A: We now stand ten years past the midpoint of
a century that has witnessed four major wars
among great nations. Three of these involved
our own country. Despite the carnage of these
conflicts, America is today the strongest, the
most influential and most productive nation in the
world. We are understandably proud of this pre-
eminence, yet we realize that America’s leader-
ship and prestige depend, not merely upon our
unmatched material progress, riches and military
strength, but on how we use our power in the in-
terests of world peace and human betterment.
A: Throughout America’s adventure in free govern-
ment, such basic purposes have been to keep
the peace; to foster progress in human achieve-
ment, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity
among peoples and among nations.
A: We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all
nations, may have their great human needs sat-
isfied; that those now denied opportunity shall
come to enjoy it to the full; that all who yearn
for freedom may experience its spiritual blessings;
that those who have freedom will understand,
also, its heavy responsibilities; that all who are in-
sensitive to the needs of others will learn charity;
that the scourges of poverty, disease and igno-
rance will be made to disappear from the earth,
and that, in the goodness of time, all peoples will
come to live together in a peace guaranteed by
the binding force of mutual respect and love.
A: Now, on Friday noon, I am to become a private
citizen. I am proud to do so. I look forward to it.
Thank you, and good night. |