programs. stay up to date on all the election programs. each week, american history tv's contactsica provides for today's public affairs. in august of 1963, the u.s. information agency put on this documentary. by law, they could not be shown in the united states until 12 years after their production. titled the march on washington.

(chanting) >> the giant step toward full participation in affairs. it was august 28, 1963. ♪ we are not afraid ♪ solemnly.p was taken

♪

>> the footsteps of the march in washington was firm. aroused a larger awareness of sharedhts of negroes who not only the son and heir but the sun and air but their rights. learnedt 28, america this emotionally with clarity more penetrating than intellect. every generation of america participated. if not in the city of washington but across the land by television.

tom paine, patrick henry. everyone attended the march on on august 28. this city that has a mess of traffic problems, traffic had been rerouted. [applause] >> who would like to sing a song. ♪

>> momentum for the march began slowly. a mounting tide of children and withnts and parents banners held aloft were walking along. no attempt was made or thought given to strict lines of marching. the mood of the day was serious but relaxed. 200,000 strong they marched in

the largest demonstration for civil rights in the history of the united states. (drumbeat) catholics, protestants and jews. westerners, northerners and southerners. a cross-section of the 50 states was represented as they placed along the avenue. some arrived via rollerskate and some by train and planes.

all now walked to the memorial site preserved. express their right to be heard. the first amendment requires the government not only refrain from interference with peaceful assemblies, it must restrain the restrainer's as well. the suffragette demonstrations spread across many cities as well. a renowned american jurist recently said the function of --e speech is to invite

invite dispute. unsettling profound effects. ♪

(clapping) ♪ [applause] >> we're going to march, we are going to stand together.

after why will have freedom. [applause] ♪

>> and give you mr. burt lancaster. [applause] all americans no matter where in veryorld today and are much made visibly aware. it is not easy to be an american abroad. the nature and the meaning of our struggles and we are in debt toorever

those who have given us a stunning example of what america expires to become -- aspires to become. and what is meant by the american revolution. we recognize that it is not only in america for the battle of but it is declaring in building -- villages all over the world. in the degree of our dedication to it that the future of the world depends on. [applause] >> 150 members of the congress of the united states arrived at

the rally to add their support. ♪ (clapping) ♪

spread the message far and near. the time is now and the place is here. mr. roy wilkins, national association. [applause] >> i want some of you to help me when the bet. i want everyone out here to keep quiet and i want to hear a yell and thunder from all of those people who are out there under the trees. let's hear you. [applause]

there is one of them in the tree. [laughter] >> lettuce bowel -- let us bow our heads in prayer. god of history and all mankind. moses.abraham and god of our years.

upon the united states of america. pour out upon president kennedy. >> as the freedom marchers went on the grounds, their leaders moved on to the white house to meet with president kennedy. concernident's active for the negroes is well known. the members of the overall that itommittee said was friendly and cooperative.

we believe it is going to have an effect on the image of our country all over the world. indicate that not only are negroes hoping to achieve a transition from second class to first-class citizenship, that our white brothers and systems -- sisters are marching on with for the purpose of achieving this objective. consequently, this has been a great american experience. >> the reverend dr. eugene carson lake of the united presbyterian church was another of the march leaders. the thing he wanted to do with get in behind the leadership and clearly this religious leader was martin luther king and we

strengtheningit the wisdom he has been carrying. >> mr. walter was also a member of the committee that met with president kennedy. i believe the real significance of what we have started today is we have laid the groundwork for the building of a functioning and broad coalition. creeds thates and can carry on not only the common struggle but who can do this practical work of the day to day job fighting discrimination and education and public housing. this is the true significance of what we've started today. >> i am proud to present the

moral leader of our nation, one who has conducted a massive campaign in the southern area of the nation. >> i would simply like to say that this has been one of the great days of america and i think this march will go down as one of the greatest is not the best demonstration of human dignity ever held. >> it admitted a lingering sense of change.

it admitted pain have been over looked. america reminded herself of her destiny and the dream which brought forth her birth. she turned her attention to the civil rights bill before congress which is under examination. she turned her thoughts to the job ahead and the sound and spirit of the massive reminder of freedom traveled around the world on the day of august 28. rightfully initiating from the watching over this land. the u.s. is reminded that it is not enough to hope and pray together. she is reminded she must speak and ask for the common good.

>> american history tv airs on c-span3. this month, american history tv will introduce you. our features include lectures on history visiting classrooms across the country. american artifacts takes a look at the treasures u.s. historic sites. real america revealing the 20th archival firm -- films. on the presidency focuses u.s. presidents and first ladies. month on c-span3.

>> american history tv is marking the centennial of the national park service. introduction was actually at the gettysburg battlefield. i was sifting, it was a high school trip and it was love at first sight. i was taken by the extraordinary nature and how important a role they played in the history and education but also the civil war. lifelong goal my to visit a national park any chance i get. from