Harry Truman: “Mr. President, distinguished guests: My presence here today as the guest of the great Republic of Mexico is one of the…”

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

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

The decoration established by this order shall be awarded by the President of the United States or, under regulations approved by him, by such person or persons as he may designate.

It was suggested, and I decided that it wouldn't serve any good purpose, it would be just a piece of demagoguery; and that is what it turned out to be.