We have made progress in these 35 years.

I know that Joseph Hirshhorn will go on seeking out the best in modern painting and sculpture for many years to come, but he will never have a finer hour than this.

I have seen a lot of changes in the 35 years that I have been in Washington.

I believe that is what my country expects me to do.

This is a magnificent day for the Nation's Capital and for the millions of Americans who will visit our Capital in the years to come.

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I commend to the consideration of the Congress legislation enabling the Smithsonian Institution to accept this gift on behalf of all our people.

Now we must go forward.

So, Mr. Hirshhorn, here this morning, in the beautiful Rose Garden of the White House, on the steps of the White House itself, we accept on behalf of all of the American people your splendid gift to all of your fellow citizens.

When the burdens of the Presidency seemed unusually heavy, I always remind myself that it could be worse.

I urge the Congress to respond to this magnificent offer by adopting the measure I am forwarding today.

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So in the National Gallery collection, in the Freer and the Corcoran Galleries, in the museums of the Smithsonian, in the Kennedy Center that is to come, in the Pennsylvania Avenue plan--and now, in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture…

I again call on each of you to give user charge legislative proposals your continuing active support.

We shall seek an honorable peace.

We must begin to build a museum that is worthy of the collection, and worthy of our highest aspirations for this beautiful city, the Capital of our country.

Washington also must be a place of beauty and a place of learning.

I again call on each of you to give user charge legislative proposals your continuing active support