John Kennedy actually said...

"I cannot imagine better representatives of what we like to think our country stands for than the four men who have taken part in flights."

"If your organization did not oppose Social Security before its enactment--only afterwards--I will be glad to point out this unique distinction at my next press conference."

"So we want you to know that we are glad to see you again."

"I think that all of us as Americans take the greatest pride and satisfaction in the tremendous technical accomplishments which have made the flights of the astronauts possible."