Pres. Johnson's State of the Union speeches: on War & Peace

North Vietnam wants conquest; we stay to stop aggression

There were some in South Vietnam who wished to force Communist rule on their own people. But their progress was slight. Their hope of success was dim. Then, little more than 6 years ago, North Vietnam decided on conquest. And from that day to this, soldiers and supplies have moved from North to South in a swelling stream that is swallowing the remnants of revolution in aggression.

As the assault mounted, our choice gradually became clear. We could leave, abandoning South Vietnam to its attackers and to certain conquest, or we could stay and fight beside the people of South Vietnam. We stayed. And we will stay until aggression has stopped. We do not intend to abandon Asia to conquest.

Enemy in Vietnam hopes our will to persevere can be broken

• Three elections have been held in Vietnam--in the midst of war and under the constant threat of violence.
• A President, a Vice President, a House & Senate, and village officials have been chosen by popular, contested ballot.
• The enemy has been defeated in battle after battle.
• The number of South Vietnamese living in areas under Government protection tonight has grown by more than a million since January of last year.

• The enemy continues to pour men and material across frontiers and into battle, despite his continuous heavy losses.
• He continues to hope that America's will to persevere can be broken. Well--he is wrong. America will persevere. Our patience and our perseverance will match our power. Aggression will never prevail.