Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-009
Sound recording of ceremonies celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Voice of America (VOA). Following music and introductory remarks about the VOA's role in describing policies of the United States government and in presenting a balanced reflection of American thought, VOA announcers speak briefly in Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow then speaks about the VOA's operations and messaging. Director Murrow states that the American “way of diversity is the way of free choice,” drawing a parallel to emerging nations that seek their own form. Secretary of State Dean Rusk speaks next and describes the beginnings of the VOA, the VOA's role in foreign affairs, and the determination to assist developing nations and people seeking freedom. The recording ends with an extended musical performance. During a brief pause, an unidentified speaker announces that the President will arrive soon. This recording does not include remarks from President Kennedy. The tape box identifies a speaker as "Loomis." Accession MR-1972-096-009.