Year
1971
Abstract
Almost every banquet speech I've read lately in the various periodicals that carry these rather superficial messages begins with the banal statement, \"It is certainly a privilege to address this distinguished group tonight. \" Most of us dislike such stereotyped openers. And yet, as I look around this room and realize how many brilliant people are assembled here, I must admit to a desire to fall back on that comfortable old sentence-- with the substitution of \"inspiration\" for \"privilege\" -- because it faithfully expresses one of the two strong emotions I have as I start to talk. The other emotion is simply pure pleasure. I have seen so many old friends in the couple of hours that I have been here -- and I see so many more in the audience tonight -- that it is indeed an enjoyable experience to be a part of this conference. Over there on the right I see Fred Perella and Roger Newburger; in the back Steve Lawroski and Len Koch; down here in front Charlie Thornton and Fred Forscher. I should give recognition to other old stalwarts, but there isn't time.