 The name Governor's Island Accompanied by the president of the Republic of France and Madame Mitterrand Ladies and gentlemen, would you please remain standing for the presentation of the colors of the Republic of France and the United States of America? Thank you, and good morning, President Reagan President Mitterrand Director General of Posts, Michel Roulet and distinguished guests from around the world I'm truly honored to join with you and our French friends today as our country's issue postage stamps commemorating that Lady Liberty's centennial birthday Today these stamps are available only in the New York metropolitan area, but tomorrow they'll go on sale in post offices throughout the country Then all Americans will be able to see and collect these miniature masterpieces Which so aptly commemorate the world's most enduring symbol of freedom hope and opportunity the Statue of Liberty Hers is a legacy We shall cherish it not only today on this historic day But for many many years to come Thank you very much and now in company with Mr. Roulet We shall present President Reagan and Mitterrand with souvenirs stamp albums. Thank you And now it is my pleasure to present a great entertainer and a great American Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Andy Ladies and gentlemen the man who accepted the challenge and made today possible The chairman of the Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation Mr. Lee Iacocca President Reagan, Mrs. Reagan, President Mitterrand, Madame Mitterrand Good morning Wow, what a glorious 4th of July You know one thing America knows how to do a throw a party and Our friends are here our friends are here from all over the world all dressed up and ready to parade their colors in honor of Lady Liberty We Americans thank you Lee and thank you all It's been said that we Americans count our blessings to seldom but not this weekend We this weekend we celebrate my friends. We cut loose The procession that we're about to witness will be as colorful as fireworks as majestic as Lady Liberty yourself. I Hear you It'll speak to us of the past of the days when great ships like these dropped anchor in our harbors to unload tea from China Whale oil from open seas and yes immigrants from around the world It'll speak to us of present and future amity between our nation and the many nations that have sent ships here today To lend their beauty the curve of their hulls the lines of their mast and rigging as they stand out against the sea the sky to our rejoicing Passing in review today. We see more than 20 of the 30 or so tall ships that are left in the world the US Coast Guard bark eagle will Lead the procession schooners barks Brigantines and catches from more than 30 countries are entering the harbor Somehow men have always found moving the sight of these Vessels of moon wood and metal and canvas indeed some centuries ago one writer of proverbs Described as wonderful the way of a ship in the midst of the sea Perhaps it has something to do with the knowledge that nothing binds Sailing ships nothing holds them back that they can travel anywhere across the vast and trackless sea Perhaps indeed these vessels embody our conception of liberty itself To have before one no impediments only open spaces to chart one's own course To take the adventure of life as it comes to be free as the wind as free as the tall ships themselves It's fitting then that this procession should take place in honor of Lady Liberty And as the wind swells the sails so too may our hearts swell with pride at all that liberty sons and daughters have accomplished in this The land of the free This spectacle has been literally years in the planning on behalf of the American people I want to thank Ambassador bus Mosbacher and his entire operation sales staff For making this international celebration this stately salute to Liberty And now bus where are you? Come forward President Mitterrand matter Mitterrand distinguished guests Ladies and gentlemen So much has been said that there's very little I can add except perhaps to thank the president because without his Very warm and enthusiastic support From day one and day one was about three years ago The group this dedicated group who presented off sale in 1964 And in 1976 each time vowing never to do it again Decided that the centennial of the Statue of Liberty and a salute to Liberty was very much in order But no matter how hard they work and how expert they are and they are It could not have been done without the president So as a small token mr president From our board of directors and of all of the volunteers and they are all volunteers may we present to you, sir this token Of our thanks and esteem Thank you And now sir with your permission may we present Your eagle and elizabeth doles eagle and op sale 86 Ladies and gentlemen We invite you now to enjoy the tall ships from around the world Paying tribute to the Statue of Liberty on this 210th anniversary of independence Flamed by the allies as a prize of the board Since then she has been the training ship of the united states coast guard academy And she celebrates her 50th anniversary this year The scouting the auxiliary scooter representing the country of Denmark She was built in 1932 in the danish merchant marine But was in florida when Denmark was invaded by germany in 1940 And served as a training ship with the u.s coast guard She sailed in op sale 64 and once again in op sale 76 Next vessel the christian product sales under the flag of norway She was sunk during the war and completely rebuilt Her first atlantic crossing was to visit the 1938 world's fair in new york She also starred in the movie windjammer And participated in previous op sales The Atlantic speed record in 1966 Carries on the tradition of the argentinian naval academy She was also a participant in previous op sale Sail training crews and her sister ship the bella squad