"I should like to talk to you briefly about civil rights and human freedom."

"The Allied armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God's help, have wrung from Germany a final and unconditional surrender."

"There on that small piece of American soil anchored in Tokyo Harbor the Japanese have just officially laid down their arms."

This is a compilation of highlights of some of the most well-known speeches of modern times, spanning the years of 1940-1987.

In his 1949 inauguration speech, Harry S. Truman addressed the concerns facing a post-WWII United States...

Below are complete audio recordings of some of Harry S. Truman's most important speeches as President.

"When Franklin Roosevelt died, I felt there must be a million men better qualified than I to take up the Presidential task."

He led America through the end of World War II, and committed the nation to the containment of Soviet power without compromise.

"The supreme need of our time is for men to learn to live together in peace and harmony."

Listen to audio selections from 1946-1949 with speeches and newscasts given by world leaders.

In a surprise move, President Truman stripped Gen. MacArthur of his command in the far east and replaced him with General Matthew Ridgeway to take over command of the Korean war operation.

Culminating a tumultuous term of office, with a war raging in Korea and the post-war world in upheaval with the threat of communism spreading throughout Europe, President Truman announced, unexpectedly his decision not to seek a second term in office at the annual Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner.

"Should we fail to aid Greece and Turkey in this fateful hour, the effect will be far reaching to the West as well as to the East."

Derived from a question-and-answer series featuring Harry Truman, these rare recordings are straight from the shoulder. Topics discussed include his sudden presidency, the Truman Doctrine, Israel, NATO and General MacArthur.

The first meeting of the United Nations Conference on International Organization was held at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. Members from 47 nations attended the solemn event.