Richard Nixon Wartime Address Highlights: 5 Quotes From Peace With Honor Speech

When Richard Nixon began his first term as America's 37th president, he inherited a messy situation with the Vietnam War. Opposition to the war had increased significantly nationwide and, for Nixon, warfare in Vietnam needed a resolution. He had come to the White House with a pledge to bring "Peace with Honor" to war-torn Southeast Asia.

Nixon instituted phased troop withdrawals from South Vietnam soon after taking office. His pledge for peace finally came to fruition when the Paris Peace Accords were signed on January 27, 1973, putting an end to U.S. military involvement.

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These five quotes, from Nixon's speech announcing the peace agreement, highlight his thoughts on ending the Vietnam War.

1. Nixon's goal was to create a lasting peace in the conflict.
"The important thing was not to talk about peace, but to get peace and to get the right kind of peace. This we have done."

2. Peace can only last if nations work together to build it.
"We must recognize that ending the war is only the first step toward building the peace. All parties must now see to it that this is a peace that lasts, and also a peace that heals, and a peace that not only ends the war in Southeast Asia, but contributes to the prospects of peace in the whole world."

3. Veterans of the Vietnam War should be honored for their service.
"Let us be proud of the 2 1/2 million young Americans who served in Vietnam, who served with honor and distinction in one of the most selfless enterprises in the history of nations. And let us be proud of those who sacrificed, who gave their lives so that the people of South Vietnam might live in freedom and so that the world might live in peace."

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4. Protecting South Vietnam's right to self-government was important.
"The people of South Vietnam have been guaranteed the right to determine their own future, without outside interference."

5. Nixon's predecessor Lyndon Johnson wanted peace as well.
"No one would have welcomed this peace more than he. And I know he would join me in asking for those who died and for those who live, let us consecrate this moment by resolving together to make the peace we have achieved a peace that will last."

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