On this day in March 1968, President Johnson made remarks as he visited the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas. LBJ said, “This new institute is a center of research that is designed specifically for the age of space. Here will come the scientists--and their students--from all corners of the world.

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This new Houston Lunar Science Institute will provide new means of communication and research for the world's entire scientific community. It will help unite the nations for the great challenge of space.”

On this day in March 1965, President Johnson had a telephone conversation with Congressman Adam Clayton Powell. Presidential Aide Jack Valenti also participated in the conversation.

[Listen to the entire telephone conversation by clicking here]

In the conversation, Powell objected to an Appalachia Bill provision allowing the Commerce Department to change education programs; the two men discussed the Supreme Court decision on de facto school segregation; LBJ chastised Powell for delays on the Elementary and Secondary Education Bill.

On this day in March 1965, President Johnson spoke to the National Conference on Educational Legislation regarding current legislation before Congress.

“Nothing matters more to the future of our country. Not our military preparedness—we spend over 50 billion a year for that; armed power is worthless if we lack the brain power to build a world of peace. Not our productive economy, for we cannot sustain growth without trained manpower. Not our democratic system of government, for freedom is fragile if citizens are ignorant.”