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.
Now, Therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, in honor and tribute to the memory of this great and good man, and as an expression of the public sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States…
First, the changes in the Communist world and in the free world do not at this time indicate sharp or sudden changes in the policies of the United States.
We are trying to keep abreast and be very prompt in our actions on this hemisphere.
In particular, I urge that our first voters go to the polls proudly, knowing that the duty they perform is the price of the privilege they hold.
I will be glad to have any criticism they have to offer or any corrections that they would like to suggest.
Now, Therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the period October 25 through October 31, 1964, as National First Voters Week.
I urge local election officials, private citizens, and citizen organizations to make a special effort during that week to assist in every possible way the millions of persons who are about to cast their first vote in a Presidential…
I do hereby invite the several States of the Union and foreign countries to take part in the California World's Fair.
Make their choice carefully, understanding its importance to themselves and their fellow Americans.
We will demonstrate anew that the strong can be just in the use of strength; and the just can be strong in the defense of justice.
We must be ready to defend the national interest and to negotiate the common interest.
Those who test our courage will find it strong, and those who seek our friendship will find it honorable.
As I have emphasized several times, the United States is dedicated to NATO.
We in the United States remain ready, as I know you do, to work with all our allies to insure that ours is a growing partnership of freedom based on shared responsibility for the most effective defense of our people and our freedom.
The heads of Federal agencies, as to their respective education related programs, shall keep each other fully and currently informed in order to achieve coordinated planning and prevent unnecessary duplication of activities.
The shade of a tree and the beauty of its branches must be always within the reach of our people, young and old, wherever they live.
Every boy and girl born in this country under that flag has a right to all the education that he or she can take.
Americans today enjoy a good life but we know that we can never expect a free life to be an easy life.
Mrs. Johnson joins me in sending our heartiest congratulations on your eighty-second birthday.
Politicians like Lyndon Johnson
