    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [September 2, 1995]
    [Pages 1286-1287]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Stamp Unveiling Ceremony Aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson in
    Pearl Harbor
    September 2, 1995

        Postmaster General Runyon, let me begin by thanking you for the
    outstanding job you have done in promoting this project. I have enjoyed
    very much participating with you in it. Secretary Dalton, Secretary
    Brown, and distinguished military leaders who are here, Mrs. Howard and
    Mr. Carter, who assisted us in the unveiling, I am delighted to unveil
    this fifth and final set of stamps honoring the men and women who
    brought our Nation victory in World War II.
        Again, let me congratulate the Postal Service on producing these
    stamps. They will for a long time remind all of our people of the spirit
    that animated our triumph and the common cause that united us 50 years
    ago. They also remind us that in World War II, as never before in our
    history up to that time, the many who make up our Nation came together
    as one. Old divisions melted away as our people turned to the job of
    liberating the world and then to the task of creating a better future at
    home.
        We are fortunate to have with us today in this unveiling two
    individuals whose service exemplifies the best of this changed America
    that emerged from World War II and the best of our changed military.
        Herbert Carter was a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. He flew 77
    combat missions over North Africa and Italy. He has a chest full of
    medals and a record of real bravery and achievement. His accomplishments
    and those of thousands of other African-Americans who served our Nation
    so valiantly helped to open the way to the day when all Americans will
    be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of
    their skin.
        Rita Howard joined the Navy Nurse Corps in 1941. At war's end, she
    was serving on board of the hospital ship U.S.S. Refuge, mending the
    wounds and lifting the spirits of newly freed POW's. Because of her and
    hundreds of thousands of women like her who wore the uniform and
    millions more who helped build democracy's arsenal, the role of women in
    our Nation was changed forever. And, I might add, the role of women in
    our military has been changed forever. Their achievements cleared the
    way for women to reach their full potential whether in boardrooms or on
    board bombers.
        The generation that fought World War II came home and built America
    into the richest, freest nation in history. They returned to their towns
    and cities and built careers and communities. Some, like Herbert Carter
    and Rita How-

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    ard, remained in uniform, safeguarding our liberties and ensuring that
    tyranny never again threatened our shores. Together, they built a half a
    century of progress and security for which we must all be eternally
    grateful.
        I hope all Americans will remember the debt they owe to Herbert
    Carter, to Rita Howard, to the millions of others they see embodied in
    these fine stamps. And I hope all of us will be inspired to carry
    forward their work of continuing to make our Nation safe and strong and
    free.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 12:40 p.m.