On January 9, the Nixon Foundation held a presidential wreath laying ceremony and program in honor of President Nixon’s 113th birthday, featuring keynote remarks from veteran speechwriter and political adviser Ken Khachigian.
Ken Khachigian at the Presidential wreath-laying ceremony at President Nixon’s Memorial.
Captain Kyle Caldwell, Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, delivered opening remarks reflecting on the life of the 37th president, which he described as “a remarkable life whose legacy still impacts our nation.” He shared how the American story of Richard Nixon demonstrates how one man can make a difference, while encouraging the audience to embrace a call to action inspired by those who went before us.
Captain Kyle Caldwell (USN) delivers remarks during President Nixon’s birthday commemoration.
In his keynote remarks, Ken Khachigian shared stories from his memoir, Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan and Nixon, as well as never before heard anecdotes from his time working for President Nixon. Drawing on newly released archival materials, Khachigian shared rare behind the scenes insights into life at the former Western White House, including Nixon’s historic appearance before the Oxford Union, a little known “secret” trip to the Sequoia Mountains, and the unexpected reconciliation between Nixon and former political rival Hubert Humphrey in the final days of Humphrey’s life.
Ken Khachigian, author of Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan and Nixon, offers never-before-heard insights into President Nixon.
He concluded his remarks by sharing a personal letter, never before made public, that President Nixon wrote to Humphrey after learning of his cancer diagnosis. In the handwritten letter, Nixon wrote, “By circumstances beyond our control we were often political opponents, but be assured that as far as I am concerned, we were, are, and always will be personal friends.” Khachigian concluded by describing the friendship between Nixon and Humphrey as a fitting birthday tribute to President Nixon, emblematic of a time when decency prevailed in politics.
President Nixon and former Vice President Hubert Humphrey in the Oval Office.
Special thanks to Navy Band Southwest for providing music and the Blue Eagles Honor Guard for the formal presentation of the colors.
Watch the keynote here:
