Richard Nixon: “Tonight I ask you all to rise and join me in raising our glasses to the greatest Duke of them all, Duke Ellington.”

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.

It is only a beginning, always.

I further urge all students in our country to acquaint themselves fully with their own student government associations and to play a constructive role in contributing to their success.