Bill Clinton

“ Throughout our history, we have sought to secure the blessings of liberty not only for ourselves, but for all people everywhere. We remember the Americans who fought two world wars against tyranny and oppression and who triumphed in the Cold War through faith in the promise of democracy. ”

“ Likewise, we honor American citizens of our century, black and white, who worked together, faced danger together, and sometimes died together in the struggle to end racial injustice in our society and move our Nation closer to the constitutional ideal of equality under the law. The 24th Amendment, guaranteeing all citizens the right to vote, reflects their spirit and commitment to true democracy.
As we seek to form a more perfect union at home, we also bear the responsibilities of citizenship in our world community. ”

“ Among these heroes were the thousands who fought and died during the Civil War to keep our Nation united and to banish slavery from our land. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution is the fruit of their sacrifice: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude . . . shall exist within the United States." The courageous women and men who met at Seneca Falls, New York, 150 years ago also set the highest standards of citizenship. ”