Gerald Ford said...

Excellence has its own reward, not only to those who strive for it but also to the free society which encourages it.

The social and economic progress to which they aspire cannot come without the political equality of statehood.

I commend the report to the attention of the Congress and urge prompt action to create a Department of Energy.

The Medals of Freedom you are about to receive are the highest civilian honor that our country can bestow.