Nancy Reagan Endorses Iraq “Candy Diplomacy”

…from MoveAmericaForward.org:

A historic “candy diplomacy” program is being launched today that will provide U.S. Troops with 100,000 bags of the popular Jelly Belly gourmet jelly beans for distribution to the children and people of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The delicious candy treats made famous by Ronald Reagan are being sent over as additions to care packages for our troops, as part of a program called “Candy Diplomacy.” The innovative program is the result of a partnership between the nation’s largest pro-troop organization, Move America Forward, and the Fairfield, California-based Jelly Belly Candy Company.

Nancy Reagan said of her husband,

He would often break the ice in meetings by passing around his jar of Jelly Bellys. It had a way of putting a smile on everyone’s face and putting them in the mood to work cooperatively. I know the Iraqi and Afghani people will feel the warmth and goodness of the
American people when they get to try these treats.

Each 2 oz. bag of gourmet jelly beans (which include the favorite flavors of Iraqi and Afghani children) has the following message printed in both English and Arabic:

A gift from the American people in hope that your country will one day enjoy the freedom and opportunities that we have in the United States.

The “Candy Diplomacy” program came to life thanks to the inspiration provided by President Ronald Reagan. As a champion of the cause of freedom for all people, Reagan’s vision of helping spread the seeds of freedom was never dampened as he proudly presented America as the “shining city on a hill.”

Herman Rowland, President of the Jelly Belly Candy Company, said,

We have been long associated with Ronald Reagan and his love of our Jelly Bellys, and we are honored to advance his vision of freedom for the world by our gift.”

As Reagan himself said,

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

He pursued foreign policy by making personal friendships with both our allies and adversaries, creating a climate of trust that enabled him to change the course of history and bring more freedom to the world than it has ever known. It is only fitting that we would use his favorite candy as a treat for American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to use to make friends with the people of those war-torn nations.

Thanks to a generous gift from the Jelly Belly Candy Company last year, Reagan’s favorite candy was shipped by Move America Forward in care packages to U.S. troops as part of Christmas & Hanukkah care packs from home. Move America Forward immediately heard back from the troops with requests to please send more of the jelly beans – but not for their consumption, but to be given to the children of Iraq and Afghanistan. The candy treats were a big hit, and helped strengthen the bonds of trust and friendship between Iraqi and Afghani residents and U.S. troops during their patrols

Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward, said:

We are grateful to the Jelly Belly Corporation for helping to provide our troops another tool to enhance their missions in Iraq. Ronald Reagan’s favorite treat is today becoming a favorite treat of thousands of Iraqi and Afghani children who share the thirst of freedom that Reagan realized was a burning flame that flickered within the soul of all good men and women.

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>>NOTE: The special Jelly Belly “Candy Diplomacy” packs are being sent to U.S. troops in Iraq & Afghanistan as part of the largest care package shipment to American troops – in history! On June 26th the grand finale for this push will take place — an All-Star Celebrity telethon that will include appearances by Rush Limbaugh, Lt. Col. Oliver North, Comedian Jackie Mason, John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting, The Office of General David Petraeus, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Monica Crowley, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin and many others. Reports from U.S. troops on the front lines of the war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan will also be broadcast throughout the broadcast. Complete details can be found at MoveAmericaForward.com.

Members of the press interested in setting up an interview with one of the participants of the “From the Front Lines” telethon should contact Danny Gonzalez at: (714) 926-6189.