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.
We have come a long ways since the original Davis-Bacon Act became law.
This Civil Rights Act is a challenge to all of us to go to work in our communities and our States, in our homes and in our hearts, to eliminate the last vestiges of injustice in our beloved country.
President Johnson expressed gratification that these efforts had already made a significant contribution to the economic development of Central America.
We will achieve these goals because most Americans are law-abiding citizens who want to do what is right.
The country is fortunate to have your services in this critically important work of this period when the first purpose of America in the eyes of every citizen of the world is keeping the peace.
So, it is a great pleasure to be here and be present when you are sworn in and when you assume your new responsibilities.
I want each of you to know that this is a very proud and satisfying moment for your President as well.
We of the United States, Mr. President, are steadfast in our conviction and in our determination that we shall succeed in achieving the goals of our great Alliance for Progress.
On political grounds, it is needed to reinforce NATO cohesion by meeting our Allies' legitimate desire to make a constructive contribution to nuclear defense.
We have worked together in the past with a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.
The Alliance for Progress is transforming the bitter living of the underprivileged in Latin America, and it is demonstrating that democracy is more than voting.
The great purpose of our Alliance for Progress is to achieve peace and dignity for every man who calls himself an American-North or South.
I am proud, Mr. President, to welcome you to the United States this morning as a fellow American, as a fellow partner in our hemispheric alliance and as a fellow worker in the cause of peace and all mankind.
Such wider participation is necessary on both military and political grounds.