Week Ending Friday, November 10, 1989

our

a

Remarks at the Bicentennial

country was at war on December 7th, 1941. Convocation at the Phillips Academy in And it was over there, in Cochran Chapel, Andover, Massachusetts

that in June of 1942, a graduate of Phillips November 5, 1989

Academy gave

commencement ad

dress-Henry Stimson. He was then SecreThank all of you very much on this beau

tary of War, and he observed how the tiful fall day. My thanks to our headmaster,

American soldier should be brave without Don McNemar. I was accompanied here by being brutal, self-reliant without boasting, two Members of the United States Con- becoming a part of irresistible might withgress, fellow alumni of Phillips Academy, out losing faith in individual liberty. I never Congressman Tony Beilenson and Congress- forgot those words. man Andy Ireland, who are out here some- For 211 years, Phillips Academy has emplace. But I just want to introduce them. bodied the qualities that Secretary Stimson And to the board of this great school, to our alluded to. And it has shown how we are outstanding faculty, to the students, admin- "one nation under God.” It has inculcated istrators, the entire Andover family and into its sons and daughters a sense of servcommunity, and friends, I am just delighted ice to country and a sense of service to to be back here. I'm sorry Barbara isn't others. Each day I'm reminded of this. This with me. I know that's why this crowd is so is the message of our years here and the big. (Laughter] But she didn't feel so hot. message with which I close. Without God's She's doing okay. But she just had a bad day help we can do nothing. With God's help yesterday, and so, she couldn't make it. But there is nothing we cannot do, for our chilshe sends her love and affection.

dren and for the world. I want to thank you for this chance to Thank

you for inviting me. God bless you, visit-and revisit—the site of so many won- and God bless the United States of America. derful memories for me and to celebrate such an historic moment in the life of this Note: The President spoke at 10:45 a.m. in academy, because as Don said, it was 200 Samuel Phillips Hall. Following his reyears ago to this very day that the founder

marks, he participated in a tree-planting of our country visited one of this country's

ceremony. 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

Remarks to the Board of Trustees of again. (Laughter] But now, I can't bear

the Phillips Academy in Andover, living testimony to his visit, but I can speak Massachusetts very briefly of my time here. I loved those November 5, 1989 years. They did, indeed, teach the great end and real business of living. And even Thank you all. Excuse the slight delay. I now its lessons of honesty, selflessness, faith was out there talking to the captain of Anin God-well, they enrich every day of our dover's victorious football team, Tony Pittlives.

I don't know whether he came in You remember, I'm the guy that said with us. Is he there? I want to show him off Pearl Harbor Day was on September 7. I to you guys that came here with me. Small want to clear that up-laughter)because but fast-laughter-tough. I don't know ]

) it was right about here, where that guy in a where he went. Is he coming? Tony, get up red coat is standing, that I heard that our here now. I need them to see my excuse for

man.

a

more

my being late. I don't want to embarrass and I'm grateful for that. Some other things him. Stay there.

don't change. Kindness doesn't change. The I single him out, not to embarrass the education and service that is embodied in poor guy, which I probably have just done, the Phillips Constitution—talk about-it but to make a point about this school. One says: Both goodness and kindness form the of the things that I, at least, got an awful lot noblest character and lay the surest foundaout of was the athletic program. And I saw tion of usefulness to mankind. And many my old mentor, Frank DiClemente, sitting young people have passed through these in the front row there. And I thought, my halls since those words were written. And gosh, I haven't even left the place; he looks yet, Andover's mission-excellence in edujust the same as he did back in those highly

cation-remains as true in 1989 as it was competitive days.

when President Washington visited Phillips But I want to thank Headmaster Don

Academy 200 years ago to this very day. McNemar for arranging a wonderful visit, a

The Andover Mission states that educafine reunion, if you will. Again, I want to

tion has always been the great equalizer single out the two Congressmen that were

and uplifter. And that, public or private, here with me, back here, Andy Ireland and

large or small, the schools of America are Tony Beilenson, standing way in the back

precious centers of intellectual challenge there, as enthusiastic as I about the return to Andover Hill. And of course, to the

and creativity. And yet, they're more than

that. For it is in school, as it was for me board and to Tim Ireland, who really did a

here at Phillips Academy, that we come to lot of the planning on this and working out the schedule-old friend. And of course,

understand real values: the need to help

the less fortunate, make ours David Underwood, whom I've known for

decent, civil world. years, fellow Houstonian, now serving so unselfishly as chairman of this board.

As a student, for example, I remember And again, I don't want to miss by failing

we had in those days the Society of Inquiry, to emphasize the affection I have for mem

it was called. Community service. We did bers of the faculty, present and past. We

drives, sponsored by what was then known did a little interview a minute ago with not

as the Society of Inquiry. And today, you only the editor of the Phillipian but from

have the Blue Key and the Community the Lawrence paper. And I pointed out that

Service Program. All three reflect service to those of us who studied here were privi

nation and service to neighbor. leged to be taught by outstanding faculty.

And as a student, too, I learned, as I said, And it's still, I'm sure, just exactly that way.

about education through some absolutely I'm very sorry Barbara's not here. She outstanding teachers. I don't like to single just didn't feel well. But she's doing well. them out, but I was talking to Don about it. And I'm very, very proud of her. And she And I think my favorite was Dr. A.B. Darhad been looking forward to this very ling. He lived right around the corner. We much.

always tried to avoid his house, because you I was going through the yearbook the were summoned over there if you did real other day. It said something about: Captain bad. (Laughter] But I learned from the disBush was a powerful batter at the plate. It's cipline of his classes, and it's gone on for marvelous how little time takes care of a lot years

and

years in this great institution. of myths, you know. (Laughter] But, free- Today, as Don observed a few minutes dom of the press—we're all for that. ago, a new generation of teachers are help[Laughter) And those of you from Washing- ing to challenge and inspire. Excellence in ton, I hope you'll note it.

education-a belief that we were put on I emphasized in that little interview we Earth to help others. And back in the early had the importance of friendships. Doesn't forties, this formed the essence and characmatter whether you're President of the ter of Phillips Academy. And you can still United States or a senior at Phillips Acade- feel its power today. For Phillips has much my or just beginning here or whatever. to be proud of as it enters a brand-new Friendships matter. And the friendships you decade. Its curricula has never been more make here last you for the rest of your life, extensive. Its exchange program is broadening its horizons. Its minority recruitment for the Health Insurance Association of and scholarship programs have brought a America, 1985–1989; Senior Assistant to the new vital diversity to the student body, and Commissioner for the Social Security Adkeeping Phillips such a special, even won- ministration, 1985; Senior Advisor to the drous place. A place where we forge friend- Secretary at the Department of Health and ships for life with faculty, housemasters and Human Services, 1984–1985; and manager ministers, administrators, and yes, our class- for Federal Government relations for Philip mates.

Morris, Inc., 1982–1984. He was Special AsEven the father of our country was im- sistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for pressed by Phillips Academy. As he wrote Legislation at Health and Human Services, his nephew, and Don referred to some of 1981-1982; executive assistant/legislative this, in a letter after visiting the communi- director to Senator Robert Dole, 1979– ty: "Schooling, board, washing, and lodging 1981; assistant director of the Joint Republiwill not much, if any, I am told, exceed $2 a

can Leadership Office and special assistant week for each boy." Now, costs have

to House Minority Leader John Rhodes, changed a little since then. (Laughter] 1977–1979; and floor assistant to the RepubQuality has not. And in the capable hands

lican Cloakroom at the United States House of this headmaster, of this faculty, of the

of Representatives, 1975-1977. board, it will not.

Mr. Fritts graduated from the University And so, thank you for ensuring Andover's

of Vermont (B.A., 1974). He was born Noexcellence, making one of America's oldest

vember 13, 1950, in Glen Gardner, NJ. Mr. academies one of America's finest acade

Fritts currently resides in Arlington, VA. mies. 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 Appointment of Stephen J. Hadley as

a very, very much.

an Executive Branch Commissioner

Observer on the Commission on Note: The President spoke at 12:01 p.m. in Security and Cooperation in Europe Borden Gymnasium. In his remarks, he re

November 6, 1989 ferred to Frank DiClemente, faculty member emeritus, and David Underwood,

The President today announced his intenchairman of the board of trustees.

tion to appoint Stephen John Hadley as an Executive Branch Commissioner-Observer on the Commission on Security and Coop

eration in Europe. He would succeed Appointment of William D. Fritts, Jr.,

Ronald F. Lehman II. as an Executive Branch Commissioner- Since 1989 Mr. Hadley has served as AsObserver on the Commission on

sistant Secretary of Defense for InternationSecurity and Cooperation in Europe al Security Policy at the Department of DeNovember 6, 1989

fense in Washington, DC. Prior to this, he

was a partner with the law firm of Shea and The President today announced his inten

Gardner in Washington, DC, 1981-1989, tion to appoint William Douglas Fritts, Jr., and an associate, 1977-1981. From 1974 to as an Executive Branch Commissioner-Ob- 1977, he was a staff member in the Office server on the Commission on Security and of Program Analysis for the National SecuriCooperation in Europe. He would succeed ty Council Staff, and a member of the AnalLouis F. Laun.

ysis Group for the Assistant Secretary of Mr. Fritts served as Senior Advisor on Defense, 1972-1974. Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Mr. Hadley graduated from Cornell Uniat the Department of Commerce. Prior to versity (B.A., 1969) and Yale Law School this, he served as director of political affairs (J.D., 1972). He was born February 13, 1947, in Toledo, OH. He served in the U.S. honorees. I also see Daphne Wood Murray Navy, 1972–1975. He is married, has two out here, Director of the Institute of daughters, and resides in Washington, DC. 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 Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater and I are just delighted to be here. And let on the President's Meeting With

me also say what a pleasure it is to be able General John W. Vessey, Jr., Special to honor you, the first recipients of the NaPresidential Emissary for POW/MIA tional Endowment for the Humanities Affairs

Charles Frankel Prize. Ralph Emerson once November 6, 1989

wrote, “The scholar is a student of the

world.” Well, the Frankel Prize was created The President met today with Special this year to recognize scholars who are Presidential Emissary for POW/MIA Affairs teachers of the world—those who have led Gen. John W. Vessey, Jr., USA, Ret. They a lifetime of study and whose scholarship reviewed the progress made during Gener- has brought history, literature, philosophy, al Vessey's discussions in Hanoi on October and other humanitarian disciplines to mil29 and 30 with Vietnamese Vice Premier lions. And together they've helped bring an Nguyen Co Thach.

appreciation of the humanities to farms and On the POW/MIA issue, General Vessey

inner cities and gentle, small towns; reaftold the President that a number of agree. firming the magic of the spoken and writments were reached. One was to refine and

ten word and fostering a variety of public expand the process of joint cooperation to

programs—in museums, in libraries, in resolve the compelling discrepancy cases, schools—showing how higher learning can including additional research to resolve the

spur nation and neighborhood. fate of these Americans. General Vessey

We are a people curious about our own told the President of his discussions on the

tradition and about those of other nations. progress and cooperation on the orderly de

And our cultural institutions are encouragparture program, the emigration of Amerasian children, and the resettlement of

ing that curiosity with a variety of thought

ful, intellectually challenging programs. The former reeducation center detainees. They also discussed the effort of American non

Frankel Prize winners are leaders in this governmental organizations to assist the

movement. The honorees are diverse, crepeople of Vietnam with humanitarian help.

ative, an energetic group. And as such, they Finally, the President and General Vessey

represent the vitality of the humanities in

the Nation as a whole. discussed perspectives on Cambodia. The President said he was very pleased to hear

As a Pulitzer Prize winning historian, of the agreements to expand efforts to re

Daniel Boorstin has told the American story solve the POW/MIA issue and looks for

to millions around the globe, not to menward to continued progress on this and

tion his role as Librarian of Congress Emerother humanitarian concerns.

itus.

And as president of Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History, Willard

"Sandy" Boyd, former president of the UniRemarks at the Presentation Ceremony versity of Iowa, made world-renowned colfor the National Endowment for the lections available to more Americans each Humanities Charles Frankel Prizes

year. November 6, 1989

And then there's Clay Jenkinson. His

characterization of Thomas Jefferson has First, I want to welcome Dr. Lynne enchanted audiences from school kids to Cheney, the National Endowment Chair- senior citizens. And he's led the revival of man, and then greet the members of the the Chautauqua—that institution that teachCouncil on the Humanities—distinguished es about the ideas and lives of giant figures educator and, of course, most of all, our in history, philosophy, politics, and the arts. And Americo Paredes, author, folklorist, Service to the Humanities, and say on professor emeritus at the University of behalf of every citizen, America thanks you Texas in Austin. Illness prevents him from from the bottom of our hearts. being with us today, but we want to honor God bless you all. Thank you very, very his splendid efforts to bring the richness of

much. And thank you for all you've done. Mexican-American culture to us all. And finally, Patricia Bates, a national con

Note: The President spoke at 3:05 p.m. in sultant on reading programs. Her scholar

Room 450 of the Old Executive Office led teaching and discussion groups have

Building 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 condi- Nomination of Stephen J. Ledogar for tion of man deserves the most pity? Every- the Rank of Ambassador While Serving body gave an example of what condition

as United States Representative to the that might be. And Franklin's turn came, Conference on Disarmament and his answer was: a lonesome man on a

November 6, 1989 rainy day who does not know how to read. Well, for decades, you've shown the value

The President today announced his intenof reading and thinking, of probing and

tion to nominate Stephen J. Ledogar, a questioning. And by instilling a greater un

career member of the Senior Foreign Servderstanding of the text, themes, and ideas

ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, for the of the humanities, you've inspired countless others to do the same. And for that, my

rank of Ambassador during his tenure of

service as United States Representative to congratulations.

the Conference on Disarmament. And let me commend, too, the hundreds of nominees considered by the Endowment;

Since 1987 Ambassador Ledogar has the 26 members of the National Council on

served as U.S. Representative to the Eurothe Humanities which reviewed the nomi

pean conventional arms negotiations and nations; and, yes, Lynne Cheney, whose the U.S. Representative for mutual and balidea it was to recognize those who have

anced force reductions negotiations with brought the humanities to a wider audi

the rank of Ambassador. Prior to this, he ence. Each of you reflects what Samuel

served in various positions at the DepartJohnson called the salutory influence of ex- ment of State, including Deputy Chief of ample.

Mission at the North Atlantic Treaty OrgaEach of you underscores the reasons that

nization (NATO) in Brussels, Belgium, we gather here today. And that reason, of

1981-1987; member of the executive semicourse, is one man's life, a very special life, nar in national and international affairs, the life of Charles Frankel, professor at Co

1980–1981; Director of the Office of NATO lumbia and Assistant Secretary of State for Affairs in the European Bureau, 1977-1980; Educational and Cultural Affairs, a network Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of television host, a writer, narrator, author of State for Security Assistance, Science and 12 books, including “The Case For Modern Technology, 1976–1977; Deputy Political Man." As the first President and Director of Adviser for the U.S. Mission to NATO in the National Humanities Center, Charles Brussels, Belgium, 1973–1976; senior trainFrankel was a model scholar and citizen. ing at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, And he knew the vital role that the human- 1972–1973; and press spokesman and ities play in the life of our society-and member of the U.S. delegation for the Paris through enduring scholarship and concern. Vietnam peace talks, 1969–1972. In addi

And so, in honoring him, we honor the tion, Ambassador Ledogar has served as ofconcepts of teaching and learning; in short, ficer in charge of the pacification programs the joy of knowledge. So, let me present and Vietnam working group in the East now-Lynne, with your help—the first Asian Bureau at the Department of State, Charles Frankel Prizes for Distinguished 1967-1969; and as the Department of State