111th Congress, 2nd Session
President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress
May 09, 1957
On this date, President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress. An American ally against communism in Asia, Diem embarked on a two-week visit to the United States. Flying from Hawaii on President Dwight Eisenhower’s private plane, Columbine III, and greeted at National Airport by the President, Diem received full military honors including a 21-gun salute. As part of his state visit, Diem addressed a Joint Meeting, presided over by Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn of Texas and Vice President Richard M. Nixon of California. The Vietnamese leader expressed gratitude to the United States for “moral and material aid.” He outlined the history of his country and his hope for its future. Diem concluded his 20-minute speech by soliciting more financial assistance from the United States. “In the face of increased international tension and Communist pressure in southeast Asia, I could not repeat too often how much the Vietnamese people are grateful for American aid, and how much they are conscious of its importance, profound significance, and amount,” Diem told Representatives and Senators. The Joint Meeting concluded with a luncheon in honor of President Diem which was originally scheduled to take place in the Old Supreme Court Chamber. At the last minute, the fete moved to the Senate District Committee Room to accommodate a luncheon to honor First Lady Mamie Eisenhower at the request of Mrs. Patricia Nixon.
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Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=106, (December 08, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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In this 1957 photograph, President Dwight Eisenhower meets with President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam at National Airport.
Image courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
Teaching Tip
House Legislation
Have students search the highlight dates and locate reference to any legislative document (bill, resolution, speech, etc.). Ask students to track down the document at a local depository library. Students should research the historical background of the document and make a brief presentation which includes reading all or portions of the document aloud. To locate a nearby federal depository library go to http://catalog.gpo.gov.
