The heart of America grieves today.

Once again, the heart of America is heavy--the spirit of America weeps--for a tragedy that denies the very meaning of our land.

The life of a man who symbolized the freedom and faith of America has been taken.

I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-eight.

Men of all races, all religions, all regions must join together in this hour to deny violence its victory.

The Secretary of Defense is authorized and directed to take all appropriate steps to disperse all persons engaged in the acts of violence described in the proclamation, to restore law and order, and to see that the property, personnel and functions of the Federal Government, of embassies of foreign governments, and of international organizations in the Washington metropolitan area are protected against violence or other interference.

The cause for which he struggled has not fallen.

A leader of his people—a teacher of all people—has fallen.

I urge the members of the House of Representatives to rise to this challenge.

President Johnson expressed his appreciation for the spirit of cooperation which is the bedrock of these relations and assured President Tubman of the importance which he places on a strong relationship with Liberia.

The most immediate is to enact legislation so long delayed and so close to fulfillment.