The Nixon Centennial
Today is the 100th anniversary of Richard Nixon's birth. He was born 100 years ago today on January 9, 1913 in Yorba Linda, California in a home that is now on the grounds of the Nixon Library, very close to where he was laid to rest in 1994. Normally I would supplement the marking of this occasion with a brief biography of the birthday boy. Today instead, permit me to discuss the centennial birthday gala planned by the Nixon Foundation.
Today if you are in the vicinity of Washington DC, you should check out the Mayflower Hotel at 1127 Connecticut Avenue Northwest in Washington,DC from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. tonight. The Nixon Foundation will host a formal dinner of Nixon's friends, supporters, and Nixon White House administration and campaign officials. Former National Security Adviser and Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger is the dinner chair and guest speaker. Both of Nixon’s daughters, Tricia Nixon Cox and Julie Nixon Eisenhower will attend, among many other VIP guests. Besides Dr. Kissinger, other speakers will include Pat Buchanan, speech writer and adviser to President Nixon; Ben Stein, actor, commentator, and former Nixon speechwriter; and Fred Malek, Deputy Director of OMB under President Nixon, and Chairman of the Richard Nixon Centennial Legacy Campaign.
Celebrations have already begun to commemmorate this centenniary. The 100th anniversary of the birth of President Nixon was commemorated with a spectacular ceremony at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library on January 6. The program began with a patriotic Presentation of the Colors and playing of the “National Anthem” by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band followed by a Harrier squadron flyover provided by Marine Aircraft Group-13. Tricia Nixon Cox and her family, U.S. Congressman Ed Royce, and Admiral Dixon Smith paid respects to the 37th President with the laying of the President’s Wreath.
Congressman Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was the first to deliver remarks, reminiscing about his first meeting President Nixon at Cal State Fullerton. Major General Melvin Spiese spoke about Nixon as a military man, both in his Naval service in World War II and his determination to end the Vietnam War. Musician Robbie Britt delivered a powerful rendition of God Bless America before Bruce Herschensohn, former Nixon White House aide took the stage for keynote remarks.
Herschensohn spoke of Nixon’s expertise in world affairs stating that RN studied all and knew many of the world’s leaders of his time. The program concluded with a Marine Corps 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”
Following is a YouTube video of the ceremony this past Sunday at the Nixon Library:
Today if you are in the vicinity of Washington DC, you should check out the Mayflower Hotel at 1127 Connecticut Avenue Northwest in Washington,DC from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. tonight. The Nixon Foundation will host a formal dinner of Nixon's friends, supporters, and Nixon White House administration and campaign officials. Former National Security Adviser and Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger is the dinner chair and guest speaker. Both of Nixon’s daughters, Tricia Nixon Cox and Julie Nixon Eisenhower will attend, among many other VIP guests. Besides Dr. Kissinger, other speakers will include Pat Buchanan, speech writer and adviser to President Nixon; Ben Stein, actor, commentator, and former Nixon speechwriter; and Fred Malek, Deputy Director of OMB under President Nixon, and Chairman of the Richard Nixon Centennial Legacy Campaign.
Celebrations have already begun to commemmorate this centenniary. The 100th anniversary of the birth of President Nixon was commemorated with a spectacular ceremony at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library on January 6. The program began with a patriotic Presentation of the Colors and playing of the “National Anthem” by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band followed by a Harrier squadron flyover provided by Marine Aircraft Group-13. Tricia Nixon Cox and her family, U.S. Congressman Ed Royce, and Admiral Dixon Smith paid respects to the 37th President with the laying of the President’s Wreath.
Congressman Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was the first to deliver remarks, reminiscing about his first meeting President Nixon at Cal State Fullerton. Major General Melvin Spiese spoke about Nixon as a military man, both in his Naval service in World War II and his determination to end the Vietnam War. Musician Robbie Britt delivered a powerful rendition of God Bless America before Bruce Herschensohn, former Nixon White House aide took the stage for keynote remarks.
Herschensohn spoke of Nixon’s expertise in world affairs stating that RN studied all and knew many of the world’s leaders of his time. The program concluded with a Marine Corps 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”
Following is a YouTube video of the ceremony this past Sunday at the Nixon Library: