Americans owe far more than we can ever repay to those who fought for freedom in Southeast Asia. All of them lived up to our trust, leaving their homes and families, shouldering their burdens, and fighting bravely and with honor to protect and assist a people oppressed. Thousands endured terrible hardships and made tremendous sacrifices. Our greatest debt is to the almost 60,090 of our countrymen who paid the ultimate price -- more than 600 of them from Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. Their names are Inscribed on this Memorial, and our memories of them are inscribed in our hearts. We will remember.

May your commemoration of our heroes instill in every soul the courage and love of liberty that was theirs.

I salute the Vietnam veterans present, commend everyone who helped make this Memorial a reality, and send best wishes to all of you. God bless you, and God bless America.