, 1956-02-08

is . delightful climate that you have here. your sands are most
see these islands but l guess l shouldn't say anything about my
self because I waited 50 long TO come here. but am sure that
having been here once il will be our great desire to come back here
and visit with you again. (applausel.
We would like to know you better; we like to know more of
your beautiful islands. ! can say to you honestly though, that since
I was a boy the size of these boys and girls who are here today,
that I have always had a desire to see this place, where Columbus
first set foot on American soil. what is now American SOIL I think
every American boy and girl has some kind of a vision concerning
that, 1 think he has a deep feeling that he would like to be here
and see where Western civilization began on our continent.
know they are all intereted in your welfare and / bring you
the greetings from your fellow citizens on the continent. And while
I am doing that l also would like TO bring you the greetings from
the first citizen of America-Preident Eisenhower. loud applausel
/ know that he would feel even though / am here a a private citi-
gen. is a tourist so to speak. in your islands, ! know he would feel
badly if / had this opportunity and did not convey to you his greet
ngs. He is well; ! saw him just a tw days ago; = looks splendlo;
and he is getting back into his work in normal fashion. and it
cheers the hearts Of all Americans. ] know. to have that informa-
ton. loud applause)
I'd like to say just a word or two to these children from your
schools. And first, may | thank the school authorities, fathers and
sisters for releasing the children to come here and visit with me. I
children all laughed) and the school put maybe they VIII put VI
with it anyway Continued laughter maybe they will let you have
a little extra time to warrant another day. Qaughter)
But / would like TO say to them that among all the things that
they will find il necessary to do when they grow up. there is one
thing that it would be well for Them never to forget. and that is:
that the government under which they live is their government to
do with as they see fit. They can have good government T they
can have bad government, depending upon wnaf lnIes1 1eY iake IN
IT, and what effort they put into raising the standards OF government.
And / would like also to say that outside of their homes and
their churches, there will be nothing closer to them in their lives
than their government. And if they will work out; if they will take
in interest in-and / don't mean necessarily running for public office
or going to work for the government mean take an interest in see
ing that the government. is operated right; to see that it is run in
the interest of everyone; and to see that everyone has his rights pro-
tected; see that everybody assumes his responsibilities under govern
ment and to see that everyone has equal opportunities under the
law. If these young people in these islands and in all other jurisdic-
lions under the American flag will do that, we will progressively
advance the cause Of humanity and do the greatest job for peace
that could possibly be done.
Boys and Girls. I thank you for coming out to visit with me
in this manner. and / wish all of you every happiness in the world
in anything you may undertake TO do later in life. And TO you ladies
and gentlemen who have been good enough TO interrupt your day
to come out here and visit with us in this manner. I am very CRATE
full. and wish you all happiness and ! hope ! may have the -oppor-
tunnY some time al least in becoming better acquainted with each
and everyone of you. Thank you. prolonged applause)