-r A M II
,
Texas A & M University
K,
74
a 47
TODAY
TOMORROW
YEAR* ISSUE 50*12 PAGES
COLLEGE STATION • TX
See extended forecast. Page 2.
FRIDAY • NOVEMBER 7 • 1997
brary opening marks new
apter in University's history
:ormer President George Bush sat with for-
|<rpresidents and their wives at the dedi-
•aonofhis presidential library yesterday, he
iiewordsof Lou Gehrig, a New York Yankee
amer.
ay I feel like the luckiest person in the
Bush said.
•celebrated the dedication of the George
sidential Library and Museum surround-
ciilyand friends who helped him during his
'ration.
jyone thing is for sure, 1 did not lack for in-
jorsupport during those four years," he said
Bush noted the achievements of former presi
dents and President Bill Clinton in leading the na
tion into the 21st century.
Bush said he looks forward to the days ahead in his
life. He said he is privileged to have been in high-lev
el positions over the years, including the presidency.
“But now that my political days are over,” he said,
“I can honestly say that the three most rewarding ti
tles bestowed upon me are the three that I’ve got left
— a husband, a father and a granddad.”
Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford,
former first lady Nancy Reagan and Clinton spoke at
the dedication, honoring the 41st President.
Reagan said Bush filled a role similar to the role
she played in former President Ronald Reagan’s life.
“For nearly half a century, many have de
scribed me as my husband’s loyal partner,” Rea
gan said, “and I’m proud to have that title. But to
day, I want to tell you about his other loyal
partner, George Bush.”
Reagan said the Thursday lunches Bush and
former president Ronald Reagan had during Rea
gan’s two-term presidency brought the two men
closer together.
Please see Dedication on Page 10.
■
U.S. Army Golden Knights, with whom President Bush jumped earlier in
the year, perform a parachute leap to conclude the library dedication.
Former President George Bush and President
Bill Clinton respond to the Aggie spirit.
Former President George Bush, President
Bill Clinton, former Presidents Gerald Ford and
limmy Carter greet to the 20,000 attendees as they
take the stage.
United States Army Chorus performs the National
Anthem while the color guard presents the flags.
Photography by Dave House
Stories by Joey Jeanette Schlueter
Please see extended
overage of the George
ish Presidential Library
dedication in a special
olor spread, Pages 6-7.
^ Billy Graham speaks with Caroline
^ Schlossberg.
Celebrities support
Bush’s endeavors
C elebrities were among the 20,000 faces in the crowd
that gathered to celebrate the dedication of the George
Bush Presidential Library and Museum yesterday.
Most of them were invited because of their support
of George Bush during his presidential campaign in
1988 and 1992.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the highlight celebri
ties at the event. Schwarzenegger was a supporter of the
Republican Party and George Bush in his presidency.
Just down the row from Schwarzenegger was star of the
television series “Walker, Texas Ranger” and martial arts ex
pert, Chuck Norris.
Movie stars Kevin Costner and Wayne Newton also at
tended the library dedication. Other entertainers at the
event were the Oak Ridge Boys, Michael Davis, Van Cliburn,
Crystal Gayle and Loretta Lynn. These entertainers per
formed for former President Bush and his family and guests
Wednesday night after a barbecue dinner.
Ray Childress was master of ceremonies of the pre
dedication entertainment. Childress is an All-Pro Hous
ton Oiler defensive tackle, a former A&M football player
and Class of’85.
Other dignitaries at the dedication were not from the
entertainment field but from the political arena.
Dignitaries included former British Prime Minister John
Major, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney,
former Japanese Prime Minister Toshild Kaifu, former Pol
ish President Lech Walesa, former Secretary of State James
Baker III, former Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney, for
mer Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell and
former vice president Dan Quayle.
Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledges the crowd which
gave him a standing ovation as he is escorted to his seat.
lifestyles
7 J| A day on the
a w road makes for
an exciting
adventure.
See Page 3
sports
Texas A&M Football Team
focuses on Baylor for
Saturday’s game.
See Page 5
opinion
Valdez: Education in America
plays game of intellectual
hazing with college students.
See Page 11
online
http://battalion.tamu.edu
Reference stories from this
week’s Texas A&M Historical
Series through The Battalion
archives.