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His invitation to participate was a mark of high regard and respect shown for him and his accomplishments. The was the 10th annual installation of an extravaganza with the finest settings and accoutrements money could buy in the US. Fomal dress required. It was called a “Gathering of the Greats” at which were celebrated 50 “Captains of Excellence” during the celebratory banquet during the “Salute to Excellence Weekend.” (A little too much stuff stuffed into that sentence.)
Here is a partial list of the honored guests, each of whom was called forward to received his award:
Gerald Ford, Senator from Michigan
Neil Armstrong, astronaut
US Senator Howard Baker
Edward Cole, president General Motors
Anita Bryant. actress
Lowell Thomas, famous newscaster
J. Willard Marriott, the hotel magnate
James A. Mitchener, author
Tatsuzo Mitzukami, retired chair of Mitsui & Co.
Governor Russel W. Peterson of Delaware
Glenn Nielsen, chairman Husky Oil Co.
Dr. Norman E. Bouorlag, Nobel Peace Prize winner
Senator Harold Hughes of Iowa
Hiram L. Fong, Senator for Hawaii
Frank Forster, president of Speery Rand Corporation
Irving Stone, author
You may not know the particular names, but the positions and the reputations are major ones. Dad was flattered to be invited.
Mom loved that sort of affair so enjoyed attending, and since dad always liked publicity, he loved it as well. The souvenir plate mounted in a deep picture frame hung on his studio wall ever after and he remember the experience he had of standing by other greats that he admired, never expecting that he would find himself in their company, being honered at the same time. Here’s a Gallery of photos of most of the pages of the Commemorative hardbound program distributed at the dinner:
It was really an honor for a kid who dropped out from school to end up in the company of these people.
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