Ronald Reagan

I congratulate all of you today on taking advantage of the tremendous educational opportunities you've been offered.

Now, get back to the Oval Office and go to work.

God has blessed the American people with a vast and beautiful land.

Too much government has always meant the oppression of the human spirit and the stultification of human progress.

Our 5-year effort is the largest commitment to the renovation of our national parks that has ever been made.

This is a great day for each one of you.

It's also about passing on to each new generation the values that serve as the foundation and cornerstone of our free democratic society.

Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give the earth itself and all it contains rather than do an immoral act.

We've given our support to legislation that would create some 5 million acres of new wilderness areas.

Each of these areas is intended to be completely natural—no housing developments, no powerlines, just forest, rock, wind, and sky.

No task facing us is more important than preserving the American land.

And I appreciate, in view of her name, I appreciate your fine sense of timing.

Sri Lankan leaders, including yourself, Mr. President, have been to our country before.

Your visit has undoubtedly strengthened the bond between our two countries.

Mr. President, I am exceptionally pleased to make the acquaintance of our new friend am I pronouncing it right?—Jayathu.

I hope those over on Capitol Hill who claim enterprise zones won't work here in our country will take notice of the progress that you've made.

And she will continue to remind us of the friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and the people of the United States.

May I ask you to join me in a toast to President and Mrs. Jayewardene, and the prosperity of our relationship with Sri Lanka.

I do hereby proclaim June 13, 1984, as Harmon Killebrew Day.

I encourage all Americans to observe this occasion by participating in appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities to educate motor vehicle drivers about the tragic consequences of neglecting the safety of our children when they travel…

Tonight, however, is the first time that a Sri Lankan chief of state has been an official guest at the White House.

We respect genuine nonalignment.

We Americans admire you and your government's dedication to preserve God's gifts of nature.

Today we mark a dramatic and meaningful event, the opening of the 1984 International Games for the Disabled.

I know that you're in for a glorious time, and I want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication.