Richard Nixon: “I urge the communications media to participate in and to promote this observance.”

It is regrettable that the Congress has seen fit to add to a bill of such importance to our national security a rider adversely affecting the constitutional separation of powers.

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.

This was a serious act of omission for which I take full responsibility and which I deeply regret.

I have done my very best in all the days since to be true to that pledge.