[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 36 (Monday, September 11, 1995)]
[Pages 1480-1481]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Stamp Unveiling Ceremony on Board 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 Howard, remained in uniform, safeguarding our liberties and 
ensuring that tyranny never again threatened our shores. Together, they 
build 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

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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.

[At this point, the first sheet of stamps was presented to the 
President.]

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