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  • 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.

    Remarks at the Presentation of NASA's Distinguished Service Medal to Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, www.presidency.ucsb.edu. May 8, 1961.
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