John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

           John F. Kennedy, with his first inaugural address, set a whole generation of young people on fire to end poverty, promote social justice and protect the weak from tyranny.  President Kennedy argued that in order to defend liberty, it was imperative for the United States to maintain its military strength so as not to “tempt [our enemies] with weakness,” and thus prevent an atomic holocaust; while simultaneously seeking to negotiate peace by focusing on common “enemies of all mankind.”  He announced to the world that even with the scepter of atomic war hanging over their heads, that “we shall pay any price . . . to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”  Kennedy also invoked the Monroe doctrine by pledging to “our sister republics south of the border” to oppose military incursions in the Western Hemisphere.   President Kennedy reminded the nation that it was entering a new era of scientific knowledge and that with that knowledge, carried a grave responsibility. “For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of life.”  [emphasis added.] 

President Kennedy’s logic is clear.  He appealed to the Soviet Union, not by name, but by implication to:  “explore problems that unite us,” “formulate . . . precise proposals for inspection and control of arms”, “use science to solve the problems of mankind, not destroy it,” let “the oppressed go free,” and create a new world of law, “where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.”  Kennedy mapped out specific and realistic steps to accomplish his goals, and extended his hand to the Soviets, inviting and challenging them to accept his call for international cooperation.

The emotional appeal of Kennedy’s speech is undeniable.  He reminded listeners that they were the “heirs of that first revolution” and the new generation, “born in his century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace.”  Everyone, he told Americans, holds the “final success or failure of our course” in their hands; they are soldiers in the war against “tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.”  Kennedy's speech empowered his listeners to take an active part in American goals, to feel loyal, brave and generous.

As America’s first Catholic president, Kennedy's character was perceived as idealistic, patriotic, hopeful, strong and spiritual.  He humbly asked for God’s blessing “and His help,” but reminded Americans that they were part of “God’s work” on earth.  Kennedy echoed the Declaration of Independence when he reminded Americans that human rights come not from the “generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.”  In this era of the Cold War where the world feared nuclear warfare, President Kennedy courageously declared, “I do not shrink from this responsibility - - I welcome it.”  Kennedy was a decorated World War II veteran and proved his courage in the Pacific Theatre - his bravery was well known.  The patriotism and hope he demonstrated when he said “I do not believe that any of use would exchange places with any other people and any other generation,” inspired listeners with pride and confidence. 

This document is historically significant because John F. Kennedy inspired a whole generation of idealists.  These words have thrilled Americans since the first day they were uttered: “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”  His inaugural address set the tone for the rest of his presidency.  The Kennedy Era was a time of political romanticism.  Here was America’s very own “Camelot.”  Kennedy created the Peace Corps that enlisted thousands of idealistic young Americans willing to pick up the challenge to end poverty in our time.  He was dedicated to scientific advancement, made America’s space program a national priority, promoted a strong national defense and commitment to improve the world.  The promise of his inaugural address only accentuates the country's grievous loss when he was assassinated on November 22, 1963.

          Fifty years later, John F. Kennedy's words still have the ability to convince me that our country and its ideals are worth fighting for; not just in wars, but in our daily efforts to contribute to an end to injustice, poverty and tyranny, both on the home front and overseas.  He reminds us that it isn’t what we receive - it’s what we give that defines us as a nation and as human beings.  And that message is eternal.