JFK Inaugural Address 2 of 2
President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, January 20th 1961.
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah — to “undo the heavy burdens … and to let the oppressed go free.”
And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavour, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.
All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our cause. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.
Now the trumpet summons us again — not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are — but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation” — a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can ure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility — I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavour will light our country and all who serve it — and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.
Duration : 0:5:36
What we have is a …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amWhat we have is a representative republic. It’s in the second line of the Pledge of Allegience.
I pledge allegience to the flag, and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands.
You could also find it in the Constitution or just google it. I know reasearching history is of no import to you so f-it. Jusst vote based on the sound bites you hear on TV and read in the paper and you will continue to aid in the destruction of this great country.
Go to boston. try …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amGo to boston. try to sound like the people you meet.
for some reason i …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amfor some reason i felt like lookin at a jfk speech, then i read the comment below. i had no idea dat today marked the anniversary of his death. i find dat kinda weird. JFK was truly a great leader and inspirer.
It was 45 years ago …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amIt was 45 years ago today that this great leader was taken from us. His greatness came not from his charisma but from his vision and his ability to inspire people. “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” That’s what real patriotism is all about… You may be gone Mr. President, but you will never be forgotten. Salute and RIP.
Obama is NOT a ” …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amObama is NOT a “fraud from Kenya”, ya dumb Republican hole…..turn off the Rush Lardball show and grow a brain…….he came from humble origins and graduated magna laude from Harvard Law, and he can inspire people on the same level as JFK……just wait until his Inauguration speech……it will be regarded as one of the greatest in history……and if I catch you dissing Obama any more in here, then you got a new enemy -bent on destroying you, .
George Washington …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amGeorge Washington is probably in the Top 10 somewhere……to be honest, Washington was a greater military leader than a President…..he was nothing more than a figurehead while in office……JFK faced real problems along with FDR that threatened the very sanctity of the United States.
and what of george …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amand what of george washington? what number is he on your list?
I would guess that …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amI would guess that what Johnson put in his pocket was not a note, but one Kennedy’s note cards. Probably dropped it?
He seemed to be a man of purpose, beyond corruption.
It seems odd to me that with so much controversy about his assination that an investigation has not been pursued. This example was a precedent for 9/11, with lies and contrived sentiment fed to the public via “authoritative”, “trustworthy” media. And you all should see the CIA documents given to JFK on Cuba, plane hijacking
This is > then …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amThis is > then Republicans.
No doubt the …
No doubt the greatest inaugural address (of which we have a recording.) No president since has even come close to this, they just repeat the same empty stock phrases.
And let’s not even mention Obama ok? I have no fear that that slick-talking fraud from Kenya can even touch this. Not even in the same universe.
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amI used to think …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amI used to think Kennedy was overrated…”Camelot” and all that crap. Then I realized in fact he was the last president who had any substance. Politicians talk all the time but I don’t think this speech was BS. Kennedy wanted to lead this country in new directions and the ruling oligarchy in this country wouldn’t allow that (even though his family was part of that oligarchy). You can hear it already in the weak applause for some of his proposals (like bringing nukes under int’l control).
Damn right.
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amright.
I was eight years …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amI was eight years old when I first heard these words. They are still ringing in my ears. I was eleven when we buried that great man. He will live in my heart for as long as I live.
Thank you for posting this.
JFK was the 3rd …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amJFK was the 3rd greatest President in U.S. history……behind Abraham Lincoln (#1) and FDR (#2)…….and dont be telling me Ron Reagan was greater because I dont tolerate that weak-ass !
Excellent speech. …
Excellent speech. Very moving. Even now, 45 years after his death, he is still considered one of the greatest men ever to walk this Earth.
R.I.P., JFK. You will always be remembered.
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amIndeed it would be …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amIndeed it would be difficult to compare 2 men, one of whom says “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” while the other says precisely the opposite
great speech, can …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amgreat speech, can Barack beat it though?
5. JFK even aided …
5. JFK even aided Martin Luthor king out of jail and forced the university of Alabama to let two African Americans enroll.
6.Last funded much into the Space program which eventually helped put a man on the moon.
Thank you JFK.
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amAwesome speech. …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amAwesome speech. JFK really was one of the best.
1.establishing Alliance for Progress, which sent foreign aid to troubled countries in the region and sought greater human rights.
2.created the Peace Corps. Americans volunteered to help underdeveloped nations in food, medical, economy.
3.Nuclear test ban treaty.
4.Proposed Civil rights act to help against racial discrimination against blacks in society. JFK even sent a squad of police to enforce a school that didn’t want a black in there class.
so how did that …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amso how did that note got on the floor? does anybody know what it said?
Five american …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amFive american presidents where gathered on that balcony that day. Former presidents Truman and Eisenhower, President Kennedy, and the future presidents Johnson and Nixon. All the american presidents from 1945 to 1974.
56 million said yes …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 am56 million said yes lol
fantastic speech. …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amfantastic speech. it would be an insult to his eloquence and charisma to compare JFK to Obama. Oh, and JFK actually says things, rather than blabber on about some ambiguous “change,” and are strive toward….something.
can you please tell …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amcan you please tell me the time when he passed the note? thanks
what have you done …
on December 1st, 2008 at 7:33 amwhat have you done for your community and the people around you lately no president or man can make a better america only you. I still believe in america