Major Themes of President Kennedy's Inaugural Address
JFK's Inaugural Address was given almost 60 years ago. It was an inspirational speech which addressed what is to be an American. The main themes were freedom, peace, God's role in our lives and service to others or personal accountability.
Given during the Cold War, JFK's speech stressed how important strong foreign policy was while simultaneously highlighting peace and global alliance. JFK made is clear that the US was committed to freedom, nationally, as well as internationally and would defend against any power that threatened that freedom: "We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
JFK also addressed the role of God in his speech: "Here on earth, God's work must truly be our own" and "The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God."
Lastly, JFK spoke about personal accountability and service to others. He called all Americans to do what is right and to help each other. JFK's speech raised the social consciousness of the country. JFK challenged Americans to look beyond themselves: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
Given during the Cold War, JFK's speech stressed how important strong foreign policy was while simultaneously highlighting peace and global alliance. JFK made is clear that the US was committed to freedom, nationally, as well as internationally and would defend against any power that threatened that freedom: "We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
JFK also addressed the role of God in his speech: "Here on earth, God's work must truly be our own" and "The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God."
Lastly, JFK spoke about personal accountability and service to others. He called all Americans to do what is right and to help each other. JFK's speech raised the social consciousness of the country. JFK challenged Americans to look beyond themselves: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."