When the folks at Ben Franklin's Chicago headquarters didn't jump at the vision that Mr. You see - you know this, but many around the country might not - you see, he had hit upon a combination that was to form the basis of the strategy of today's Wal-Mart Stores, smalltown markets for name-brand merchandise sold at a discount. And over the years, he became the largest franchisee of Ben Franklin variety stores, operating 15 of them under the name of Walton's Five and Dime. And after a stint in the Army during World War II, it was on to Newport, Arkansas, with a Ben Franklin store back in 1945. After college at the University of Missouri, Sam Walton began a career in retailing. His story is known to everyone here, but let me just mention for the Nation a few of the highlights, if I might. And two, I've said he's a smart guy not running proves it. I have two thoughts on that one: One, I'm glad he's not running this year. Sam thought he wanted to be President of the United States. His success never altered his lifestyle, a lifestyle that kept him close to his family, his friends, and his community. And at the same time, we take note that as he became more and more successful he never turned his back on his roots. His Nation honors him today as the outstanding example of American initiative and achievement. This visit is about what is fundamentally good and right about our country. He's been generous with his fortune, and that is in the great tradition of America's commitment to this concept that I call a Thousand Points of Light. He has earned his money, and that's his business. This visit is not about Sam Walton's wealth. ![]() īut anyway, we come here to honor a man who shows that through hard work and vision and treating people right, many good things can happen. He's standing over here, ripped off my Wal-Mart hat. In addition, I brought along our own grandson Sam. And I am very pleased that both David, of course, and John Paul are here to join us as we fittingly honor Mr. He and John Paul and I were all elected to the Congress on the same day many moons ago, November 1966. And this is trivia that I'm sure no one is interested in, but I'll tell it to you anyway. But in any event, you just have this wonderful way of making someone feel at home.Īnd also I salute David Pryor. And I must say, I have been so pleased and so has Barbara as we rode in from Fayetteville and were warmly received by the people who just seemed glad to see the President of the United States. This, I think he and I figured, was my fifth district - not to the State but just to his part of it, his congressional district, first one as President. Also to the one you've just heard from, ahead of David Glass, John Paul Hammerschmidt. No wonder I feel so at home here.īut first, of course, my respects to Sam Walton and to Helen Walton, one of God's truly special people. We do not have many reporters." Smart kids in Arkansas. ![]() You know, I got a letter last year from a young eighth grader, John Quinton Bagley, in Nashville, Arkansas. And we will leave with a heart full of gratitude to all who handled, on very short notice, the arrangements that go with a visit of this nature. And it is most appropriate that I should come to Arkansas to participate in this ceremony.įirst, I will apologize to every single person with whom our advance squad, security people, communications people have come into contact - because I know your lives - but we pledge to those who have made these wonderful arrangements that we will leave right on schedule. And it is a true pleasure to be in America's heartland.
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