On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants took over the United States Embassy in Tehran, holding over 60 Americans hostage. That event was as astonishing in its time as the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D. C. are today. The situation seemed hopeless at times. devoted himself to bringing all the hostages home safely, and his efforts were rewarded when the hostages were released in January 1981.
In his farewell address as the nation's President on January 14, 1981, Carter's observations seem prescient in regard to the events of today.
National weakness—real or perceived—can tempt aggression and thus cause war. That's why the United States cannot neglect its military strength. We must and we will remain strong. But with equal determination, the United States and all countries must find ways to control and reduce the horrifying danger that is posed by the world's enormous stockpiles of nuclear arms.
