 The more we understand the meaning of the past, the more we appreciate the winning of the future. For I believe this new museum will do that which causes us all to celebrate. It will excite a thirst for knowledge and to promote it for all the people. Here for all to see and for all to absorb will be exhibited the pageant of history of a youthful nation that is today as it was when Jefferson described it in the full tide of successful experiment. Yes this museum would show to the skeptics and the doubters that what we have today was wrenched out of the earth and the sweat of pioneers who in the face of a thousand disappointments refused to ever abandon the American dream. I would hope that there will come to this building the children of the nation for here is recorded as William Faulkner expressed it, the agony and the sweat of the human spirit, the victory of the freedom and the genius of our country. Here young children see with their own eyes, yes even to touch with their own hands the ripe fruit of America's historical harvest. If this museum did nothing more than illuminate our heritage so that others could see a little better our legacy, however so small the glimpse it would fulfill a most noble purpose. I'm so glad to be here with you. I'm always glad to be where America is.