Okay, Class of 1964, it's your turn
- Johnson promises to set up task forces and committees to study all the problems he's just discussed to find solutions to these pressing problems.
- It's going to take a ton of cooperation between the federal government and local communities.
- Now for the big finish: he asks the new graduates to step up big time and help find solutions to the problems he's outlined.
- The Great Society he's outlined will happen in their lifetimes.
- Their generation has been chosen by history to do this. It's a precious opportunity to make sure that poverty, race, or religion will not be a barrier to success and fulfillment, and that world peace can be achieved.
- No pressure, folks.
- Johnson knows that some people say this is all too ambitious and impossible. He begs to differ.
- But it will take everyone's commitment and heart and hard work to make it happen.
- He asks his audience to remember the dreams and sacrifices of previous generations. Basically, don't let them down.
- If they can begin this important work, people will someday look back and say that, "It was then, after a long and weary way, that man turned the exploits of his genius to the full enrichment of his life."
- And how cool would that be?