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Conversation 005-153

TapeTape 5StartWednesday, June 23, 1971 at 4:06 PMEndWednesday, June 23, 1971 at 4:08 PMTape start time04:33:37Tape end time04:35:51ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Rinaldi, WilliamRecording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon telephoned William Rinaldi, a teacher working with underprivileged students, to personally commend him for his dedication and impactful work in the classroom. During the exchange, the two discussed the importance of teaching U.S. history to foster a sense of national pride and destiny in students during their formative years. Nixon emphasized that such historical education serves as a necessary counterweight to the negative influence of contemporary media coverage.

EducationU.S. HistoryPublic RelationsCivic EducationTeacher Recognition
AudioNARA Description

On June 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and William Rinaldi talked on the telephone from 4:06 pm to 4:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-153 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 5-153

Date: June 23, 1971
Time: 4:06 pm - 4:08 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with William Rinaldi.

[See Conversation No. 258-27A]

     Rinaldi's letter concerning work with underprivileged children

     History
          -President's educational background
          -Importance
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Yeah.
We have William Rinaldi.
Yes.
All right.
Hello?
Yes.
Mr. Rinaldi?
Yes.
I'm just calling to tell you that I have followed with great interest your letter with regard to your work that you are doing with the underprivileged children.
And I just think that that kind of...
of action that where you're working now actually particularly with our high school children and others is really a very outstanding thing and to do it knowing too that you do it under greater difficulties than some people have that's very encouraging to us in terms of the future of the country.
Well, thank you very much.
And do you find, I notice that you're teaching U.S. history and other courses of that sort, is that correct?
That's right.
Right.
I was a history major years ago, so it's the best subject of all.
I think so, from my perspective.
And also, I think it's particularly important if people read it, particularly in those formative years in high school, they can get the sense that you have in your letter of a sense of destiny about the country and pride in the country.
That tends to mitigate, to a certain extent, the instant news that you see night after night on television and the rest.
We're dealing with them at such a moldable age.
Exactly, exactly.
It conveys a tremendous responsibility.
Right, right.
Well, I just want you to know that I think it's a fine, fine work that you're doing, and the country's grateful to men like yourselves.
We're grateful to all good teachers, but to a teacher who, despite a handicap, has gone right in there and
done this kind of a job is really very outstanding.
Thank you very much.
And we wish you best, and give my best to your students, will you?
I will.
Tell them to study that history hard.
It's the best training for anything.
Such a pleasure talking to you.
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