Excerpts of Johnson's 1965 speech on Medicare

Excerpts from President Lyndon Johnson's speech at the signing of the legislation creating Medicare on July 30, 1965 at the Truman Library in Independence, Mo. Johnson appeared with Harry Truman, the first president to propose national health insurance legislation.

I am so proud that this has come to pass in the Johnson administration. But it was really Harry Truman of Missouri who planted the seeds of compassion and duty, which have today flowered into care for the sick, and serenity for the fearful. Many men can make many proposals. Many men can draft many laws. But few have the piercing and humane eye, which can see beyond the words to the people that they …