Ralph P. Davidson replaced Stevens as Kennedy Center Chairman in 1988, and helped secure the ongoing Japanese endowment that brings that nation's arts to Washington each year. (Another of Japan's gifts to the Center, the Terrace Theater, had opened in 1979.) James D. Wolfensohn was elected the Center's third Chairman in 1990; under the leadership of Wolfensohn and President Lawrence J. Wilker, the Center solidified its fundraising, strengthened its relations with Congress, and extended the nationwide reach of its education programs to serve millions of young people in every state. The Center renewed its commitment to the creation of new works, and became a national leader in arts education and community outreach as well as a friendlier and more accessible home for the arts in Washington. [The Kennedy Center 25th Anniversary Gala, April 1996]
James A. Johnson, chairman of the board and chief executive officer at Fannie Mae, began his tenure as the Kennedy Center's fourth Chairman in May 1996. He inherits a thriving national treasure, one that is guided and inspired by the vision of its namesake. "I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities," President Kennedy once said, "we, too, will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit." [Concert Hall Renovation, November 1997]
If you are already tired of all that presidents and chairmen let we now explore some wild places of American capital. What will you say about Harpers Ferry National Historical Park?
Throughout its history, Harpers Ferry has been the backdrop for remarkable and unparalleled events. Here, in one setting, several themes in the American story converge: Native Americans, industry and transportation, African-Americans, John Brown, the Civil War, and the natural environment. Harpers Ferry became part of the National Park System in 1944. The park covers over 2,300 acres.
Or National Park Trust. The private land conservancy dedicated exclusively to America's Parklands, saving nationally significant wildlife, scenic wonders, and historic monuments.
So now it is time to speak a little bit about politics. About the man who maintain all the businesses and links in this capital. We should say some words about the Mayor.
Mayor Anthony A. Williams took office on January 2, 1999, and identified his vision and a plan of action for Washington, DC. Mayor Williams asks the people of DC to come together and work together to improve the quality of life in the District for both its citizens and the local business community.
His political strategy and vision for life at the Washington can be assumed as following:
The vision for the District is a simple vision, but one that is shared by citizens from Anacostia to Adams Morgan: our citizens deserve the best city in America. That means:
Strong schools, safe streets, clean communities, affordable housing, and reliable transportation;
Access for all people to health care where our senior citizens and children at risk receive quality services;
A wealth of social and cultural growth opportunities;
Vibrant economies downtown and in the neighborhoods;
True inclusion, a seat at the table for all;
Taking advantage of the District's truly unique assets — tourism that is second to none, unique partnerships with federal agencies, a strong regional economy that lacks only a vital urban center; and
Empowering men, women, and children of all communities to solve problems together. Coming together, working together, succeeding together.
Everybody agree that this is a very strong program and you can bet that Washington life will flourish and blossom.
So we make a little trip now through the capital of the USA and we really see that this city is absolutely deserves the name of one of the world’s powerful capitals. Because the power of any capital isn’t tanks and weapons and not also the quantity of millionaires for one square kilometer. The power is the pride of the city of the citizens of the principles and culture. Washington is a big example of this theory.