Arthur Goldberg, President Kennedy, and the Workers Circle’s 1962 Convention

From Left to Right: President Kennedy, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Labor Standards, Esther Peterson; Secretary of Labor, Arthur Goldberg; Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, John W. Macy, Jr. Photo Credit: JFK Library

Arthur Goldberg, Secretary of Labor for President Kennedy, delivered remarks at the Workers Circle’s 1962 Convention. He also delivered remarks on behalf of President Kennedy. Read both of their remarks below.

Goldberg stated “In our history, freedom has gained strength from the eager and energetic support of immigrants new to our shores. They have constantly reminded us that the price of freedom is best measured by the zeal and dedication that are put into the effort to achieve it.”

About the Workers Circle, Goldberg said “You have helped to give greater reality to the principles of justice and equal opportunity by accepting them as guidelines for your daily activities.”

Kennedy remarked “At the beginning of this century, immigrants came to the United States in search of opportunity, and they gave more to this Nation in idealistic vigor and energy than many of them received in material reward. The concept of freedom was constantly refreshed and encouraged by new citizens.”

Kennedy said that the country “looks not only to the immigrant from abroad, but also to those within our society who still seek equality and opportunity to remind us of the true promise of American life and the obligation we have to serve that promise.”