John Kennedy actually said...

"It has fulfilled in the past a very special role."

"What gives me the greatest satisfaction and pride, being of Irish descent, is the realization that even today this very small island still sends thousands, literally thousands, of its sons and daughte..."

"Even though a good many years have passed since most of them left, they still remain and retain the strongest sentiments of affection for this country."

"So I carry with me as I go the warmest sentiments of appreciation to all of you."