Harry Truman: “We must do more than merely avert war.”

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

The people of the United States have a very great asset in this force.

They should be strong enough to see that unified multiple-purpose development is planned for, and works operated harmoniously in each basin-wide comprehensive system.

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