Graham Library dedication

Submitted by ryanteaguebeckwith on May 31, 2007 - 1:57pm.
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Gov. Mike Easley spoke at the dedication of the Billy Graham Library near Charlotte, praising the evangelical preacher's "message of kindness, gentleness, goodness and compassion."



Date occurred: May 31, 2007


Gov. Mike Easley
Billy Graham Library dedication
May 31, 2007

Transcribed from audio.

Thank you Graeme for all your hard work and your kind introduction.

Good afternoon to all of you and welcome Mr. President, Mr. President and Mr. President. I've always wanted to say that. How many governors get to say that three times?

There are three presidents and two Grahams here to speak, so I'm not going to take a whole lot of time. I want to thank all of you who are here today, welcome the 1,500 people who have come from all across the United States and other nations to be here today to participate in this celebration.

I remember when we broke ground here in 2002, and today shows what a vision with hard work and faith can accomplish in a short period of time, so on behalf of all who have worked so hard on this historic site, let me say thank you for your hard work.

Billy Graham has preached to over 210 million people in 185 countries on six different continents. He cancall a lot of places home, but we've got him paying taxes in North Carolina.

And we're so excited, so excited that he chose this site as the location for this great historic library. His former childhood farm — a dairy farm under Carolina blue sky — is now going to be one of the most historic sites of the world.

He's gone from the silo to chasing the halo, and I'd say he's just about got it.

Millions have witnessed his sermons and preaching in person, through television, through radio and now with this library and the technology that comes with it — right down to the talking cow — everybody in the world will get to know Billy Graham and his message the way that we do.

He's a man who's advised presidents, international leaders and just the least of our brethren. With different backgrounds and nationalities and brought together people of different faiths from all over the world.

So when we visit this library, when we walk through those double doors and under that great cross that you see behind me, let us all stop and think for a minute and be reminded of such things as honor, integrity, decency and character and be inspired with energy if not with courage to carry on his message of kindness, gentleness, goodness and compassion, for that is the true purpose of this site.

Now we in North Carolina recognize that with this great honor comes a great responsibility, for this library also serves as a symbol of Billy Graham's heart. Both belong in North Carolina and both will be taken care of forever.

Thank you all for what you have done. Thank you, Rev. Billy Graham, for all that you have done and continue to do. We look forward to calling Billy Graham's Library home in North Carolina.

Thank you.

 



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