Henry Salvatori

* On July 7, our dear friend and benefactor Henry Salvatori passed away at the age of 96. He lived a splendid life. He was one of those people who succeeded at virtually every task to which he turned his hand. If he started a business, it became very large and made money for everyone who invested. If he gave to a charity, it pursued a hard mission with diligence and success. If he picked a politician--well, it is sufficient to say that he picked Ronald Reagan.

Salvatori was the leader of the small group that invited Reagan to enter politics. They promised him two things: that they would take care of the money; and that they would accept no favor, no office, no appointment in return. I have searched the archives of Salvatori and of Reagan. I find no breach of promise.

Salvatori was an immigrant boy of modest means. He invented and built a major industry. He married and loved the same woman for 52 years and with her raised two children. He fought without fear for causes that were high and difficult. He gave vastly and asked nothing--would accept nothing--in return. He was not born a citizen of this land he came to love. He earned his place by such deeds as this, compounded many times.

LARRY P. ARNN, President

The Claremont Institute