The Public Record
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from January 20, 1969, until his resignation on August 9, 1974. A member of the Republican Party, he previously held the office of Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1961. Nixon's presidency is noted for significant foreign policy achievements, including the historic opening of relations with China and the policy of détente with the Soviet Union. Domestically, he is recognized for establishing the Environmental Protection Agency and implementing various social programs.
You know how tremendously important it is that we find a way to bring an end to the war in which we are now engaged in Vietnam and bring an end to that war in a way that it will promote the cause of real peace in the Pacific and not plant…
We believe that this meeting in Midway will be one step in that direction--a very important step, as will be indicated by the results of that meeting and other events that will follow.
I can say from a personal standpoint that we have been looking forward to returning to this State.
As a means of communication, it makes a substantial contribution to world understanding and progress.
There is no State and no people in any one of our States that has a greater interest in and a greater stake in the overall problem of peace in the Pacific than the people of Hawaii.
We are therefore establishing a nationwide system of Youth Advisory Committees to the Selective Service System.
The Youth Advisory Committee program will not give young people control over the decisions of the Selective Service System, but it will give them a channel for communication and for influence.
It is the essence of democratic government that those who are most directly affected by a decision of the government should have their views represented in the process by which that decision is made.
It is my hope that a system of Youth Advisory Committees will result in a better informed and more responsive draft mechanism.
I am, therefore, appointing today the President's Committee on the Vietnam Veteran.
I have directed the Committee to report to me on the present stage of benefits for returning veterans and recommendations on how these provisions can be improved or redirected.
We believe that the programs of World War II are not adequate for the new generation of veterans coming out of Vietnam.
I urge the press, radio, television, and other information media to join in this observance and to promote continuing awareness of our flag and a rededication to the principles which it symbolizes.
I wanted a man who, first, was a veteran, and therefore knew the problems of veterans.
We must rule out unilateral disarmament, because in the real world it wouldn't work.
We shall reaffirm our destiny for greatness or we shall choose instead to withdraw into ourselves.
The military profession is derided in some of the so-called best circles of America.
Nationalism is hailed and applauded as a panacea for the ills of every nation-except the United States of America.
We shall not trade our defenses for a disarming smile or charming words.
Imagine for a moment, if you will, what would happen to this world if America were to become a dropout in assuming the responsibility for defending peace and freedom in the world.
I think it is magnificent, and I think you can be very proud of that chapel at the Air Force Academy.
Therefore, I do proclaim amnesty for all cadets who have committed minor violations of United States Air Force Academy regulations.
I want to thank you for the very warm and gracious welcome you gave to me and the members of our family.
In the past generation, since 1941, this Nation has paid for 14 years of peace with 14 years of war.
Politicians like Richard Nixon
