Description
Photograph of President George H.W. Bush greeting the new United States Ambassador to the United Nations, the Hon. Edward J. Perkins. Official White House photograph, dated May 12, 1992 on verso.
Color photograph with white border, measures 8″ x 10″. A few spots along left side, previously framed with tape remnants on verso.
Dedication printed by hand with an added personal inscription by President George H.W. Bush: “To the Honorable Edward Perkins / with best wishes, and with great pride in your service to country. George Bush. May 12, ’92.” A unique signed piece, between a current and former Ambassador to the United Nations.
Dr. Edward J. Perkins (1928-2020) served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Liberia, South Africa, and Australia throughout his 25-year foreign service career. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan appointed Perkins to serve as ambassador to South Africa in hopes of fending off a congressional override to his veto of economic sanctions against the country. It was a controversial decision amidst apartheid in South Africa, and many Black leaders urged Perkins to not take the role. Perkins accepted the position and served until 1989, one year before Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He was appointed U.N. Ambassador by George H.W. Bush in 1992, serving for one year.
