October 18, 2009

Ms. Heidi Kuhn
ROOTS OF PEACE
San Rafael, California

Dear Heidi:

I am delighted to learn that my good friend Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed has been selected to receive the 2009 Roots of Peace Global Citizen Award.  I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.  Currently overseas, I regret not being with you for this historic “Harvest of Hope” celebration in my home state of Connecticut.  I am pleased to share some thoughts on your excellent choice.

I met Ambassador Reed in the mid eighties when he served as ambassador to the United Nations.  We crossed paths again in Washington working for President George H.W. Bush: he as chief of protocol and I as deputy assistant to the president.  From 2001 to 2006, we were across the street from each other in New York.  I took the position he held at the U.S. mission a decade and a half earlier in the second Reagan administration.  He was under-secretary general of the United Nations.  Our friendship grew even stronger.

Ambassador Reed is a great leader who always cares for his fellow human beings.  He reaches out to people and is ready to help.  He has touched so many lives, including mine, and the impact of his kindness is everlasting.  His friendship is priceless.  Meeting Ambassador
Reed is a privilege; having his friendship is a blessing.  Our lives are richer because of him.

I salute Roots of Peace for the outstanding humanitarian work and for choosing Ambassador Reed as the 2009 Global Citizen.  I thank Ambassador Reed for being our inspiration, for making us proud to be Americans, and for his contributions to humanity.  With him, we will always have faith, family, friends, and freedom.

Sincerely,