Harry Truman: “Sometimes you earn the medals and never get them.”

I have great faith and confidence in our civil servants.

The experience of this early period of public action showed that constant vigilance and competent professional guidance are essential to prevent irreparable losses.

We have learned that the mark of a well-managed land lies in the care a Nation gives to its rivers.

There is hereby established a medal to be known as the National Security Medal with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances.