Stirring words of JFK
Editorial: Stirring words of JFK
The Herald Staff , From The Plainview Daily Herald 11/23/2003
While more recent revelations have tarnished the image of President John F. Kennedy, his boyish good looks, his engaging smile, his ringing oratory, his staring down of the Soviets in the Cuban Missile Crisis, his establishment of the Peace Corps and his challenge to put a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s stand as indelible images of the man who was assassinated 40 years ago Saturday in Dallas.
Kennedy is perhaps best remembered for these words from his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 1961: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
It set the tone for a new generation of “can do” attitude in America.
He also said that day: “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace.”
Kennedy also had many other memorable lines during his 3 1/2 years in office.
A decorated World War II veteran, he noted: “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.”
“When written in Chinese, the word `crisis´ is composed of two characters. One represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.”
He defined happiness as “The full use of your powers along lines of excellence.”
In an era when “alikeness” was prized, Kennedy said, “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.”
“We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes.”
“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.”
“The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of the final moment; but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy. A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences; in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all morality.”
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”
Today, we salute JFK´s memory and his words, including these: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
Posted to MyPlainview: NOVEMBER 22, 2003 23:04 CST
©Plainview Daily Herald 2003
