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Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515-0507
January 7, 2000Ms. Lori McCreary
Morgan Freeman Production Co.
301 Arizona Avenue, Suite 303
Santa Monica, CA 90401Dear Ms. McCreary,
The President's decision to grant a pardon to Freddie Meeks would not have happened without the involvement of many people who were committed to giving Mr. Meeks an opportunity for vindication and dignity. You are most certainly prominent among those individuals, and I want you to know that I appreciate your dedication to this matter greatly.
The President's decision is truly historic and deeply emotional as well. For those of us who have worked on aspects of the Port Chicago case for many years, the pardon represents a significant victory in demonstrating that the highest officials of the government of the United States recognize the unjust nature of the mutiny prosecutions. One of the great characteristics of our nation is our willingness to reconsider aspects of our history, however painful, and act to correct the record not only for the immediate victims but for future generations who deserve to know the truth. Mr. Meeks' pardon means that, as future generations study the issues of African-American history, military history, and racial relations in this country, the Port Chicago story will have a very different ending than it did just a few weeks ago.
We continue our efforts to remember and honor all the men of Port Chicago, and we certainly look forward to future commemorative services at which we will honor all of these men. For the moment, however, let us note the victory we have achieved for Mr. Meeks with the President's assistance. Again, my thanks to you for staying with the fight.
With best wishes for the New Year,
Sincerely,
George Miller
7th District, California