Rep. Liz Cheney Remarks at JFK Profiles in Courage Award Ceremony | May 22, 2022

Summary

In her remarks at the JFK Profiles in Courage Award Ceremony, Rep. Liz Cheney reflected on historical figures and events to stress the importance of defending democracy. She spoke of President Kennedy's influence, her own family's deep-rooted history in America, and the courage of those who fight for freedom. Cheney recounted the significance of January 6th, defending democracy against threats, and underscoring the importance of truth and duty over partisan politics. She urged for unity and courage to preserve the constitutional foundations of the nation, emphasizing that every citizen has a role to play.

Highlights

• Rep. Liz Cheney appreciates the courage shown by Rusty Bowers and his family. 💪
• She narrates a story of JFK speaking at Laramie Wyoming, inspiring her father Dick Cheney. 📚
• Liz reflects on her family history, dating back to the Puritans of 1640. 🏛️
• Her great great grandfather Samuel fought in the Civil War, symbolizing the price of freedom. 🗡️
• She vividly describes the aftermath of January 6th at the Capitol, highlighting law enforcement's heroism. 🏛️💂
• Cheney underscores the peaceful transition of power as a sacred democratic value that must be defended. ⚖️

Key Takeaways

• Rep. Liz Cheney emphasizes the importance of defending democracy in her speech at the JFK Profiles in Courage Award Ceremony. 🎤
• She shares a personal story about President Kennedy's influence on her father, Dick Cheney, highlighting JFK's call to service. 🇺🇸
• Cheney recalls January 6th, praising law enforcement for their bravery and urging citizens to stand against threats to democracy. 🚔
• She stresses the sacred duty of defending constitutional foundations and standing for truth above partisan politics. 📜
• A call for unity and courage echoes throughout her remarks, reminding everyone that preserving democracy is a collective responsibility. 🤝

Overview

Rep. Liz Cheney's speech at the JFK Profiles in Courage Award Ceremony is both a tribute and a call to action. She begins by acknowledging the courage of individuals like Rusty Bowers, drawing connections between past and present defenders of democracy. With wit and warmth, she shares personal anecdotes about President Kennedy's formative impact on her father's life, illustrating JFK's ripple effect on American civic duty.

Cheney seamlessly intertwines her own family's legacy with the broader American narrative. She recounts tales of her ancestors who fled persecution and fought in the Civil War, reinforcing the notion that the fight for freedom is ingrained in the nation's fabric. Her emotive reflections on January 6th, a pivotal moment in her recent political journey, serve as a potent reminder of the fragility of democracy and the valor required to protect it.

In her closing, Cheney poses poignant questions to herself and her audience, challenging them to uphold their oaths and prioritize truth over partisanship. Her speech reverberates with a passionate plea for unity and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the constitutional principles that form the bedrock of the United States. It's a powerful reminder that democracy demands participation and courage from every citizen.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction and Acknowledgements The chapter titled 'Introduction and Acknowledgements' opens with expressions of gratitude towards Jack, the Kennedy family, the board of the library, the nominating committee, and the award committee for the Profile in Courage award. The speaker highlights the commendable qualities of Rusty Bowers and his family, emphasizing their grace, compassion, and courage.
• 00:30 - 01:00: Rusty Bowers' Story Rusty Bowers is being honored and the speaker is grateful for the lessons and stories shared by Bowers. The speaker emphasizes the impact of Bowers' teachings on Americans, expressing gratitude for his contributions.
• 01:00 - 01:30: JFK's Visit to Laramie and Inspirational Speech In this chapter titled 'JFK's Visit to Laramie and Inspirational Speech,' the focus is on President John F. Kennedy's visit to Laramie, Wyoming, on September 25th, 1963. During his visit, President Kennedy addressed thousands of students gathered at the field house. His speech, which is still available for listening online and in the archives of the Kennedy Library, included an inspirational message for the students. He hoped that they, as students, would...
• 01:30 - 03:00: Dick Cheney's Inspiration from JFK Dick Cheney reflects on the wisdom of JFK, highlighting the inspirational message he delivered about service to the country. JFK emphasized the profound opportunity and fulfillment that comes with serving one's nation. He quoted the ancient Greeks, explaining that true happiness comes from fully utilizing one's power in an excellent manner, and he encouraged students to consider service to the country as the highest form of excellence.
• 03:00 - 04:00: History of Cheney Family and Altruism The chapter discusses the personal history of the Cheney family, highlighting the experience of 22-year-old Dick Cheney, the narrator's father, who attended an event where President Kennedy spoke. Cheney's father found the moment inspirational and moving, particularly Kennedy's call to service.
• 04:00 - 05:30: Samuel Fletcher Cheney and the Civil War The chapter discusses the influence of President John F. Kennedy on young people across the United States, inspiring them to engage in public service and political careers, regardless of political affiliation. The anecdote shared involves Liz Cheney recounting a conversation with Steny Hoyer where he relates a similar experience of inspiration during his youth at the University of Maryland. The narrative highlights how figures like Dick Cheney and Steny Hoyer, despite being from opposing political sides, were united in their motivation sparked by Kennedy's vision.
• 05:30 - 06:00: Reflections on January 6th The chapter titled 'Reflections on January 6th' presents a narrative that revolves around a reflection on past political events, specifically centered around the policies by Dick Cheney and the influence of John Kennedy. It humorously suggests that if one disagrees with Cheney's policies, former President Kennedy should be blamed, likely referencing some broader historical context or metaphor. The chapter highlights the influence President Kennedy had on millions of young people and notes his passion for American history, with a particular emphasis on major events such as the immigration of the Puritans to America. This reflection encourages the reader to consider the impact of historical events and leaders on current policies and ideologies.
• 06:00 - 07:00: Honoring Law Enforcement Officers The chapter delves into the waves of migration to the United States, focusing on those attempting to escape religious persecution in England. Among these settlers were the speaker's ancestors, the Cheneys, who arrived before 1640 and are buried in Roxbury at Elliott Burying Ground. They sought to create a 'city on a hill' as a model community for the world. The narrative skips several generations to 1829, hinting at further developments in the Cheney family and broader American society.
• 07:00 - 08:00: Cleo and the Muse of History The chapter titled 'Cleo and the Muse of History' explores a piece of family history, focusing on the narrator's great great grandfather, Samuel Fletcher Cheney. Samuel was born in New Hampshire but moved to Ohio, where he joined the Union Army during the Civil War. He served throughout the entire four years of the war, participating in significant campaigns such as Sherman's March to the Sea. He was also part of the Grand Review of the Armies, a military procession in Washington D.C., which was witnessed by President Johnson and General Grant. This narrative underscores themes of legacy, history, and the personal connections to broader historical events.
• 08:00 - 09:00: Capital Rotunda and Historical Paintings This chapter reflects on the sacrifice and dedication of those who have fought for freedom throughout generations. It mentions the author's great-great-grandfather, Samuel Fletcher Cheney, who was part of the Union, highlighting the continuous call to defend freedom. The timing of this reflection is notably linked to the events of January 6th, emphasizing a personal connection to historical struggles for liberty.
• 09:00 - 10:00: George Washington and the Peaceful Transfer of Power The chapter discusses the events surrounding January 6th and the challenges faced in defending democratic processes. It paints a vivid picture of the aftermath inside the House chamber, describing the barricades, shattered glass, and scattered gas masks, emphasizing the tension and seriousness of the situation. This particular narrative is focused on the importance of the peaceful transfer of power in the face of such chaotic events, drawing parallels to the principles upheld by figures like George Washington.
• 10:00 - 11:30: The Threat to Democracy and the Call to Duty The chapter discusses the symbolism and historical significance of Statuary Hall, once the meeting place of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1807 to 1857. It highlights the presence of brass markers indicating where desks of notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln and John Quincy Adams were located. The hall is also lined with statues of great Americans, enhancing its historical ambiance. The chapter further mentions law enforcement officers dressed in black tactical gear, suggesting a theme of protection or vigilance amidst threats to democracy.
• 11:30 - 13:00: The Role of Citizens in Preserving the Republic The chapter discusses the role of citizens in preserving the republic by portraying an intense scene where exhausted individuals, having engaged in hours of brutal hand-to-hand combat with a violent mob, rest against statues amidst litter of water bottles they used to hydrate and cleanse themselves from chemical sprays. This scene underscores the sacrifices and efforts of ordinary citizens who stand against disruptions posed by fellow countrymen, highlighting their crucial role in safeguarding democratic values and establishing order.

Rep. Liz Cheney Remarks at JFK Profiles in Courage Award Ceremony | May 22, 2022 Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 thank you very much jack and um thank you to the the kennedy family uh thank you to the the board of the library uh thank you to the nominating committee and the award committee for this profile and courage um i just want to say a moment first about rusty bowers and his family and his story and [Music] the grace and the compassion and the courage that that they have
• 00:30 - 01:00 shown um is unmatched and the lesson that he gave us tonight and that he has given us throughout is one that as americans we all benefit and are blessed by so thank you very much [Music] i am so honored to be here tonight um and um honored because of a story in particular
• 01:00 - 01:30 that that most people don't know and that is that on september 25th 1963 president john f kennedy came to laramie wyoming and he was speaking to thousands of students at laramie that day in the field house and in that speech which you can hear online and you can hear in the archives of the kennedy library he told the students quote i hope that all of you who are students
• 01:30 - 02:00 here will recognize the great opportunity that lies before you in this decade and in the decades to come to be of service to our country and he went on to explain that the ancient greeks defined happiness as the full use of your power along lines of excellence and he told the students who were there that day that there's no more excellent pursuit than service to our country
• 02:00 - 02:30 one of the students who was there who was sitting high up in the rafters in the packed field house was my dad 22 year old dick cheney years later he told me that he remembered rushing out the back of the field house to watch president kennedy's motorcade pull away he told me how moving and inspirational it was for him to see president kennedy and to hear his call to service a few months ago i had the opportunity i
• 02:30 - 03:00 was talking with majority leader steny hoyer and i told him this story and steny looked at me and he said liz the same thing happened to me when i was a young student at the university of maryland and if you think about the millions of young people president kennedy inspired across our nation and across party lines to service people from dick cheney to steny hoyer and i am tempted to stop here to say
• 03:00 - 03:30 the moral of this story is if you don't like dick cheney's policies you should blame john kennedy [Laughter] [Applause] but but in all honesty just think about that expanse millions of young people that present president kennedy inspired and think about his love of history he was a student of american history especially he talked about in his speeches the great immigration of puritans who first came to the united states before it was
• 03:30 - 04:00 the united states trying to escape religious persecution in england and among those were my family the very first cheneys who came here are actually buried not many miles from here at elliott burying ground in roxbury they came before 1640 and they came to establish a community that could be a city on a hill a model for the world several generations later in 1829 my
• 04:00 - 04:30 great great grandfather was born in new hampshire samuel fletcher cheney headed west he settled in ohio and he enlisted there in the union army he fought in all four years of the civil war he was on sherman's march to the sea and he was in the grand review of troops that marched up constitution avenue in washington dc that marched past a reviewing stand where president johnson and general grant were seated
• 04:30 - 05:00 samuel fletcher cheney and all those who have fought for so many generations have known the price of freedom and they knew that they had to defend it i think it is perhaps the greatest blessing of our nation that citizens in every generation have answered the call to defend our freedom i have found myself especially since january 6th thinking often of my great great grandfather and of the union he fought
• 05:00 - 05:30 to defend and this was never more true than on the night of january 6th that night the house returned to the chamber around nine o'clock furniture that had been used as a barricade was still stacked against the walls the glass in the chamber doors was shattered containers that had held gas masks were strewn around a short time before congress went back into session i left the house floor that night and i
• 05:30 - 06:00 walked to statuary hall statuary hall as you know is where the house of representatives met from 1807 to 1857 in that historic space there are brass markers on the floor that mark where the desk of abraham lincoln sat where the desk of john quincy adams sat and there are statues of great americans that line the walls that night law enforcement officers in black tactical gear
• 06:00 - 06:30 were sitting on the floor leaning up against the statues exhausted from the brutal hand-to-hand combat in which they had been engaged for hours water bottles with water that they'd been drinking and using to wash away the chemical spray deployed by the rioters littered the floor these men and women had spent hours battling a violent mob a mob of our fellow countrymen
• 06:30 - 07:00 attempting to stop the transition of presidential power for profiles and courage we need look no farther than those men and women [Music] [Applause] it is it is no exaggeration to say that their courage likely saved our lives and our democracy i tried to thank them but my words that
• 07:00 - 07:30 night seemed inadequate as i walked out of statuary hall i looked above the door standing above the door to statuary hall is the oldest statue in our capital it is a statue of cleo the muse of history cleo rides in the chariot of time and she has a book in her hand in which she takes notes reminding all of us that our deeds are inscribed in the
• 07:30 - 08:00 pages of history i walked from statuary hall into the capital rotunda the most sacred space in our republic this is a space where presidents including president lincoln president kennedy have lain in state this is a space that is watched over by statues of washington and jefferson and lincoln and grant and eisenhower and ford and reagan that night almost every wall
• 08:00 - 08:30 against almost every wall encircling that room were swat teams more men and women in riot gear helmets carrying long arms some resting from battle other standing watch atf fbi federal agents deployed inside the united states capitol building there in the rotunda these brave men and women were resting beneath eight paintings that depict the earliest scenes of our republic
• 08:30 - 09:00 these include four by george trumbull scenes from the american revolution one of these was painted in 1824 and it depicts george washington resigning his commission at this moment in 1783 depicted in the painting washington voluntarily relinquished power he handed control of the continental army back to congress george trumbull
• 09:00 - 09:30 the painter called this one of the highest moral lessons ever given to the world with this noble act george washington set the indispensable example of the peaceful transfer of power in our country this is what president reagan called quote nothing short of a miracle this is what president kennedy in his inaugural address called a celebration of freedom and this sacred obligation to defend the
• 09:30 - 10:00 peaceful transfer of power has been honored by every american president except one standing on the east front of the united states capital on a snowy morning in 1961 president kennedy said in the long history of freedom only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger
• 10:00 - 10:30 today that role is ours as we face a threat we have never faced before a former president attempting to unravel our constitutional republic at this moment we must all summon the courage to stand against that the question for every one of us is in this time of testing will we do our duty will we defend our constitution
• 10:30 - 11:00 will we stand for truth will we put duty to our oath above partisan politics or will we look away from danger ignore the threat embrace the lies and enable the liar as we leave here tonight i ask all of you to remember this sacred duty that has passed to us to remember that in our republic some things have to matter
• 11:00 - 11:30 the defense of our republic the defense of the constitutional foundations of our nation have to matter in a republic there are no bystanders there are no spectators as citizens every one of us has a duty to set aside partisan battles and stand together to perpetuate and preserve our great republic ladies and gentlemen we are engaged in a battle we must win and with courage and clarity and grit
• 11:30 - 12:00 it is a battle we will win thank you all god bless you and god bless the united states of america