Ronald Reagan actually said...

"I hope and pray that, no matter how stormy international affairs, the leaders of the world can look at what happened between these fliers and sailors and be duly inspired."

"America's been blessed by her Irish children."

"This mission represents just one more example of cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union in search and rescue missions."

"Today it's an honor for me to recognize that the American Irish Foundation and the Ireland Fund are now officially merged into one operation."