We will not delay, or we will not hesitate, or we will not turn aside until Americans of every race and color and origin in this country have the same right as all others to share in the process of democracy.

This right to vote is the basic right without which all others are meaningless.

Freedom and justice and the dignity of man are not just words to us.

They came in darkness and they came in chains.

Today is a triumph for freedom as huge as any victory that has ever been won on any battlefield.

Today we strike away the last major shackle of those fierce and ancient bonds.

It is difficult to fight for freedom.

The wrong is one which no American, in his heart, can justify.

The time for injustice has gone.

Millions of Americans are denied the right to vote because of their color.

The time for failure is gone.

It is not enough just to give men rights. They must be able to use those rights in their personal pursuit of happiness.

Big government is not the end that we seek.

This is no less than a national disgrace.

This is a rather remarkable and rather splendid achievement.

When this measure is signed, it will be one of the most historic enactments of any Congress in this century.

So under times and conditions such as those in which we live, I believe it is imperative that America's arts be encouraged and be supported more actively.

The bill passed by the Senate will redeem our long neglect.