~pSail2000. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON

February 12, 1997

Mr. Charles A. Robertson Chairman Operation Sail, Inc. Suite 100 2 Greenwich Plaza Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 Dear Charles: I am delighted that Operation Sail will once again help America celebrate an extraordinary moment in our national life. On July 4, 2000, as we mark the 224th birthday of the United States of America and celebrate the new millennium, the Grand OpSail Parade of Tall Ships and International Naval Review in New York Harbor will be a fitting culmination of this historic occasion. I am grateful that you and your colleagues at Operation Sail have agreed to undertake this enormous task. The notable success of past OpSail events -- such as America's Bicentennial observance in 1976, the 1986 salute to the Statue of Liberty on the occasion of its lO Oth birthday, and the 1992 quincentenary commemoration of Columbus' arrival in the New World -- convinces me that OpSail 2000 will be a glorious and memorable celebration. Please extend my personal invitation to the captains and operators of these great sailing vessels to participate in the gathering of the tall ships in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the visitation to U.S. East Coast ports, and the grand finale event i n New York Harbor. The American people will offer a warm welcome, and you can be confident that Operation Sail has the full support of the White House in this fitting tribute to our national birthday and the new millennium. Sincerely ,