It is a real honor, and one that gives me deep satisfaction, to present to his Eminence Francis Cardinal Spellman in your name this justly distinguished and richly deserved award - the George Washington Carver Memorial Institute Gold Award for 1955 - for outstanding contribution to the Betterment of Race Relations and Human Welfare. I can think of no one more entitled to such recognition than Cardinal Spellman, whose unceasing devotion to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of his fellow men has never recognized a color line. It is due to the tireless efforts of such men as Cardinal Spellman and others gathered here today - men of vision and honor and courage - that this nation has made steady progress toward the reduction of racial inequity and tension and the achievement of lasting brotherhood among men.
No one would deny that much more remains to be done. And no one can blind himself to the shocking and tragic evidence of inequality and intolerance that continues to confront us on every side. But neither should we listen to the professional pessimists who talk only of delay, never of progress, who see only the worst in human beings, never the best. Let all men of good-will follow the example of Cardinal Spellman, who would rather light a candle than curse the darkness.
All Americans everywhere, of every race and creed, rejoice in this further recognition of a true servant of God - and all of us wish him good health and Godspeed in his great work for many, many years to come.
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