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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson federalized the Alabama National Guard in advance of a civil rights march in Selma. President Johnson issued a proclamation providing federal assistance in the state of Alabama. The proclamation stated, “WHEREAS, On March 17, 1965, the United States District Court for the middle district of Alabama entered an order in the case of Williams et al., Plaintiffs, United States of America, Plaintiff-Intervenor v. Wallace et al., Defendants, Civil Action No. 2181-N approving an exercise by the Plaintiffs and the members of the class they represent of their right to march along United States Highway 80 from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, commencing in Selma, Alabama, not earlier than Friday, March 19, 1965, and not later than Monday, March 22,1965, and terminating in Montgomery, Alabama, within five days from commencement; and WHEREAS, in relation to such judicial order and march the Governor of the State of Alabama has advised me that the state is unable and refuses to provide for the safety and welfare, among others, of the plaintiffs and the members of the class they represent; and WHEREAS, as a consequence of such inability and refusal of the State of Alabama, and by reason of recent events in and about Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, there is a substantial likelihood that domestic violence may occur in connection with such march, with the consequence of obstructing the execution and enforcement of the laws of the United States, including the aforesaid judicial order: NOW THEREFORE, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, under and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including Chapter 15 of Title 10 of the United States Code, particularly Sections 332, 333, and 334 thereof, do command all persons engaged or who may engage in such domestic violence obstructing the execution and enforcement of the laws to cease and desist therefrom and to disperse and retire peaceably forthwith.” The thirty-two hundred marchers, including many white supporters from throughout the country, began the 50 mile march from Selma to Montgomery on March 21st. The participants had grown to twenty five thousand when the march ended in the state capital. After twice refusing to receive a delegation of the marchers, Governor George Wallace finally saw the group on March 30th. Wallace refused to call a biracial conference on civil rights. |
On this day in March 1967, President Johnson met with Chairman Ky and Chairman Thieu of Vietnam on the island of Guam for a conference on Vietnam. |
On this day in March 1968, President Johnson met with President Stoessner of Paraguay at the White House. |
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On this day in March 1966, President Johnson wrote a letter to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House about "A Ten-Year Program of Federal Water Resources Research." In his letter, LBJ wrote, “The growth of our population and industry has placed new demands on our water supplies. We are confronted with water shortages in many sections of our country. Today, virtually every river system in America is touched by pollution. This menace grows more serious each day. The ten-year research program outlined in the report--which will be refined and revised as the future state of our knowledge grows--establishes a guideline for action. The report pinpoints those areas of research in need of immediate attention and specifies research goals in over 40 important categories. It has been used as a basis for preparing our Fiscal Year 1967 Budget requests. I recommend that the various committees of Congress concerned with our water ten sources carefully consider what this report has to say.” The report, entitled "A Ten-Year Program of Federal Water Resources Research" and dated February 1966 (Government Printing Office, 88 pp.), was issued by the Committee on Water Resources Research of the Federal Council for Science and Technology. |
On this day in March 1964, President Johnson wrote a letter to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House transmitting reports on oceanographic research. “The proposed Federal budget in oceanography is $138 million. This is 11% more than Fiscal Year 1964 appropriations, which in turn equaled those for Fiscal Year 1963. This proposed growth is an absolute minimum if the country is to maintain the momentum necessary to achieve those objectives in oceanic research which have been previously enunciated by both President Kennedy and the Congress--to enhance our military defense; to develop marine mineral and fisheries resources; to control pollution; to predict more accurately storms and tides that endanger life and property; to assist state, national and international bodies in wise legislation and regulation of commerce on the sea; and to extend scientific knowledge generally.” |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson spoke on the telephone with Alabama Governor George Wallace about civil rights unrest in Selma, Alabama. There are two conversations. In the first, Wallace reported on the influx of protesters to Alabama, their inflammatory actions, inability of Alabama forces to maintain order during the Selma march; and the possible need for federal help; LBJ encouraged Wallace to avoid further postponement, and to call up the National guard. In the second conversation, Wallace expressed concern about conditions in Alabama after the Selma march; and the effects of protests on the state economy; LBJ promised cooperation, and recommended Wallace call up National Guard and LBJ would federalize it if necessary; they discussed the possibility of violence. |
On this day in March 1966, President Johnson met with the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other Civil Rights Leaders in the Cabinet Room of the White House.
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On this day in March 1967, President Johnson had a telephone conversation with Secretary of State Dean Rusk.
[Listen to the entire telephone conversation by clicking here] In the conversation, Rusk discussed South Vietnamese reply to U Thant’s peace proposal, U. S. response; LBJ expressed skepticism about various peace proposals, declining public support for the war, Hanoi’s unwillingness to negotiate, the need for U. S. strength in Vietnam. |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson submitted his voting rights legislation to Congress. The proposed bill was drafted with the assistance of Democratic and Republican leaders. |
On this day in March 1966, President Johnson had a telephone conversation with Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach.
[Listen to the entire telephone conversation by clicking here] The two men’s discussions included Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s request to be asked to meetings; LBJ’s view on the DNC, and campaign finances; LBJ’s relationship with the Kennedys; the 1964 Vice President selection, the New York Senate race; upcoming elections; LBJ and the Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crises; and Robert Kennedy’s recent Vietnam speech. |
On this day in March 1964, President Johnson made remarks in New York City at a dinner of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. |
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On this day in March 1966, President Johnson issued a statement following the safe return of Gemini 8 astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott. “THE ADMINISTRATOR of NASA, Mr. James Webb, has informed me that Neil Armstrong and David Scott report they are ‘A-Okay.’ All of us are greatly relieved. They--and those who are joining in their recovery--have shown remarkable courage and poise under stress. They are disappointed that their mission could not continue, but Gemini 8 accomplished the first docking in space--a major step on the course we have set. The information they have acquired will help us to perfect the spacecrafts that will carry us even further. From their skill and strength we all take heart, knowing that the personal qualities of the astronauts and their colleagues will ultimately prevail in the conquest of space. |
On this day in March 1964, President Johnson proposed to Congress a billion-dollar war on poverty. LBJ said, “Because it is right, because it is wise, and because, for the first time in our history, it is possible to conquer poverty, I submit, for the consideration of the Congress and the country, the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. .... It will give the entire nation the opportunity for a concerted attack on poverty through the establishment, under my direction, of the Office of Economic Opportunity, a national headquarters for the war against poverty. .... If we now move forward against this enemy--if we can bring to the challenges of peace the same determination and strength which has brought us victory in war--then this day and this Congress will have won a secure and honorable place in the history of the nation, and the enduring gratitude of generations of Americans yet to come.” |
On this day in March 1966, President Johnson was awarded the Robert H. Goddard Trophy from the National Space Club. |
On this day in March 1964, President Johnson made remarks on the third anniversary of the Alliance for Progress. LBJ stated, “In the last 3 years we have built a structure of common effort designed to endure for many years. In those years much has been accomplished. Throughout Latin America new schools and factories, housing and hospitals have opened new opportunities. Nations have instituted new measures of land and tax reform, educational expansion, and economic stimulus and discipline.” |
On this day in March 1964, President Johnson made remarks to the Labor Advisory Council to the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity. LBJ stated, “We will never have the kind of fair employment we are talking about until we have full employment.” |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson addressed a joint session of Congress with “The American Promise” speech (Voting Rights Message), urging voting rights legislation. In his address to the unusual night session of Congress, which was televised, he said, "what happened in Selma is part of a far larger movement which reaches into every section and state of America. It is the effort of American Negroes to secure for themselves the full blessings of American life. Their cause must be our cause, too. Because it's not just Negroes, but really it's all of us, who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice." In his address, he included the rallying slogan of the civil rights movement: "And we shall overcome." [read the entire speech by clicking here] |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson called a bi-partisan meeting of Congressional leaders and other officials to discuss the provisions of the Voting Rights Bill. |
On this day in March 1967, President Johnson met with Prime Minister Il Kwon Chung of Korea at the White House. |
On this day in March 1968, President Johnson met with Prime Minister Mohamed Ibrahim Egal of Somalia at the White House. |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson and Alabama Governor George Wallace met for several hours. Their discussion focused on whether or not Johnson would send in federal troops to protect the civil rights marchers in Selma, Alabama. In the afternoon Johnson held a press conference where he made a statement on the situation in Selma and answered questions about his meeting with Governor Wallace.
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On this day in March 1968, President Johnson narrowly defeated anti-war candidate Senator Eugene McCarthy in the New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary. |
On this day in March 1965, President Johnson issued proclamation 3644 naming March 16, 1965, Goddard Day. “WHEREAS on March 16, 1926, Dr. Robert Hutchings Goddard successfully launched the world's first liquid-fuel rocket at Auburn, Massachusetts; and WHEREAS this achievement, as well as Dr. Goddard's other pioneering achievements in the theory, construction, and testing of rockets, established a foundation for the development of modern rocketry and made possible the exploration of space; and WHEREAS it is appropriate that the great scientific accomplishments of Dr. Goddard should be remembered and that they should be memorialized on the anniversary of his success; and WHEREAS the Congress, by an Act approved March 12, 1965, has designated March 16, 1965, as Goddard Day and has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling upon officials of the Government and the public to participate in ceremonies, meetings, and other activities held in observance of Goddard Day: NOW, THEREFORE, I, LYNDON B. JOHNSON, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon officials of the Government, and the people, of the United States, to observe March 16, 1965, with ceremonies and activities designed to commemorate the achievements of Dr. Robert H. Goddard.” |
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On this day in March 1960, Senator Johnson received the AMVETS Silver Helmet Defense Award at a luncheon honoring him and Richard Nixon. |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson met with the National Newspaper Publishers Association and a group of Negro publishers in the Cabinet Room about the situation in Selma. At a White House reception that evening for members of Congress, the President spoke on the situation in Selma and asked Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach to brief the Congressmen. Bureau of the Budget Director Kermit Gordon also briefed the Congressmen on the budget, and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara spoke on the Defense budget and the situation in Vietnam. During the reception an aide handed the President a note informing him that the Reverend James Reeb, a white minister from Boston who had been beaten the previous day in Selma by four white men, had died in a Birmingham hospital. Johnson left the reception to telephone Reeb's wife and father and returned after talking to them. |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson issued a statement on the proposed National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities. “The humanities are an effort to explore the nature of man's culture and to deepen understanding of the sources and goals of human activity. Our recommendations recognize this effort as a central part of the American national purpose, and provide modest support to those whose work offers promise of extending the boundaries of understanding. Pursuit of artistic achievement, and making the fruits of that achievement available to all its people, is also among the hallmarks of a Great Society. We fully recognize that no government can call artistic excellence into existence. It must flow from the quality of the society and the good fortune of the Nation. Nor should any government seek to restrict the freedom of the artist to pursue his calling in his own way. Freedom is an essential condition for the artist, and in proportion as freedom is diminished so is the prospect of artistic achievement. But government can seek to create conditions under which the arts can flourish; through recognition of achievements, through helping those who seek to enlarge creative understanding, through increasing the access of our people to the works of our artists, and through recognizing the arts as part of the pursuit of American greatness. That is the goal of this legislation. In so doing we follow the example of many other nations where government sympathy and support have helped to shape great and influential artistic traditions.” |
On this day in March 1966, President Johnson wrote a letter to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House Proposing the establishment of an American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. LBJ said, “It is fitting to plan now for the two hundredth anniversary of these events. In the rich diversity that is America, each community will celebrate in its own way and will draw its own inspiration from the Revolution. But the Federal Government must be prepared to share its knowledge and resources with states, local communities, historical societies, and others across the Nation. The Bicentennial Celebration should be a truly national effort. I propose that we establish an American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, composed of members of Congress and the Executive Branch and distinguished and outstanding Americans appointed by the President. |
On this day in March 1967, President Johnson presented the Presidential Unit Citation for its service in Vietnam to the 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group, Military Airlift Command in a ceremony at the White House. LBJ said, “Your place of honor was not earned without great sacrifice. Seven members of this group have given their lives. Fourteen members are already listed as missing. Two have been captured. All of them have devotion and dedication to the spirit of the Third's motto, ‘That Others May Live.’ As President of all the people of this country, I am very proud to pay tribute with this citation. It is not a banner and it is not used in a picket line, but it is recognition of the gallant men of the Third Aerospace Recovery Group. Your courage and your self-sacrifice have provided us with a glowing example of what I believe is the best of American manhood. You are a credit to a grateful Nation. If there is any gratitude in the Nation, if there is any recognition in the Nation, if there is any honor and pride in the Nation, it ought to go to men like you, because there is not any greater honor than is represented by that uniform and these flags.” |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson issued a statement on the situation in Selma, Alabama. On March 7th, known as “Bloody Sunday,” civil rights leaders marched to the Edmund Pettus Bridge but were beaten and driven back to Selma. “Ever since the events of Sunday afternoon in Selma, Ala., the administration has been in close touch with the situation and has made every effort to prevent a repetition. I am certain Americans everywhere join in deploring the brutality with which a number of Negro citizens of Alabama were treated when they sought to dramatize their deep and sincere interest in attaining the precious right to vote. Federal officials have been sent to Selma and are supplying up-to-the-minute reports on developments there. We will continue our efforts to work with the individuals involved to relieve tensions and to make it possible for every citizen to vote. I urge all who are in positions of leadership and capable of influencing the conduct of others to approach this tense situation with calmness, reasonableness, and respect for law and order.” |
On this day in March 1965, President Johnson had a telephone conversation with Special Assistant Bill Moyers.
In the conversation, Moyers reported on his talk with Martin Luther King, Jr. on events planned for that day in Selma, Alabama; the two men discussed Governor George Wallace’s promise to maintain order; the question of calling out the National Guard; court proceedings; Martin Luther King, Jr.’s fears for his life; and the current federal presence in Selma. |
On this day in March 1965, President Johnson signed the Appalachia Bill. LBJ said, “We have much in Appalachia. The area is larger than all but one of the 48 contiguous States, a State which modesty impells me not to identify by name. Only two States of the Union have larger populations. Yet the nearly 17 million Appalachian residents, more numerous than residents of New England or the farm States or the mountain States, lag far behind in their participation in our prosperity. .... America today has many responsibilities, more diverse, more far flung, more vital to all mankind than any other nation has ever in history willingly assumed. Wherever we have our commitments, whether to the old and the strong or to the young and the weak, we shall match our words with deeds. But we recognize realistically that our strength abroad rests upon our strength at home. And that is why we must and we do labor in unity to perform together tasks that have been too long neglected in every region east and west, north and south.” |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson had a telephone conversation with Buford Ellington, former Governor of Tennessee and a Democratic leader. [Listen to the entire telephone conversation by clicking here] |
On this day in March 1965, President Johnson had a telephone conversation with Lister Hill, U. S. Senator from Alabama. [Listen to the entire telephone conversation by clicking here] |
On this day in March 1968, President Johnson gave a statement on the Conservation Message. LBJ said, “This is the work of the new conservation. It can be the new strength of America. I sent Congress today an action program: Now the question is for each of us: What kind of America do we really want to live in--and what kind of America do we want to leave to our children? So I call upon all Americans--every mother and father, every businessman and worker, every Governor and every mayor-to join us in this urgent task of conserving America the beautiful.” The statement that LBJ gave was also recorded for radio and television broadcasts. |
On this day in March 1967, President Johnson wrote a letter concerning the progress report by the Federal Woman's Award Study Group. “As a Nation, we cannot continue to afford through outmoded custom or attitude the senseless waste of the capability potential of American women. It is my firm intent, and I have expressed this many times since I became President, to have the Federal service truly exemplify equal opportunity for all in employment and advancement regardless of race, color, creed, national origin or sex. I am confident that the work of the Study Group will continue to contribute to the attainment of this objective.” |
On this day in March 1966, President Johnson wrote a memorandum on balance of payments and federal expenditures overseas. LBJ wrote, “Our balance of payments requires our continuing attention and concern. We achieved a substantial improvement in the overall deficit in 1965 and we look forward to further improvement this year. |
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On this day in March 1964, President Johnson signed Executive Order 11145 providing for a Curator of the White House and establishing a Committee for the Preservation of the White House.
“WHEREAS the White House, as the home of the highest elective officer of the United States |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson had a telephone conversation with Vice President Hubert Humphrey.
[Listen to the entire telephone conversation by clicking here] In the conversation, LBJ emphasized the need to pass Education, Medicare, Appalachias bills; they discussed Protestant objections to the Education Bill; and the Vice President’s role as liaison to Congress; the “(Board of) Education”; LBJ’s meetings with business, labor, and Martin Luther King, Jr.; and literacy training for Negroes. |
On this day in March 1965, President Johnson had a telephone conversation with Defense Secretary Robert McNamara.
The President and Secretary McNamara discussed the decision to send Marines to Danang. LBJ read part of a McGeorge Bundy memo on possible peace talks and the United Kingdom’s views on Vietnam; they talked about a New York Times story on possible negotiations based on Secretary of State Dean Rusk’s briefing. Other topics included the psychological impact of sending Marines and Senator Mike Mansfield. |
On this day in March 1968, President Johnson gave a special message to the Congress on the problems of the American Indian: "The Forgotten American." LBJ said, “The American Indian, once proud and free, is torn now between white and tribal values; between the politics and language of the white man and his own historic culture. His problems, sharpened by years of defeat and exploitation, neglect and inadequate effort, will take many years to overcome. But recent landmark laws--the Economic Opportunity Act, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Manpower Development and Training Act--have given us an opportunity to deal with the persistent problems of the American Indian. The time has come to focus our efforts on the plight of the American Indian through these and the other laws passed in the last few years. .... I propose a new goal for our Indian programs: A goal that ends the old debate about ‘termination’ of Indian programs and stresses self-determination; a goal that erases old attitudes of paternalism and promotes partnership self-help. |
On this day in March 1966, President Johnson made a statement upon announcing the selection of a task force on the health and education needs of the people of South Vietnam. LBJ said, “The United States has a twofold objective in Vietnam--not only to help the Republic of Vietnam win its war against aggression but also to lay the groundwork for meaningful and durable peace. The members of this mission will bring professional competence to the work of the health and education task force. This can only be the beginning of what must be a continuing effort on the part of both governments to give new promise and new purpose to the lives of the Vietnamese people.” |
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On this day in March 1966, President Johnson’s memorandum establishing a task force on Summer Domestic Programs was released. LBJ wrote, “I would expect this task force to: (a) identify and describe problems that are likely to arise next summer, (b) indicate appropriate action which should be taken to alleviate such problems, and (c) indicate how such action might best be implemented. In this connection, I would expect the task force to consider not only the most efficient use of Federal resources in combating such problems, but also how best to enlist the support of other public and private organizations. The potential problems to be considered by the task force should embrace the full range of domestic social concern, including employment, education, recreation, health, community relations, etc.” |
On this day in March 1967, President Johnson’s memorandum "Economic Planning for the End of Vietnam Hostilities" was released. LBJ wrote, “As I indicated in my Economic Report, I am directing the relevant agencies in the Executive Branch to begin at once a major and coordinated effort to review our readiness to make the economic adjustments which a termination of hostilities in Vietnam might require.” |
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On this day in March 1965, President Johnson proclaimed the month of April 1965 as Cancer Control Month. |
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On this day in March 1966, President Johnson signed the “Cold War GI Bill, called the "Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966." This G.I. Bill provided a permanent program of educational assistance, home and farm loans, hospitalization and medical care, job counseling and placement services, federal job preference and other benefits to veterans who served after January 31, 1955. |
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On this day in March 1967, President Johnson spoke on the phone with Senator Richard Russell.
[Listen to the entire telephone conversation by clicking here] They discussed Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s Senate speech proposing a bombing halt to bring about Vietnam peace negotiations; past U. S. bombing pauses, peace efforts; LBJ’s messages to Ho Chi Minh; Harold Wilson-Alexsei Kosygin peace effort; background of the 37-day bombing pause. |
On this day in March 1967, President Johnson spoke at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of Howard University in Washington, D. C. “For the work that lies ahead is demanding, and it involves far too many lives in urgent need of help, to be parceled out by race. Tomorrow's problems, which will be placed squarely in your hands, will not be divided into ‘Negro problems’ and ’white problems.’ There will be only human problems, and there will be more than enough to go around. I said at the beginning that this day is for prayers of thanksgiving, for remembrance, and wonder. For one hundred years, that spirit has prevailed here at Howard University. May it always prevail.” |
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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. …. 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. |
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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.” |
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