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Those among you with whom I had the privilege to work closely will not be surprised when I say that there are many other, to me, most urgent and important problems which I would like to highlight here tonight but fortunately it was just at this point that I was reminded of Eunice Kennedy Shriver's charming story of how she had advised her brother, the President, to put more fire into his speeches whereupon he allowed that it might be good if she would put more speeches into the fire.

As you know it was two years ago that I came to the conclusion that it would be in the best interests of both NARC and its Executive Director if there would be a parting of the ways after seven years which to me were seven good, immensely satisfying years. I am ready to leave and to devote my attention to other challenges in the field of mental retardation, nationally and internationally. Accordingly, I bravely started several months ago to delegate some of my responsibilities, but I begin to have an inkling that no matter how ready I am to leave, I shall not be able to shed the concerns which we have shared jointly during these past years no matter how eloquent a farewell address. My thoughts will always be with you but so will be my worries.

And now speaking both for Mrs. Dybwad and myself I want to thank each and all of you for the privilege you have accorded me in letting me work these past seven years as your Executive Director. Naturally, particular appreciation goes to the presidents under whom I was privileged to serve and never in the history of mankind could you gather five more different individuals than Cliff MacDonald, Alton Lund, Queen Bess, Vince Fitzpatrick and the old worrier and warrior, John Fettinger.

To the staff I owe a debt that I never can repay. They were ever ready to help along so that our task might be done.

And while we are giving thanks let me say that it was with particular appreciation that I served as your Executive during a time President Kennedy mobilized the Nation to combat mental retardation. It has been a challenging task to cope with these rapidly increasing demands from the President's Panel, from HEW, from the Kennedy Foundation and Mrs. Shriver and more recently from Dr. Warren, the President's Special Assistant on Mental Retardation. These have been unforgettable years and I shall always feel indebted to you and to the many people with whom I was privileged to work toward the end that the mentally retarded, too, be given the right to self-fulfillment.