Remarks by Commissioner James H. Quello
        On the Occasion of A Salute to Ambassador Walter Annenberg
              By the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters
                    Philadelphia, PA - October 18, 1994

    It is a signal honor to share the speakers' table with such a
distinguished American leader as Ambassador Annenberg -- and I
am delighted to have the opportunity as the senior FCC
Commissioner to join in the tribute to a great, universally respected
editor, publisher, broadcaster, diplomat and philanthropist -- to
salute a communications leader with an exemplary record of public
service.
    This significant award has special added significance for me
because they are honoring a fellow octogenarian -- someone who
has graciously weathered the transition from the golden years to the
platinum years -- and also someone whose physiology hasn't
caught up with his chronology.  And particularly, someone whose
great expanse of impressive honors and awards -- exceeds anything
I ever expected to experience.  It's not necessary to repeat them
here -- Just marvel at the major awards listed on your program.


    You see, Mr. Ambassador, I have received a few awards
recently -- nothing to compare in importance or prestige as yours,
but nevertheless much appreciated -- I humorously referred to them
as my pre-posthumous awards.  I attributed my awards to
venerability associated with age.  I frankly said, "With age,
venerability sets in -- when you become venerable, you get credit
for virtues you never possessed."  However, what is particularly
impressive with your awards and honors, is they started years ago,
way before age could be considered a venerability factor.

    Mr. Ambassador, over my lifetime career in the Army,
broadcasting and the FCC, I have seen all types of distinguished
awards, honors, testimonials, etc., but you are, without reservation,
the most highly honored and decorated communications and civic
leader I have ever seen!  I am frankly overwhelmed.  What a great
contribution you have made.  What a distinguished heritage of
excellence for future communications leaders -- a heritage that the
passing of time can never dim.



    In fact, you have been conferred about everything except
immortality.  A good friend advised me recently "Slow down and
enjoy life -- You know, no one has ever established immortality."  I
replied "I know but someone must set the precedent!"

    Mr. Ambassador, I hope you are destined to be the leader that
establishes that precedent.  The world is woefully understaffed by
accomplished, socially conscious leaders like you.

    However, if immortality is not your eventual destiny -- May the
Lord be with you -- but not too soon!

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