“If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

“Above all, we are coming to understand that the arts incarnate the creativity of a free people. When the creative impulse cannot flourish, when it cannot freely select its methods and objects, when it is deprived of spontaneity, then society severs the root of art.”

“But wherever we are, we must all, in our daily lives, live up to the age-old faith that peace and freedom walk together. In too many of our cities today, the peace is not secure because freedom is incomplete." (John F. Kennedy, June 10, 1963, American University speech)”

“Art is the great democrat, calling forth creative genius from every sector of society, disregarding race or religion or wealth or color”

“If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.[Inaugural Address, January 20 1961]”

“We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.”

“With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.”