Ceremony for Freed American Hostages

Adult Caucasian American male civilians and U.S. military personnel wearing various uniforms seated on stage, listening to U.S. President Reagan: "By no choice of your own, you've entered the ranks of those who, throughout our history, have undergone the ordeal of imprisonment. And like those others, you are special to us. You fulfilled your duty as you saw it. And now, like the others, thank God you're home. Our hearts are full of gratitude. I'm told that Sergeant Lopez here put up a sign in his cell. A sign that normally would have been torn down by those guards, but this one was written in Spanish, and his guards didn't know that "Viva la Roja, Blanca, y Azul" means "Long Live the Red, White, and Blue." They may not understand what that means in Iran, but we do Sgt. Lopez, and you filled our hearts with pride. Muchas gracias. We know that your were lonely during that dreadful period of captivity, but you were never alone. No power on Earth could prevent them from doing that. Their courage, endurance, and strength were of heroic measure, and they're admired by all of us. But, to get down now to more mundane things, in case you have a question about your personal futures, you'll probably have less time to rest than you'd like. While you were on your way to Germany, I signed a hiring freeze in the federal government. We need you, your country needs you, and your bosses are panting to have you back on the job. Now, I'll not be so foolish as to say forget what you've been through. You never will. But, turn the page and look ahead. And do so knowing that for all that served their country, whether in the foreign service, the military, or as private citizens, freedom is indivisible. Your freedom and your individual dignity are much cherished. Those, henceforth, in the representation of this nation will be accorded every means of protection that America can offer." First Lady Nancy Reagan watching her husband speak; U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC) seated behind her.