We shall be in a far better position to attract and retain in Federal service the best talent in America.
Lyndon Johnson
The Public Record
Lyndon Baines Johnson was the 36th President of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in Texas and began his political career as a U.S. Representative in 1937, later becoming a U.S. Senator in 1949. Johnson ascended to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and his administration is noted for significant domestic policies, including the Great Society programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice. His legislative achievements included the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid.
I believe firmly that the merit system is the keystone of good government.
I reject the proposition that government employment is somehow inferior to employment in business, in the professions, in university life, or in any other occupation.
I believe that the public service is a profession of dignity, opportunity, and profound personal achievement.
I endorse the proposals of the Panel and recommend early action by the Congress to authorize:--An average increase of 3 percent in Federal civilian salaries.
The pay adjustments proposed in this Message emphasize the obligation of the Federal Government to insist upon maximum return from every dollar spent on a salary.
I also believe strongly in the obligation of the Federal Government to be a good employer.
Ellis Island was a temporary shelter for those who sought refuge, freedom, and opportunity in our country;
I also hope that this Congress will draw on the lessons of Ellis Island and enact legislation to provide America with a wise immigration policy adapted to the needs of the 1960's.
This long overdue change, rooted as it is in national interests and in humanitarianism, should be enacted without further delay.
Henceforth the Statue of Liberty National Monument shall consist of the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island.
To all Americans the Statue of Liberty stands eternal as the symbol of the freedom which has been made a living reality in the United States for men of all races, creeds, and national origins who have united in allegiance to the…
The public interest would be promoted by reserving this area for proper protection and preservation as the Statue of Liberty National Monument:
Warning is hereby expressly given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any feature of the National Monument.
I know in my heart that the people of this Nation truly believe that every individual ought to be judged on his worth as a human being and by the contribution that he makes to his country.
This exciting Federal-State project will preserve a bright chapter in American history.
Along the broad front we are strong, and we are stable, and we are successful and, above all, we are steady on our course.
The millions of people who passed through the Ellis Island Depot were important to America for their contribution in making the United States of America the world leader it is today;
The property known as Ellis Island, as described in the preamble of this Proclamation, which is owned and controlled by the United States is hereby added to and made a part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, subject to the…





