John F. Kennedy photo

Remarks in Palm Beach Upon Opening by Remote Control the Seattle World's fair.

April 21, 1962

I AM HONORED to open the Seattle World's fair today. What we show is achieved with great effort in the fields of science, technology and industry. These accomplishments are a bridge which carry us confidently towards the 21st century. Many nations have sent exhibits and will send their people. We welcome them.

This exemplifies the spirit of peace and cooperation with which we approach the decades ahead.

This manner of opening the fair is in keeping with the exposition's space age theme. Literally we are reaching out through space on the new ocean to a star which we have never seen, to intercept sound in the form of radio waves already ten thousand years old, to start the fair.

The sound emanates from Cassiopeia A in the northern sky. Astronomers see only a faint filmy cloud where the entire constellation is located. How different did our globe look ten thousand years ago when that sound started its long voyage. We hope that the light which starts from that star today--ten thousand years later arrives here--will see a happy and a peaceful world.

I am confident that as this sound from outer space is utilized to open the fair, the fair in turn will open the doors to further scientific gains by letting all see what has been accomplished today.

Before me is a telegraphic key that is of special significance. It has been used by seven Presidents to open great expositions such as the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle in 1909, the Panama Canal, and many others. It was presented to me by your senior Senator Warren Magnuson at the White House last Wednesday.

By closing this key may we open not only a great World's fair, may we open an era of peace and understanding among all mankind.

Let the fair begin!

Note: The President spoke by telephone from the Michael Paul residence in Palm Beach, Fla., where he and Mrs. Kennedy were spending the Easter holidays. His voice was heard by 12,000 persons seated in the stadium on the fairgrounds in Seattle for the opening ceremonies.

John F. Kennedy, Remarks in Palm Beach Upon Opening by Remote Control the Seattle World's fair. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/236462

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