Telephone Remarks Upon Accepting an Award From the Salvation Army Association of New York

Mr. Buckner and my good friend, Fred Kappel, ladies and gentlemen:

I feel a very special gratitude in receiving this honor today--because I think I know something of the men and women who extend it. Your standard of service is high, your record of accomplishment proud and long.

For a century now, the Salvation Army has offered food to the hungry and shelter to the homeless--in clinics and children's homes, through disaster relief, in prison and welfare work, and a thousand other endeavors. In that century you have proved time and again the power of a handshake, a meal, and a song.

But you have not stopped there. You have demonstrated also the power of a great idea. The voice of the Salvation Army has reminded men that physical well-being is just not enough; that spiritual rebirth is the most pressing need of our time and of every time; that the world cannot be changed unless men change.

That voice has been clear and courageous-and it has been heard.

Even when other armies have disbanded, I hope that this one will still be on the firing line: an army whose foes are hunger and hopelessness; an army whose happy battle cry is a call to "brighten the corner where you are."

With a pledge to heed that good advice, and with genuinely warm appreciation, I proudly accept your award.