Jimmy Carter: “It is fitting that I take this action today.”

There's only one chance and one life to count for something. And my faith tells me, or my faith demands, that I use whatever I have whenever I can, to make a difference in people's lives.

All of us owe them our gratitude and respect.

I say to you, quite frankly, that the time for racial discrimination is over.

The aircraft carrying the 52 American hostages had cleared Iranian airspace on the first -- first leg of a journey home. And at every one of the 52 hostages was alive, was well and free.