Richard Nixon

The greatness of Edgar Hoover will remain inseparable from the greatness of the organization he created and gave his whole life to building, the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

J. Edgar Hoover was one of the rare exceptions to that rule.

Edgar Hoover knew this basic truth.

Now, Therefore, I, Richard Nixon, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the week beginning May 14, 1972, as Small Business Week.

He made the FBI the finest law enforcement agency on the earth, the invincible and incorruptible defender of every American's precious right to be free from fear.

The United States is a better country because this good man lived his long life among us these past 77 years.

I would like to see participation by the maximum number of agencies.

He built well. He built to last.

I join all those who pray that God may give your community the special strength to persevere through this difficult time.

It would be especially appropriate for the announcement of such actions to take place during Small Business Week.

His long life brimmed over with magnificent achievement and dedicated service to this country which he loved so well.

I have directed both the Secretary of the Interior and the Office of Emergency Preparedness to keep me closely informed on the recovery work in the area.

I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the families struck by this disaster.

J. Edgar Hoover was one of the giants.

Today is a day of sadness for America, but it is also a day of pride.

His powerful leadership by example helped to keep steel in America's backbone, and the flame of freedom in America's soul.

The good J. Edgar Hoover has done will not die.

He served his nation as Director of the FBI for 48 years under eight American Presidents with total loyalty, unparalleled ability, and supreme dedication.

Now, Therefore, I, Richard Nixon, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Saturday, September 23, 1972, as National Hunting and Fishing Day.

The FBI he literally created and built is today universally regarded as the finest law enforcement agency in the world.

But I will say that in doing so, Edgar Hoover, because of his indomitable courage against sometimes very vicious attack, has made certain that the flag of the FBI will always fly high.

I urge officials of government at all levels—national, State, and local—and of voluntary organizations and private groups everywhere, to give special attention during this period to the concerns of the elderly.

We have increased the budget for the Administration on Aging tenfold.

If the Congress approves my recommendations for reforming and expanding social security and other income maintenance programs, the income of older Americans would be increased by some $5.5 billion annually.

I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.