council Staff, and a member of the Analysis Group for the Assistant Secretary of Defense, 1972-1974.

Mr. Hadley graduated from Cornell University (B.A., 1969) and Yale Law School (J.D., 1972). He was born February 13,

1947, in Toledo, OH. He served in the U.S. Navy, 1972-1975. He is married, has two daughters, and resides in Washington, DC.

Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With General John W. Vessey, Jr., Special Presidential Emissary for POW/MIA Affairs

November 6, 1989

The President met today with Special Presidential Emissary for POW/MIA Affairs Gen. John W. Vessey, Jr., USA, Ret. They reviewed the progress made during General Vessey's discussions in Hanoi on October 29 and 30 with Vietnamese Vice Premier Nguyen Co Thạch.

On the POW/MIA issue, General Vessey told the President that a number of agreements were reached. One was to refine and expand the process of joint cooperation to resolve the compelling discrepancy cases, including additional research to resolve the fate of these Americans. General Vessey told the President of his discussions on the progress and cooperation on the orderly departure program, the emigration of Amerasian children, and the resettlement of former reeducation center detainees. They also discussed the effort of American nongovernmental organizations to assist the people of Vietnam with humanitarian help.

Finally, the President and General Vessey discussed perspectives on Cambodia. The President said he was very pleased to hear of the agreements to expand efforts to resolve the POW/MIA issue and looks forward to continued progress on this and other humanitarian concerns.

Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the National Endowment for the Humanities Charles Frankel Prizes November 6, 1989

First, I want to welcome Dr. Lynne Cheney, the National Endowment Chairman, and then greet the members of the Council on the Humanities-distinguished educator and, of course, most of all, our

honorees. I also see Daphne Wood Murray out here, Director of the Institute of Museum Services, and Diane Payton, the Executive Director of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

So, let me welcome all of you. Barbara and I are just delighted to be here. And let me also say what a pleasure it is to be able to honor you, the first recipients of the National Endowment for the Humanities Charles Frankel Prize. Ralph Emerson once wrote, "The scholar is a student of the world." Well, the Frankel Prize was created this year to recognize scholars who are teachers of the world-those who have led a lifetime of study and whose scholarship has brought history, literature, philosophy, and other humanitarian disciplines to millions. And together they've helped bring an appreciation of the humanities to farms and inner cities and gentle, small towns; reaffirming the magic of the spoken and written word and fostering a variety of public programs-in museums, in libraries, in schools-showing how higher learning can spur nation and neighborhood.

We are a people curious about our own tradition and about those of other nations. And our cultural institutions are encouraging that curiosity with a variety of thoughtful, intellectually challenging programs. The Frankel Prize winners are leaders in this movement. The honorees are diverse, creative, an energetic group. And as such, they represent the vitality of the humanities in the Nation as a whole.

As a Pulitzer Prize winning historian, Daniel Boorstin has told the American story to millions around the globe, not to mention his role as Librarian of Congress Emeritus.

And as president of Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History, Willard "Sandy" Boyd, former president of the University of Iowa, made world-renowned collections available to more Americans each year.

And then there's Clay Jenkinson. His characterization of Thomas Jefferson has enchanted audiences from school kids to senior citizens. And he's led the revival of the Chautauqua-that institution that teaches about the ideas and lives of giant figures in history, philosophy, politics, and the arts.

And Americo Paredes, author, folklorist, professor emeritus at the University of Texas in Austin. Illness prevents him from being with us today, but we want to honor his splendid efforts to bring the richness of Mexican-American culture to us all.

And finally, Patricia Bates, a national consultant on reading programs. Her scholarled teaching and discussion groups have become a model for programs in libraries across the country.

You know the story about Benjamin Franklin dining out in Paris. And one of the other diners asked a question: What condition of man deserves the most pity? Everybody gave an example of what condition that might be. And Franklin's turn came, and his answer was: a lonesome man on a rainy day who does not know how to read. Well, for decades, you've shown the value of reading and thinking, of probing and questioning. And by instilling a greater understanding of the text, themes, and ideas of the humanities, you've inspired countless others to do the same. And for that, my congratulations.

And let me commend, too, the hundreds of nominees considered by the Endowment; the 26 members of the National Council on the Humanities which reviewed the nominations; and, yes, Lynne Cheney, whose idea it was to recognize those who have brought the humanities to a wider audience. Each of you reflects what Samuel Johnson called the salutory influence of example.

Each of you underscores the reasons that we gather here today. And that reason, of course, is one man's life, a very special life, the life of Charles Frankel, professor at Columbia and Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, a network television host, a writer, narrator, author of 12 books, including "The Case For Modern Man." As the first President and Director of the National Humanities Center, Charles Frankel was a model scholar and citizen. And he knew the vital role that the humanities play in the life of our society-and through enduring scholarship and concern.

And so, in honoring him, we honor the concepts of teaching and learning; in short, the joy of knowledge. So, let me present now-Lynne, with your help the first Charles Frankel Prizes for Distinguished

Service to the Humanities, and say on behalf of every citizen, America thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

God bless you all. Thank you very, very much. And thank you for all you've done.

Note: The President spoke at 3:05 p.m. in Room 450 of the Old Executive Office Building.

Nomination of Stephen J. Ledogar for the Rank of Ambassador While Serving as United States Representative to the Conference on Disarmament November 6, 1989

The President today announced his intention to nominate Stephen J. Ledogar, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as United States Representative to the Conference on Disarmament.

Since 1987 Ambassador Ledogar has served as U.S. Representative to the European conventional arms negotiations and the U.S. Representative for mutual and balanced force reductions negotiations with the rank of Ambassador. Prior to this, he served in various positions at the Department of State, including Deputy Chief of Mission at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] in Brussels, Belgium, 1981-1987; member of the executive seminar in national and international affairs, 1980-1981; Director of the Office of NATO Affairs in the European Bureau, 1977-1980; Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State for Security Assistance, Science and Technology, 1976-1977; Deputy Political Adviser for the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels, Belgium, 1973-1976; senior training at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, 1972-1973; and press spokesman and member of the U.S. delegation for the Paris Vietnam peace talks, 1969-1972. In addition, Ambassador Ledogar has served as officer in charge of the pacification programs and Vietnam working group in the East Asian Bureau at the Department of State, 1967-1969; and as the Department of State