Tribute and Personal Narrative for Marion Wiesel

This letter, dated October 5, 1987, from Lech Wałęsa in Gdańsk, Poland, to Elie Wiesel in New York, U.S.A., acknowledges a delayed response and confirms Wałęsa's willingness to participate in a conference chaired by Wiesel. Wałęsa states his intention to do everything possible to attend in Paris in January 1988. However, he expresses uncertainty about his ability to travel, citing potential issues with obtaining a passport or the political/personal situation in Poland preventing his departure. He inquires whether it would be possible for his speech to be read aloud if he cannot attend in person, and offers to send it. The letter concludes with thanks for Wiesel's kind words and an expression of desire to be present in January.

This letter, dated October 15, 1986, is from Ronald Reagan (and Nancy Reagan) to Professor Elie Wiesel, extending congratulations on his 1986 Nobel Peace Prize. Reagan emphasizes the importance of remembering historical lessons, particularly the Holocaust, to secure future peace. He praises Wiesel's life as a powerful testament to truth, recognizing his dedication to the memory of Holocaust victims, including his own family. The letter highlights Wiesel's role in demonstrating humanity's capacity to resist evil and advocate for peace, asserting that his award is a fitting acknowledgment of his profound service to humanity.

This letter, dated January 21, 2015, is from Harvey Schulweis, Chairman of The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR), to Mr. and Mrs. Elie Wiesel. Schulweis expresses profound gratitude for their generous support, which enables the JFR to provide financial assistance to elderly and needy Righteous Gentiles and to preserve their memory through a national education program. He emphasizes the personal significance of their contribution to both the rescuers and the JFR's educational initiatives, highlighting the foundation's mission to ensure the Righteous live their remaining days in comfort and dignity, and that their legacy is forever remembered.

This document profiles the eight recipients of the 2009 National Humanities Medal: Robert A. Caro, Annette Gordon-Reed, David Levering Lewis, William H. McNeill, Philippe de Montebello, Albert H. Small, Theodore C. Sorensen, and Elie Wiesel. Each section details the medalist's significant contributions to the humanities, their background, major works, and lasting impact. Robert A. Caro is recognized for his biographies of Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson, focusing on political power. Annette Gordon-Reed is honored for her groundbreaking work on the Hemings family and Thomas Jefferson, and her contributions to African American history. David Levering Lewis is celebrated for his definitive biographies of W.E.B. Du Bois and his studies on various historical subjects. William H. McNeill is recognized as a pioneer in world history, particularly for "The Rise of the West." Philippe de Montebello is lauded for his three-decade tenure as director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, expanding its collections and public engagement with art. Albert H. Small is acknowledged for his philanthropy and extensive collection of American historical documents, which he has donated to institutions like the University of Virginia Library. Theodore C. Sorensen is celebrated as a pivotal speechwriter for John F. Kennedy, known for crafting inspiring presidential addresses. Finally, Elie Wiesel is honored for his lifelong work as a Holocaust survivor, author of "Night," and advocate for human rights through the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The document highlights the diverse ways these individuals have deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities.

This document is a program booklet for the Eisenhower Leadership Prize ceremony held on May 20, 1997, in Washington, D.C. It features a key address by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, who received the prize. Wiesel's remarks center on the Holocaust, the profound impact of the liberation of concentration camps by American soldiers, and the critical importance of memory in preventing future atrocities. He recounts the horrors he witnessed and expresses deep gratitude to the liberators. The booklet also includes concluding remarks by D. David Eisenhower II, reflecting on the historical significance of World War II and the Eisenhower family's legacy. Additionally, the document provides detailed information about the Eisenhower World Affairs Institute's mission, its various scholarship and program initiatives, and lists its board members and Gettysburg College trustees. The overall theme emphasizes remembrance, valor, justice, and the enduring quest for human liberty.