Happily, I can say that war has been avoided. Steady progress toward our ultimate goal
has been made. But so much remains to be done. As a private citizen, I shall never cease
to do what little I can to help the world advance along that road.
So, in this, my last “good night” to you as your president, I thank you for the many
opportunities you have given me for public service in war and in peace. I trust that, in
that service, you find some things worthy. As for the rest of it, I know you will find ways
to improve performance in the future.
To all the peoples of the world, I once more give expression to America’s prayerful and
continuing aspiration:
We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human
needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy it to the full; that
all who yearn for freedom may experience its spiritual blessings; that those who have
freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibilities; that all who are insensitive to
the needs of others will learn charity; that the scourges of poverty, disease, and
ignorance will be made to disappear from the earth; and that in the goodness of time, all
peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual
respect and love.
Now, on Friday noon, I am to become a private citizen. I am proud to do so. I look forward
to it.
Thank you, and good night.