Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 2' (May 8, 1957, at 16:55)

(Wednesday, May 8, 1957, noon EDT; during the Vietnam War, part of the Cold War) — U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower personally received South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem today at the National Airport in Washington, D.C., as the South Vietnamese president arrived aboard Eisenhower’s plane, the Columbine III, a silver Constellation, on a state visit to the U.S.

“You have exemplified in your corner of the world patriotism of the highest order,” Eisenhower said to Diem in remarks following his arrival. “You have brought to your great task of organizing your country the greatest of courage, the greatest of statesmanship–qualities that have aroused our admiration and make us indeed glad to welcome you.”