By calling attention to 'a well regulated militia,' 'the security of the nation,' and the right of each citizen 'to keep and bear arms,' our founding fathers recognized the essentially civilian nature of our economy... The Second Amendment still remains an important declaration of our basic civilian-military relationships in which every citizen must be ready to participate in the defense of his country. For that reason I believe the Second Amendment will always be important.

I also want to take cognizance of the fact that this flight was made out in the open with all the possibilities of failure, which would have been damaging to our country's prestige. Because great risks were taken in that regard, it seems to me that we have some right to claim that this open society of ours which risked much, gained much.

Our economy today depends upon women in the labor force. One out of three workers is a woman. Today, there are almost 25 million women employed, and their number is rising faster than the number of men in the labor force.

We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution.

For without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived.

Our privileges can be no greater than our obligations. The protection of our rights can endure no longer than the performance of our responsibilities.

A medical revolution has extended the life of our elder citizens without providing the dignity and security those later years deserve.