Lyndon Johnson actually said...

Each of them, without regard for his or her own safety, saved the life of a fellow student.

I WANT to tell you how pleased we are that you could come here to the White House and receive this great honor.

So your President congratulates you and says thanks to you on behalf of a grateful Nation.

It is true that a hundred years ago this year a great American President freed the slaves of their chains, but he did not free America of it...