President Johnson's First Speech (1963)

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA).



Various shots of American President Lyndon Johnson mounting rostrum to begin to make his first speech to Congress and the world after assassination of John F. Kennedy, crowd applauding - natural sound.



Some quotes from the speech: "All I have I would have given gladly not to be standing here today. The greatest leader of our time has been struck down by the foulest deed of our time. Today John F. Kennedy lives on in the immortal words and works that he left behind. He lives on in the mind and memories of mankind. He lives on in the hearts of his countrymen. No words are sad enough to express our sense of loss. No words are strong enough to express our determination to continue the forward thrust of America, that he began". He goes on to tell of the things Kennedy wanted - the dreams of conquering space, partnership across the Atlantic and across the Pacific as well. Peace corps in less developed nations, education for all children, jobs for all who seek them and need them, care for elderly, an all out attack on mental illness and a dream of equal rights for all Americans, whatever their race or colour. Then goes on to tell how these things will be carried out in every possible way. He says: "This nation will keep its commitments. From South Vietnam to West Berlin. We will be unceasing in the search for peace, resourceful in our pursuit of areas of agreement, even with those in which we differ. And generous and loyal to those who join with us in common cause. From this chamber of representative government, let all the world know and none misunderstand, that I rededicate this government to the unspoiling support of the United Nations. To the honourable and the common execution of our commitments to our allies. To the reinforcement of our programmes of mutual assistance and co-operation in Asia and Africa, and to our alliance for progress in this hemisphere. John Kennedy's commands what his life conveyed that America must move forward. The time has come for Americans of all races and creeds and political beliefs to understand and respect one another. So let us put an end to the teaching and the preaching of hate and evil and violence. Let us turn away from the fanatics of the far left and the far right, from the apostles of bitterness and bigotry, from those defiant of law and those who pour venom into our nation's bloodstream. I profoundly hope that the tragedy and the torment of this terrible age will bind us together in new fellowship making us one people in our hour of sorrow. So let us here highly resolve that John F. Kennedy did not live or die in vain". He continues by saying "let's ask the Lord for thanks and unite in those familiar words. America, America, God shed his grace on thee and crown them good wither brotherhood, and see the shining city." President leaves the rostrum and the hall amid a standing ovation.



(Comb.F.G.)



Date found in the old record - 26/11/1963.
FILM ID:3139.09

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