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KENNEDY, John F. Typed memorandum signed ("John Kennedy"), as President, to Ralph E. Becker (1907-1994), Washington, 10 February 1862. 1 page, 4to, White House stationery, matted and framed with an engraved portrait.
"LONG SLOW MARCH TO A WORLD WHICH RECOGNIZES FREEDOM AND EQUALITY AS A RIGHT BASIC TO HUMAN LIFE"
KENNEDY MARKS THE CENTENNIAL OF LINCOLN'S EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION with remarks to be read at a celebration of the event, sent to the event's toastmaster, Ralph E. Becker, the prominent Washington, D.C. lawyer (and a Republican) who was a leading figure behind the creation of the Kennedy Center. Read against the backdrop of the renewed struggle for civil rights in the early 1960s, Kennedy's words take on special significance: "Lincoln said about the Declaration of Independence that it 'gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to all the world.' It 'gave promise that in due time the weights would be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance.' The Emancipation Proclamation is even better described by his words. Its importance has never been greater than it is now--the weights of slavery, lifted in this country 100 years ago, have now been lifted almost everywhere in the world. But it is a long slow march to a world which recognizes freedom and equality as a right basic to human life. Our progress is marked, but it is not completed. Lincoln's clarity of purpose and thought can serve to strengthen all of us for the tasks still ahead."
"LONG SLOW MARCH TO A WORLD WHICH RECOGNIZES FREEDOM AND EQUALITY AS A RIGHT BASIC TO HUMAN LIFE"
KENNEDY MARKS THE CENTENNIAL OF LINCOLN'S EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION with remarks to be read at a celebration of the event, sent to the event's toastmaster, Ralph E. Becker, the prominent Washington, D.C. lawyer (and a Republican) who was a leading figure behind the creation of the Kennedy Center. Read against the backdrop of the renewed struggle for civil rights in the early 1960s, Kennedy's words take on special significance: "Lincoln said about the Declaration of Independence that it 'gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to all the world.' It 'gave promise that in due time the weights would be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance.' The Emancipation Proclamation is even better described by his words. Its importance has never been greater than it is now--the weights of slavery, lifted in this country 100 years ago, have now been lifted almost everywhere in the world. But it is a long slow march to a world which recognizes freedom and equality as a right basic to human life. Our progress is marked, but it is not completed. Lincoln's clarity of purpose and thought can serve to strengthen all of us for the tasks still ahead."