Todd Andrews gave me this Certificate detailing Rob's status:
Todd Andrews and Sanda Smith gave me this artwork, based on the story.
I've titled it "Hope for Peace in the Darkest Hour"
Concept by Todd Andrews, Art by Sandra Smith
In 1990, Todd had the idea to send the above artwork to then-President George Bush (Sr.) as a
reminder to seek out all possible peaceful alternatives to the then-impending war with Iraq.
Todd's letter is reprinted below:
November 15, 1990
President George Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20050
Dear Mr. President,
During these difficult times in the Persian Gulf Crisis, I thought I would
write to you and urge you to continue to seek diplomatic means to resolve
the conflict.
Enclosed is an illustration that seems appropriate at this time. A couple
of friends of mine, Bruce Jividen and Sandra Smith, and I, came up with
this. With their permission I'm sending a copy to you.
To give you some background, the three of us are fans of the television
series STARMAN which ran in 1986-1987. Bruce Jividen is the author of a
STARMAN story called SNOWSTORM. His story involves an escalating conflict
between the United States and a foreign country. The phrase on the
illustration is a direct line from his story. The Space Shuttle is also an
important part of the story's plot.
Sandra Smith did the actual illustration. The peace symbol, the
Presidential Seal, and the clock are all set inside the symbol for NASA.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Todd Andrews
Sandra's letter is reprinted below
November 9, 1990
President George Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As the artist of the enclosed work, I would like to use it to illustrate my feelings about the
importance of keeping our world at peace. I am glad that for once our United States has so many
other nations supporting it in its actions--nations as diverse as Great Britain and the Soviet
Union--but I hope that because we are seen as, or at least we see ourselves as, a leader of
nations, we will act as a model and take every measure that we can to maintain peace and world
unity. Pitting our young people against the young people of another country is not an ideal
course of action.
Please try peaceful alternatives before resorting to others. We're counting on you to show the
world that the United States is a model that other countries would be proud to emulate.
Sincerely yours,
Sandra L. Smith
I never imagined, when I wrote "Snowstorm," that my words would be sent to the real
President's desk, thanks to Todd and Sandra's involvement. The world has changed greatly,
and peace is still a goal that continues to be difficult to reach, but I continue to hope
that one day it will be achieved!
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