Our Constitution, the foundation of our Republic, forbids it. We can understand-without rancor or hatred-how this all happened. The reasons are deeply imbedded in history and tradition and the nature of man.
Yet millions are being deprived of those blessings-not because of their own failures, but because of the color of their skin. We believe that all men are entitled to the blessings of liberty. Yet many Americans do not enjoy those rights. We believe that all men have certain unalienable rights. We believe that all men are created equal. Now our generation of Americans has been called on to continue the unending search for justice within our own borders. Americans of every race and color have worked to build a nation of widening opportunities. Americans of every race and color have died in battle to protect our freedom. From the minutemen at Concord to the soldiers in Viet-Nam, each generation has been equal to that trust. Yet those who founded our country knew that freedom would be secure only if each generation fought to renew and enlarge its meaning. Today in far corners of distant continents, the ideals of those American patriots still shape the struggles of men who hunger for freedom. That struggle was a turning point in our history. They pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor not only to found a nation, but to forge an ideal of freedom-not only for political independence, but for personal liberty-not only to eliminate foreign rule, but to establish the rule of justice in the affairs of men. One hundred and eighty-eight years ago this week a small band of valiant men began a long struggle for freedom. I want to take this occasion to talk to you about what that law means to every American. My fellow Americans: I am about to sign into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 2 July 1964, White House, Washington DC, USA
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