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Fulbright Association
666 11th Street, N.W.
Suite 525
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: (202) 347-5543
Fax: (202) 347-6540 |
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U.S. Under Secretary of State Thomas R. Pickering
Welcomes Laureate and Guests to U.S. Department of State |
| It is my distinct honor to welcome President Aylwin, Senator Kennedy, Foreign
Minister José Miguel Insulza, distinguished members of the diplomatic community,
Mr. Timothy Haas, senior vice president of The Coca-Cola Company, the Fulbright
Association, colleagues from the United States Information Agency and students
to the Department of State. We are here today to honor President Aylwin, a man
whose life work embodies the Fulbright spirit. |
| Woodrow Wilson once said, "Our interests are those of the open door-a door of
friendship and mutual advantage. This is the only door we care to enter."
We open our doors to you today and salute the Fulbright Program for the doors it
has opened around the world. For 52 years those who have crossed thresholds
thanks to the Fulbright Program have gone on to build bridges between countries,
across academic disciplines and generations, and most importantly, among people.
The diversity of this assembly is testimony to Fulbright's achievement and
sophistication. The Fulbright Program recognizes that genuine international
understanding depends not only on historians, statesmen and economists, but
equally on writers, musicians and scientists. |
| There are some who question the value of exchange programs funded by American
taxpayers’ money. They would say that airplanes, telephones and the internet
allow spontaneous connection, so government can get out of the programs that
bring people together. However, no virtual reality, chat room or two week trip
abroad can replace the real knowledge that develops over the course of a full
year living and studying in a foreign country. As a former Fulbright scholar, I
remain grateful for what was in essence my first diplomatic assignment. It was a
period of deep and intensive exposure to an almost foreign land-Australia. As a
diplomat, I salute the Fulbright Program for its continuing work, especially in
newly emerging democracies. In each of my assignments I have worked with
ministers, businessmen, teachers, and diplomats who got to know America as
Fulbrighters. This contribution to diplomacy is real and enduring. By the same
token, I would like to recognize and thank The Coca-Cola Company for its support
of the Fulbright Prize. |
| Human nature is characterized both by healthy curiosity and an instinctual fear
of things foreign. When caution wins--which it can in periods of rapid change,
such as we live in today--nations and individuals often seek to separate and
insulate themselves. Maya Angelou, the American poet and Fulbright scholar
wrote, "We allow our ignorance to prevail upon us and make us think we can
survive alone." |
| We cannot survive alone, as any poet, businessman, statesman or philosopher
knows. Fulbright exchanges have given opportunities to many a scholar, ardent of
heart and poor of pocket. Fulbright has acted in pursuit of international
understanding and has succeeded to an extraordinary extent. Those of us lucky
enough to have met and worked with Senator Fulbright will be eternally grateful
to him for his sharp vision and determination to see it implemented. A grateful
nation owes him more than it can count for this service alone. |
| Today we honor Patricio Aylwin Azócar, president of Chile during that country's
remarkable transition to democracy. I can think of no one more deserving of the
J. William Fulbright Prize than President Aylwin. Your service to your country
and this hemisphere, and your continuing work with the Corporation for Democracy
and Justice, demonstrate the Fulbright ideals of increasing mutual understanding
and cooperation among peoples. Thank you for your work and your presence here
today. It is an inspiration to us all. A warm welcome back to this country and
heartfelt congratulations. |
| Remarks of Under Secretary Thomas R. Pickering |
| October 9, 1998, J. William Fulbright Prize Ceremony
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