Rural electrification wasn't an isolated event in our history.

What good is it to know more about the world, unless we really understand more?

Before long, you will be able to span this continent--or the Atlantic Ocean--in 2 hours or less.

So be sure that by your visit to Washington, by your concern for your Nation's future, you are making a good start toward spreading that light.

In your lifetime, space will become more crowded and less quiet.

I hope that you will return your gifts of education and wealth and freedom--return them in service, for never was your help more desperately needed in this world.

I believe deeply in your effort to learn more about your Government.

I am delighted, with Mrs. Johnson, to greet and welcome you to the White House today.

A while ago I received a report from the National Commission on Technology and the Economy--a study which lays down some very stern challenges for the next 10 years.

In your future, jobs requiring little imagination can easily be performed by machines.

We simply can't afford any longer the luxury of indifference.

You will find that there is no security on this earth, except the security of opportunity.

We count upon you as individuals.

Our dizzying ability to discard the old and to create the new...all these and more are the challenges that surround you.

What we really do is count upon you.

We prize your individuality.

But I also want to challenge you.

I do not believe that you want it said of your generation that you committed social suicide.

No American, young or old, must ever be denied the right to dissent.

I appreciate the work that this board has done.

I do not believe that either labor or management wants this.

You will have to earn your tomorrow.

Those recommendations form the framework for a just and prompt settlement, which is in the national interest.

The recommendations of the board reflect the highest order of judgment, imagination, and wisdom.

So I welcome you here today as members of very distinguished company.