who is resting comfortably at his home in Annapolis after a brief hospitalization earlier this week. He is there with his wife, Pam, and Arnold, the cat.
When I asked Dad which thoughts he would like me to express this evening, his immediate response was that he wanted to me to convey to you the high regard in which he holds Cecilia Marshall and the ongoing work she leads through this organization. Mrs. Marshall, Charlie sends his best.
As you remember, the last paragraph of the Supreme Court's opinion in 1955 called for district court enforcement, "...to admit to public schools on a racially nondiscriminatory basis with all deliberate speed the parties to these cases."
A personal anecdote: my father and I have sailed the waters of the Chesapeake Bay for nearly 50 years together. He taught me seamanship, and I taught him how to make slow boats go fast. He owned three boats in that time, two sloop-rigged sailboats and a motor trawler. Each of the boats boldly and pointedly carried the same name: Deliberate Speed.
I share this with you to illustrate that the case, the opinion and the relationships he formed with exceptional people doing extraordinary work had a profound and lasting effect on him, and that he was always exceedingly proud to have been associated with this piece of history.
On his behalf and with deep gratitude, I thank you for this generous acknowledgment.
(Delivered by Todd, 1/31/2004, Washington, D.C.)