The Pope -John Paul II, October
1979,
During the the Popes visit I was assigned to the crew stationed
at Saint Patrick's Cathedral to cover his appearance there. After
we had completed our setup of audio and video equipment, I was positioned
at an entrance of the Cathedral on 51st Street in company with a
Secret Service Agent. I was to alert the Mobile Unit if the Pope
showed up and spoke to any gathering.
While chatting with the SS Agent, Pope John Paul II suddenly walked
around the 51th st. side of the church. He was alone, not with his
usual entourage taking a leisurely saunter. As he approached I tried
to remember what salutation was used in addressing a Pope. Was it
"Your Eminence", No that's for a Cardinal", how about
"Your Excellency" that's for a Bishop. For the life of
me I could not recall what greeting you used. He now was in a few
feet of me, knowing that he was a Priest I said" Good afternoon
Father". He looked directly at me, made The Sign of The Cross
and said "Bless You Son"
It was only after he had strolled several yards past me that I
remembered you addressed him as 'Your Holiness".
So much for Salutations.
The White House - Washington, DC.
Arriving early to televise a Press Conference in the White House
I was assigned as part of the crew to cover it. In the East Room
we had set up the the usual Audio and Video equipment to broadcast
the meeting. I was doing my usual job with audio equipment, in the
process I was down on my knees tidying the cables so that they did
not show in the TV pictures. As I worked I felt the presence of
some one next to me. A voice said, "Mornin, how you doin young
man",
I looked up and there was Lyndon Johnson. I arose as he extended
his hand for a handshake.
I looked at my hands and said "But Sir my hands are dirty"
he replied "That all right son its Honest Dirt". With
that President Johnson and I shook hands. Only in America.
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