Richard Nixon: “You have been a man of courage and you have captured the imagination of our people because of that courage.”

I invite the Governors of the States and of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other officials at the local level to issue similar proclamations.

And as I leave, let me say, that is an example I think all of us should remember.

Our military forces deter potential aggressors and, together with those of our allies, serve to assure the continued security of the free world.

I am pleased that in this bill the Congress has expressed support for our objectives by authorizing $22.2 billion for military procurement purposes during fiscal year 1975.