This weekend for the 100th time, I was watching the documentary “The Lost JFK Tapes” on National Geographic. Even though I’ve watched many of the documentaries on the History channel, I never really paid much attention to a speech by Lyndon B. Johnson following John F. Kennedy’s assassination. His speech was before a joint session of Congress in November 1963.
That speech was delivered 53 years ago and lasted over 20 minutes. It referenced the president’s assassination in an effort to help unite Americans together as one nation under God following a tragedy.
I wanted to share several passages from that historic speech 53 years ago because it has transcended over time and is most appropriate today in the perilous times that are happening right before our eyes from the recent shootings.
“…….The time has come for Americans of all races and creeds and political beliefs to understand and to 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…… This is our challenge—not to hesitate, not to pause, not to turn about and linger over this evil moment, but to continue on our course so that we may fulfill the destiny that history has set for us…..I profoundly hope that the tragedy and the torment of these terrible days will bind us together in new fellowship, making us one people in our hour of sorrow……” LBJ
