I believe it is appropriate that returning citizens and visitors from other countries be welcomed by our flag whether they arrive at their ports of entry by night or by day.

His powerful leadership by example helped to keep steel in America's backbone, and the flame of freedom in America's soul.

His long life brimmed over with magnificent achievement and dedicated service to this country which he loved so well.

He personified integrity; he personified honor; he personified principle; he personified courage; he personified discipline; he personified dedication; he personified loyalty; he personified patriotism.

But I will say that in doing so, Edgar Hoover, because of his indomitable courage against sometimes very vicious attack, has made certain that the flag of the FBI will always fly high.

He was devoted to his country, and in his service to both party and country he earned the high admiration of men and women from both sides of the political aisle.

Few men have given so much and so willingly to their country as you have for the past thirty-five months--and few have discharged their responsibilities with such distinction and excellence.

I want to tell you why I think you should believe it, believe it very, very deeply today, not with any Pollyannaish statement in which we cover up those things that are wrong about our country and wrong about this world.

Let this ship we christen in his name be a testament that his countrymen have not forgotten.

They deserve the best their Nation can offer them because they are the best of this Nation.

I also want you to know that I am grateful for your willingness to remain available to serve your country when needed.

So be assured that you are in America's heart, for it is you that are fighting her battle--and a grateful Nation thanks, appreciates, remembers, and prays for all of you.

The very name of your great nation means, in my own language, 'land of the free.'

I came here today for one good purpose: to tell you, and through you, tell every soldier, sailor, airman and marine in Vietnam how proud we are of what you are doing and how proud we are of the way you are doing it.

I am a free man first, an American second, a public servant third, and a Democrat fourth, in that order.

I believe that every good American wants it to be a success.

This nation has never left the field of battle in abject surrender of a cause for which it has fought.

I believe that is what my country expects me to do.