This piece of a Ground Launched Cruise Missile represents my dad’s (Harry Orbelian) greatest work.
I asked him about why he was so interested in international trade and business when there were pressing human rights and environmental issues that I saw as more important than commerce.
He replied, “If people are doing business together they are less likely to blow each other up.”
As I look at this piece of missile today, I am grateful that we tore this missile apart rather than have it tear apart people and our planet.
Humanity came to an edge with the cold war freezing relationships and minds. Attitudes shaped by rhetoric, fear, greed and isolation made co-existence increasingly treacherous.
We were lucky that a few visionary humanitarians on both sides saw the light and helped us avoid irreversible consequences that would have forever reshaped existence and survival for all life on this planet we call home.
JFK’s vision for our collective future planted the seeds that he knew would sprout once the cold war thawed. His words echo through history because he spoke the truth, with a clarity that was based on an accurate assessment of reality and human potential. His outlook on life and his ability to express his ideals not only inspired, but created a future that we have today. JFK’s honesty and integrity set him apart from mere politicians as a leader who’s vision embodied the hope that no assassin’s bullets could kill.