Letter from Martha Graham to President Ronald Reagan thanking him for being one of the first recipients of the US National Medal of Arts, 05/02/1985

The President has seen MARTHA GRAHAM CENTER OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE INC Nancy Reagan Honorary Chairman President Ronald Reagan Tribute The Whitehouse C. Edward Acker Washington, D.C. Campaign Chairman Endowment Dear Mr. President: Board of Trustees It was a glorious luncheon afternoon and another one Francis S. Mason, Jr. of your many "acts of light" to me and to many artists, Evelyn Sharp and to us all. Chairmen Emeriti Mrs. Marvin Traub Chairman The thought of a medal like this one is something that I Milton Goldman have long wished for for all people who support the arts President as well as the artists themselves; it is a distinguished Edward H. Michaelsen and heartfelt recognition of these individuals value to Mrs. Herbert S. Schlosser Alexander Racolin the world in general. It acts as an example to the world Peter H. Morrison when a great nation backed by a discerning President Vice-Chairmen establishes such a symbol of recognition. Edward T. Anderson Roger E. Anderson I was so moved by the letter that you sent to me which Wallis Annenberg was read by Frank Hodsoll during the opening night gala Polly Bergen Endervelt of my Company's New York Season this April. To think of Mrs. Gerald R. Ford Robert L. Gill, III the many things pressing upon you and that you would find Martha Graham the time for such a gesture, such an act of faith. Halston Neel R. Halpern I know that the pressures upon you now are great and I can Ray Kassar only send you my love and blessings and the hope that the James Marshall Dr. Jost Michelsen situations confronting you may be resolved in a manner that Gregory Peck you would wish. Ron Protas Bethsabee de Rothschild Marvin Sloves Sincerely, Elizabeth Taylor Dartha gaalings Martha Graham New York City May 2, 1985 308380 316 EAST 63 STREET NEW YORK NY 10021 TE 2-9166 TRIBUTE TO MARTHA GRAHAM