John Kennedy actually said...

"I want to express a very warm welcome back to the White House where all these gentlemen have come on other occasions."

"I think it honors an extraordinary page in American history, as well as in the history of flight."

"Most of all, I want to express our appreciation to the astronauts, who have become part of the American story in a very real way, and to their wives, who are also here."

"Sincerely, JOHN F. KENNEDY"