Breadcrumb

May 17, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Saturday, May 17, 1969, pulls together various records created by the federal government and links to additional resources which can provide context about the events of the day.

Previous Date: Friday, May 16, 1969

Next Date: Sunday, May 18, 1969

Schedule and Public Documents

  • The Daily Diary files represent a consolidated record of the President's activities. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    The President's day began at The White House - Washington, D. C.

  • The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents made available transcripts of the President's news conferences; messages to Congress; public speeches, remarks, and statements; and other Presidential materials released by the White House.

    Addresses and Remarks

    • Medal of Honor (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 714, May 17, 1969)
      The President's Remarks Upon Presenting the Award to CWO Frederick E. Ferguson and Sp4c. Thomas J. Kinsman of the United States Army.
    • Armed Forces Day (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 715, May 17, 1969)
      The President's Remarks Aboard the U.S.S. "Saratoga."

    Awards and Citations

    • Medal of Honor (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 714, May 17, 1969)
      CWO Frederick E. Ferguson, USA and Sp4c Thomas J. Kinsman, USA
  • Each Public Papers of the Presidents volume contains the papers and speeches of the President of the United States that were issued by the White House Office of the Press Secretary during the time period specified by the volume. The material is presented in chronological order, and the dates shown in the headings are the dates of the documents or events. In instances when the release date differs from the date of the document itself, that fact is shown in the text note.

    To ensure accuracy, remarks have been checked against audio recordings (when available) and signed documents have been checked against the original, unless otherwise noted. Editors have provided text notes and cross references for purposes of identification or clarity.

  • The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other Presidential documents.

Archival Holdings

  • The H. R. Haldeman Diaries consists of seven handwritten diaries, 36 dictated diaries recorded as sound recordings, and two handwritten audio cassette tape subject logs. The diaries and logs reflect H. R. Haldeman’s candid personal record and reflections on events, issues, and people encountered during his service in the Nixon White House. As administrative assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, Haldeman attended and participated in public events and private meetings covering the entire scope of issues in which the Nixon White House engaged in during the years 1969-1973. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

  • The National Archives Catalog is the online portal to the records held at the National Archives, and information about those records. It is the main way of describing our holdings and also provides access to electronic records and digitized versions of our holdings. 

    The Catalog searches across multiple National Archives resources at once, including archival descriptions, digitized and electronic records, authority records, and web pages from Archives.gov and the Presidential Libraries. The Catalog also allows users to contribute to digitized historical records through tagging and transcription.

    Nixon Library Holdings

    All National Archives Units

National Security Documents

  • The President's Daily Brief is the primary vehicle for summarizing the day-to-day sensitive intelligence and analysis, as well as late-breaking reports, for the White House on current and future national security issues. Read "The President's Daily Brief: Delivering Intelligence to Nixon and Ford" to learn more.

  • The Kissinger telephone conversation transcripts consist of approximately 20,000 pages of transcripts of Kissinger’s telephone conversations during his tenure as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (1969-1974) and Secretary of State (1973-1974) during the administration of President Richard Nixon. Visit the finding aid for more information.

    Digitized versions of many of these transcripts can be found on the Yale University Library website.

Audiovisual Holdings

  • The White House Photo Office collection consists of photographic coverage of President Richard Nixon meeting with prominent social, political, and cultural personalities; speaking engagements and news conferences of the President and various high-ranking members of the White House staff and Cabinet; Presidential domestic and foreign travel, including Presidential vacations; social events and entertainment involving the First Family, including entertainers present; official portraits of the President, First Family, and high-ranking members of the Nixon administration; the 1969 and 1973 Inaugurals; the President’s 1972 Presidential election campaign appearances (including speeches) and other official activities of the White House staff and the President’s Cabinet from January 20, 1969 until August 9, 1974 at the White House and the Old Executive Office Building; other locations in Washington, DC, such as The Mall; and the Presidential retreats in Camp David, Maryland, Key Biscayne, Florida, and San Clemente, California. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    Roll WHPO-1065 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1065-02A-05A, President Nixon on the USS Saratoga, standing for the national anthem duirng an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1065-06A-07A, President Nixon inspecting the USS Saratoga military guard duirng an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1065-08A-15A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon shaking hands and speaking with Navy personnel while reviewing the troops aboard the USS Saratoga flight deck. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1065-16, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon shaking hands and speaking with Navy personnel while reviewing the troops aboard the USS Saratoga flight deck. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1065-16A-36A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon watching the air show from the USS Saratoga flight deck. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1066 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1066-02A-10A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon aboard the carrier USS Saratoga sitting and walking with various senior officers. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1066-08, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon aboard the carrier USS Saratoga seated holding binoculars while watching the air show with senior officers and officials. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1066-11A-19A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon aboard the carrier USS Saratoga watching the air show. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1066-20A-32A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon aboard the carrier USS Saratoga watching the air show during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1066-33A-36A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon aboard the carrier USS Saratoga listening to a senior officer speaking at a podium. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1067 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1067-01A-06A, Armed Forces Day celebration. USS Saratoga Navy crewmen standing informally on deck. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1067-07A-36A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon greeting the USS Saratoga Navy crewmen standing informally on deck. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1068 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1068-02A-04A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon's helicopter landing on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. President Nixon walking away from helicopter. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1068-06A-09A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon standing for the National Anthem after arriving at the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1068-10A-18A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon inspecting the Navy honor guard at the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1068-14A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon inspecting the Navy honor guard (reviewing the troops) at the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1068-19A-24A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon meeting with assembled crewmen at the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1068-25A-35A, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon sitting to watch the air show at the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1069 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1069-02-12, 17-36, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon stands watching the air show from the carrier USS Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1069-09, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon stands watching the air show from the carrier USS Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1069-13-16, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon sits watching the air show from the carrier USS Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1069-29, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon points out something to an Admiral, while watching an air show from the USS Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1069-35, Armed Forces Day celebration. President Nixon applauds while standing with an Admiral to watch an air show from the carrier USS Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1070 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1070-02A-18A, President Nixon speaking at a podium addressing the crew of the carrier Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1070-19A-30A, President Nixon walking on the flight deck with senior officers on the carrier USS Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1071 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1071-02-36, President Nixon and senior officers watching the air show from the carrier USS Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified Admirals, military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1072 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1072-02-14, President Nixon speaking at a podium addressing the crew of the carrier Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1072-15-24, President Nixon walking with senior officers, passing saluting crewmen standing at attention on the carrier Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1073 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1073-01A-34A, President Nixon and senior officers watching the air show from the carrier USS Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel, unidentified civilians.

    Roll WHPO-1074 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1074-03-07, President Nixon arriving on the carrier Saratoga by helicopter for an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1074-08-12, President Nixon standing on a platform on the carrier Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1074-13-15, President Nixon greeting assembled crewmen on the carrier Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1074-16-27, President Nixon sitting to watch the air show on the carrier Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1075 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1075-08A-13A, President Nixon sitting watching the air show from the carrier Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1075-14A, Unidentified men standing behind servicemen on the carrier Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1075-15A-35A, President Nixon addressing the crowd from a podium at the carrier Saratoga during an Armed Forces Day celebration. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, unidentified military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1076 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1076-02A-08A, President Nixon greeting Chief Warrant Officer Frederick Ferguson, Specialist Four Thomas Kinsman, and members of their families prior to a Medal of Honor awards ceremony. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Melvin Laird, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, unidentified others.

    Roll WHPO-1077 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1077-02A-06A, President Nixon at the Medal of Honor awards ceremony, walking with awardees and others past a color guard. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Sec. of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1077-06, President Nixon at the Medal of Honor awards ceremony, walking with Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, Secretary of the Army Stanley Resor, and other officials. Military Color guard standing nearby. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, military color guard.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1077-07A-09A, President Nixon at the Medal of Honor awards ceremony, on a platform being saluted by awardees. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Sec. of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1077-10A-17A, President Nixon awarding the Medal of Honor awards ceremony, awarding the medal to CWO Frederick Ferguson. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Sec. of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1077-10A-21A, President Nixon addressing the crowd at the White House South Lawn Medal of Honor ceremony. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1077-11, President Nixon awards the Medal of Honor to recipient CWO Frederick Ferguson during the awards ceremony. Military officials stand nearby on the platform. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, CWO Frederick Ferguson, military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1078 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1078-03-13, President Nixon participating in the Medal of Honor awards ceremony for CWO Frederick Ferguson and Specialist Four Thomas Kinsman. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Sec. of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1078-14-16, Medal of Honor awards ceremony for CWO Frederick Ferguson and Specialist Four Thomas Kinsman. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Sec. of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1078-17-20, President Nixon shaking hands with the crowd after the ceremony. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Sec. of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1079 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1079-02A-04A, 11A, Medal of Honor ceremony. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, General Bruce Palmer, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1079-05A-06A, Medal of Honor awardees saluting President Nixon. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, General Bruce Palmer, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1079-07A-10A, 12A-20A, President Nixon presenting the medals to CWO Frederick Ferguson and Specialist Four Thomas Kinsman. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, General Bruce Palmer, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1079-21A-23A, President Nixon addressing the assembled guests. 5/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, Sec. of the Army Stanley Resor, CWO Frederick Ferguson, Spec. 4 Thomas Kinsman, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Ferguson, and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, General Bruce Palmer, color guard, unidentified civilians and military personnel.

    Roll WHPO-1094 Photographer: unknown | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1094-, Photograph of picture of President Nixon shaking hands with crewmen aboard the carrier Saratoga. 5/17/1969, Atlantic Ocean U.S.S. Saratoga Flight Deck. President Nixon, Navy personnel.
  • The White House Communications Agency Sound Recordings Collection contains public statements that took place between 1969 and 1974. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-690518
      Medal of Honor presentation ceremony with remarks by President Nixon. (5/17/1969, South Lawn, White House)

      Runtime: 0:12:22

      Production credits: Audio feed probably supplied by WHCA; Mult feed supplied by ABC; Recorded by WHCA

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-690519
      Remarks by President Nixon on Armed Forces Day Aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga, with Ephraim P. Holmes, Commander of USS Saratoga. (5/17/1969, U.S.S. Saratoga)

      Runtime: 6:49

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

Context (External Sources)