Diary Entry - 05/19/1987
Key Facts
President Reagan orders flags to be flown at half mast for the USS Stark tragedy.
President Reagan makes a commencement address for graduates gathered from 13 high schools around Chattanooga, Tennessee.
President Reagan defends America's presence in the Persian Gulf.
To the office 1st Geo. Bush has called Sulzburger about an editorial which actually calls me a liar. So much for the N.Y. Times. I’m waiting to hear the outcome. We decided I’ll order flags half mast on the U.S.S. Stark tragedy.
Then N.S.C. time—I agreed to a plan to go to Jacksonville for a ceremony—the return of the victims of the Stark affair. That will be Fri. morning. Frank reported it looks like H. Kohl has come around to our position on the Short range nuc. missiles. Not confirmed as yet. Then off to Chattanooga Tenn. for a commencement ceremony honoring 1,700 Sr’s. from 13 high schools—all in cap & gown at the U. field house. Our plane was greeted by a crowd of 9,000 at the airport. I addressed them briefly. Then on to the U. First meeting was lunch with student body officers & several teachers. I did Q&A. They were fine young people. Then I had a brief press session with 6 local reporters. Next a photo session with about 30 teachers who had been awarded recognition as best teachers. This is a function of the foundation honoring Bill Brocks deceased wife. Bill was with us as was Bill Bennett Sec. of Ed. Then the main show—some 9 or 10,000 people including the 1,700 graduates. I was warmly received & my address was successful.
Before leaving for Wash. I phoned Harry Carrey in the midst of his broadcast of the Chi. Cubs-Cinn. [Reds] B.B. game in Chi. He has returned to being the voice of the Cubs after an absence because of a stroke. Finally home & Mother.
