Richard Nixon actually said...

I relied on the best law enforcement agencies in the country to find and report the truth.

I direct the appropriate officials to display the United States flag on that day on all Government buildings

In tribute to the achievement of Columbus, the Congress of the United States, by joint resolution approved April 30, 1934 (48 Stat. 657), as...

Now, Therefore, I, Richard Nixon, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Monday, October 8, 1973, as Columbus Day.