Everett Dirksen

Date of Birth: January 4, 1896

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: September 7, 1969

Biography

Everett McKinley Dirksen was a prominent American politician and a key figure in the Republican Party. Born in Pekin, Illinois, Dirksen served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He is best known for his role as the Senate Minority Leader from 1959 to 1969. Dirksen played a crucial part in the passage of civil rights legislation in the 1960s, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His deep, resonant voice and eloquent oratory made him a memorable figure in American politics. Dirksen’s ability to reach across the aisle and work with Democrats was instrumental in many legislative victories during his tenure.

5 Interesting Facts about Everett Dirksen

1. Everett Dirksen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1969.

2. He was known for his distinctive oratorical style, often using elaborate and poetic language.

3. Dirksen was a major advocate for the establishment of the United Nations.

4. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I, where he was assigned to a field artillery battery.

5. Dirksen was instrumental in the inclusion of the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Everett Dirksen

1. “A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon, you’re talking real money.”

2. “I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times.”

3. “The oil can is mightier than the sword.”

4. “The mind is no match with the heart in persuasion; constitutionality is no match with compassion.”

5. “I hope you will forgive my wandering mind. I am just in the act of wondering.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Everett Dirksen’s net worth was estimated to be modest by modern standards, primarily derived from his salary as a politician and investments.