Presidential Appointment: National Advisory Council on the Public Service

Washington DC: Bureau of Engraving and Printing, 1992. Certificate. Paper. Near fine. Presidential Appointment naming Ambassador Edward J. Perkins to the National Advisory Council on the Public Service, dated April 9, 1992.. Wood frame, white matte. Full piece measures 26" x 22", covered with museum glass. Both signatures of President George H.W. Bush and James Baker III appear to be autopen. Not examined outside of frame. A fine framed piece. 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.