“(We share) a history, a common commitment to freedom,” Mr. Kennedy said, “and a common hope for the future, and it is my strong conviction and that of my fellow countrymen that in this great cause, Canada and the United States should stand side by side. So, we are very glad to welcome you here, Prime Minister, as the leader of our neighbour and friend, and also as an old friend of the United States.”

Prime Minister Pearson responded in kind. “I am (happy) that my first visit outside Canada as Prime Minister should have been to that State which has so many unique and historic ties with my own country—Massachusetts,” he said. “I am looking forward, Mr. President, to my talks with you. In your own characteristic naval fashion, you referred to them as covering the waterfront, and I am sure we will have lots to talk about. We will be discussing matters of interest to our two countries in the context of world peace and better relations between all peoples, and we will be discussing problems of special interest to our two countries, and I am sure we will discuss them in that frank and friendly way which characterizes relations between two peoples who speak the same language, even when they differ, as they are bound to differ from time to time.”

One cannot even imagine the current President making similar remarks today.