Richard Nixon actually said...

I wish them Godspeed, as do all Americans, and all of us here on earth.

I must say I am always awestruck on these occasions.

While those men went under the patronage of individual monarchs, our men go for the American people and, in a larger sense, for all mankind.

The courage and determination you have displayed in coming back against such great odds to fly again have earned you unanimous admiration at...