The United States Senate website has an interesting story about the day the filibuster of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended which cleared the way for passage of that landmark law.  Here is an excerpt from the story citing the eloquence of Senator Everett Dirksen:

“Noting that the day marked the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's nomination to a second term, the Illinois Republican proclaimed, in the words of Victor Hugo, "Stronger than all the armies is an idea whose time has come." He continued, "The time has come for equality of opportunity in sharing in government, in education, and in employment. It will not be stayed or denied. It is here!"”

Read the entire story here:

https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/Civil_Rights_Filibuster_Ended.htm

-          Mark J. Molli, Associate Director, Center for Civic Education