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U.S. Department of State 93/05/14 Statement at CARE's 47th anniversary Office of the Spokesman Statement by Secretary of State Warren Christopher at CARE 47th anniversary humanitarian awards luncheon Washington, DC May 14, 1993 CARE's Work Saluted I am most pleased to have this opportunity to pay tribute to CARE and to honor two individuals for their extraordinary work. For nearly half a century, CARE has stood as a shining example of compassion and hope. At a time when our attention is riveted on international atrocities, we need to remember the men and women who devote their lives to international healing. At a time when hunger and starvation steal the future from millions of children around the world, we need to remember those who reach out to feed the hungry. At a time when so many people in developing nations are trapped in a cycle of deprivation and fear, we need to remember those who are helping to lift people's lives by providing the means and skills for economic advancement. So it is very fitting today for us to remember and honor an organization that President Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature." I want to salute this magnificent organization, and all of the people who work for CARE, and all of the individuals and corporate donors who have given so generously to CARE. Armed with this support, CARE performs daily miracles in dozens of countries around the globe. From the Andes to Asia, from Southern Africa to the former Soviet Union, CARE is a making a profound difference for people in need. CARE lighted the way for one of the proudest moments in American foreign policy--a military mobilization for a mission of mercy, saving the people of Somalia. Over the last year, as so many Somalis succumbed to starvation, CARE helped to bring this tragedy to world attention as it brought relief to the Somali people. By last fall, about 1.3 million Somalis--roughly one-fourth of the population--were receiving emergency care from CARE. A vital aspect of CARE's role was the work of CARE's President, Phil Johnston, who served for 6 months as the UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance in Somalia. I can tell you from the reports that I received that Phil did a magnificent job, but that won't surprise any of you who have worked with him and know his work. To Philip Johnston and to all the other men and women working for CARE in Somalia, let me congratulate you on behalf of the Administration for all that you have accomplished. In so many other places, as in Somalia, CARE's good works are motivated by love--and made possible by good logistics. CARE is justly proud of its capacity to deliver food and services, to turn good intentions into lasting results. Our Administration is completing an extensive review of the programs run by our Agency for International Development. We have not yet determined our final recommendations for USAID, but I can tell you that two important components of our development policy will mirror the strengths of CARE: first, an effective, reliable means of delivering services and, second, a sustained commitment to empowering people and giving them the tools and training they need to move from dependence to independence. Looking at what CARE has accomplished, I am reminded of the way President Kennedy closed his inaugural address--some lines I think that aren't often enough remembered. Here is what President Kennedy said at the end of his inaugural address: With a good conscience as our only sure reward, with history as the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own. Performing that work, the people of CARE have elevated all of us, and I am pleased and very, very grateful to have had this opportunity to participate in this event honoring CARE and its two honorees this year. Thank you. (###)