This Day In 1970's History: Sunday January 25, 1981
- The freed hostages arrived home on the last leg of a journey from Iran that began last Tuesday. They landed at 2:55 P. M. at Stewart International Airport near the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y,, where they were to spend a few days with relatives. Their families greeted them on arrival, but reporters and photographers were banned from the landing area. There were no bands and no speeches.
Crowds were kept at a distance when the 52 freed Americans stepped on a long, golden carpet as they left their plane, but thousands lined the route of their motorcade to West Point. The crowd shouted "U.S.A.!" "U.S.A." in unison. [New York Times]
- An informal White House reception was attended by the former hostages' relatives before they flew to Newburgh, N.Y., to greet the former hos-tages on their arrival. The family members were greeted by President Reagan and his wife, Nancy, and Vice President Bush and his wife, Barbara. In the emotional meeting the President praised the families for their "courage" and "dignity." [New York Times]
- Strong backing of the pact with Iran that led to the release of the American hostages was given by Senator Charles Percy, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. He said it would be "dishonorable" for the Reagan administration not to carry out the provisions of the agreement made by the Carter administration. [New York Times]
- At least 10 millionaires are members of President Reagan's cabinet. According to financial-disclosure reports re-quired by the Ethics in Government Act, at least 10 of the 17 cabinet members have a net worth of more than $1 million. Only four reported a net worth of under $500,000. [New York Times]
- Fear has spread through Atlanta after the disappearance of 16 black children in the last 18 months, with the most recent less than a month ago. Thirteen of the children have been found dead. The city has responded with an intense safety campaign. [New York Times]
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