Gerald Ford actually said...

"I want to express my deep appreciation and pride in the outstanding performance of all the men and women who contributed to this effort."

"The PLO and all other parties in the Lebanon area have cooperated completely in making it possible for us to evacuate the Americans and the other nationals without any incident whatsoever."

"I am grateful for the cooperation of the other states and other organizations that cooperated to restrain any violence or to keep the area secure while the evacuation went on."

"The United States will continue its role of a peacemaker in Lebanon."