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White House Diaries
November
25
1985
November 25, 1985
Monday, November 25, 1985
First word was the worst word & it happened on a Monday. When the Egyptians stormed the hi-jack plane last night the hi-jackers not only engaged in a firefight—they threw hand grenades at the passengers in the plane. The death toll is around 57 and many of the rest were wounded. Only one hi-jacker is still alive but in serious condition. An example of their savagery—they had stowed the nine children aboard in the very rear of the plane. One of them deliberately threw a hand grenade into that cluster of children killing all of them.
Later this morning we had a farewell ceremony for Verne Orr & Joan (his wife). Verne is retiring as Sec. of the Air Force. He’s done a great job & I pinned the Distinguished Pub. Service Medal on him.
Dick Wirthlin came by with new figures on the polls since our Geneva trip & my report to Congress. I’m rated in the 80’s on handling the Summit & the Soviets.
In the P.M. the annual presentation in the Rose Garden by the Turkey Growers Assn. The Turkey was a 28 week old, 60 lb. bird. He will not be eaten. They’ll put him in an animal farm where kids go to see the animals. They do of course bring frozen turkeys for some poverty centers.
Then some visitors—John Fling—“Sertomas” International Service to Mankind Award winner. Next was Pearl Bailey, Hon. Chmn. of the Am. Lung Assn. with this years Xmas seals.
A taping session & then dinner with Mermie—just back from Africa.
