John Fitzgerald Kennedy was one of the most influential presidents in US history During his short time in office, Kennedy inspired Americans and changed the course of the nation with his eloquent speeches. One of the most memorable speeches he ever gave was his inaugural address on a cold January day in 1961. The speech has become known as one of the most important political speeches in history, as it established the tone of Kennedy’s presidency and still inspires citizens to this day.
1. The “Ask Not” Speech. This speech, given before the United Nations General Assembly in 1961, was Kennedy’s call for peace and unity amongst the world’s nations. In it, Kennedy states, “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow citizens, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” This speech has been seen as a rallying cry for citizens of all nations to come together in the spirit of friendship and cooperation.
2. The “Ich bin ein Berliner” Speech. On June 26, 1963, Kennedy spoke in West Berlin and declared, “Ich bin ein Berliner!” This famous phrase has become an iconic moment in Kennedy’s presidency, as it expressed solidarity with freedom-loving Germans in the face of Soviet aggression. Kennedy’s words were meant to show the world that the US would stand firm against any attempt to suppress people’s rights.
3. The “New Frontier” Speech. On July 15, 1960, while accepting the Democratic nomination for president, Kennedy famously declared, “The New Frontier of which I speak is not a set of promises—it is a set of challenges. It sums up not what I intend to offer the American people, but what I intend to ask of them.” This speech established the tone of Kennedy’s presidency, as it showed his commitment to tackling difficult issues and promoting social progress.
4. The Rice Stadium Moon Speech. On September 12, 1962, Kennedy gave one of the most inspiring speeches of his career. In it, he declared, “We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” Kennedy’s words would prove prophetic, as the Apollo 11 mission would successfully reach the moon seven years later.
5. The Cuban Missile Crisis Speech. On October 22, 1962, in the midst of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy announced, “It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere as an attack by the Soviet Union on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union.” Kennedy’s strong stance in the face of Soviet aggression was reassuring to the American people, and it helped lead to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s speeches were some of the most iconic and influential in American history. From his “Ask Not” speech to his “New Frontier” speech to his Rice Stadium Moon speech, Kennedy was able to inspire, inform, and encourage Americans and the world. These five speeches, in particular, demonstrate his presidential legacy and leadership. They are a testament to the power of words, and they serve as inspiring reminders of Kennedy’s commitment to peace, progress, and freedom.