 60 years ago. For the signing of the historic legislation, President Johnson invited hundreds of guests to a televised ceremony in the White House's East Room. After using more than 75 pens to sign the bill, he finally found one that worked. I'm only kidding. Now, he gave them away as mementos of the historic occasion in accordance with tradition. One of the first pens went to Dr. King, leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, who called it one of his most cherished possessions. President Johnson gave two more to Senators Hubert Humphrey,