Mr. President. on September 14 I had the pleasure and honor of attending the dinner in New York at which John Whitehead. the Deputy Secretary of State. was given the International Rescue Committees Freedom Award. This is the highest award given by the IRC. an organization that has been in the forefront of efforts to aid the worlds refugees for over 50 years. John Whiteheads personal involvement with refugees goes back more than 30 yearsto the Hungarian refugee crisis in 1956. John was in Vienna when the refugees started to arrive. as a result of which "John Whiteheads next 30 years were remorselessly shaped and his profound impact on us and those we serve was forged." as was stated by Leo Cherne. chairman. of the IRC. in his remarks conferring the award. Leo Cherne added: In presenting John Whitehead with IRCs Freedom Award. it is especially appropriate that one of the first of these infrequently conferred honors went to Winston Churchill. the most recent one to Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel. and this evenings award to you. IRCs total purpose would be perfectly expressed if that award were never again conferred. I serve as a vice president of the IRCit is one of my proudest affiliationsand it was a special privilege to be present in New York at this event. It was an occasion that not only recognized John for his special accomplishments. but also gave testimony to the commitment and service to refugees long epitomized by the IRC. I ask that the text of Leo Chernes introduction of John Whitehead. President Reagans letter of congratulations. and John Whiteheads remarks September 14 be inserted in the REcoRD.
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refugee refugees