So that as an American I am proud of the effort that this country has made.

So that this is a great system and a great cause with which we are identified, and I am especially anxious, both from our own economic interests--agriculture, labor and business--that we become more intimately associated with the great…

We live in a difficult time, and our problems are difficult, and I know many Americans get discouraged, and also are concerned with whether we are doing enough in many areas of the world.

We have a great story to tell, and I am hopeful that as Western Europe, which has really come out of the ashes in such a short time, and the tremendous vitality of the United States, and that of Japan, if tied closer and closer together…

If we are to lead, as we must, we must have the means for the exercise of leadership.

I urge all persons, organizations, and Governmental agencies interested in recreational boating and safety afloat to publicize and observe National Safe Boating Week.

I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to join in this observance.

By making the Small Business Administration a permanent agency of the Government in 1958, the Congress wisely recognized the important role that this agency has played in assisting the small business sector of our economy, which comprises…

This bill would place the fund on a more permanent basis and eliminate unnecessary duplication, by removing the statutory limitation on authorizations to appropriate to the fund and the separate limitations on the amounts of appropriated…

In no respect would the proposed amendment diminish the controls which the Congress presently exercises over the size and character of the programs administered by the Small Business Administration, pursuant to the Small Business Act and…

Sound budgetary procedures argue against this type of duplication and repetitive review over an agency which the Congress has declared to be a permanent one and over programs which serve such an important purpose in assisting our small…

Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, do hereby designate the week beginning July 1, 1962, as National Safe Boating Week.

It is my hope that the Congress will consider this proposal promptly and that the bill will be enacted into law.

Our real objective is to make our own tests unnecessary, to prevent others from testing, to prevent the nuclear arms race from mushrooming out of control, to take the first steps toward general and complete disarmament.

The leaders of the Soviet Union are also watching this decision.

In the absence of any major shift in Soviet policies, no American President--responsible for the freedom and the safety of so many people--could in good faith make any other decision.

The fact of the matter is that we cannot make similar strides without testing in the atmosphere as well as underground.

Only through such strength can we be certain of deterring a nuclear strike, or an overwhelming ground attack, upon our forces and our allies.

That is why this Nation has long urged an effective worldwide end to nuclear tests.

He thereby took into his mortal hands the power of self-extinction.

For of all the awesome responsibilities entrusted to this office, none is more somber to contemplate than the special statutory authority to employ nuclear arms in the defense of our people and freedom.

I have today authorized the Atomic Energy Commission and the Department of Defense to conduct a series of nuclear tests--beginning when our preparations are completed, in the latter part of April, and to be concluded as quickly as possible…

As you know, this house was burned once by the British.

I want to tell you how welcome you are to the White House, which belongs to all of us, and which I hope you will visit while you are here in Washington.

A free society is a critical society, and therefore I know you are constantly concerned about our position here and around the world.