Inaugural Address

John Kennedy

Inaugural Address

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, one of the most eloquent presidents in the United States, was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 33, 1963. In his inaugural speech on January 2, 1961, he called for a decisive and sacrificial spirit to meet many current challenges. This speech reaffirmed the principles set by Jefferson and Wilson in their first inaugural speeches.

What we celebrate today is not a victory of a political party, but a celebration of freedom. It symbolizes the end and the beginning; It means renewal and change. Because I have made the same solemn oath before you and Almighty God as that drawn up by our ancestors nearly one and a quarter centuries ago.

The world today is very different, because people have enough power to eliminate all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life in the hands of their own flesh and blood. However, the revolutionary beliefs maintained by our ancestors are still under debate all over the world. That belief is that human rights are destined not to come from the generosity of the government, but from God.

Today, we dare not forget that we are the heirs of the first revolution. Let me tell our friends here and now, and also tell our enemies that this torch has been handed over to a new generation of Americans. They were born in this century, tempered by war, nurtured by harsh and arduous peace, proud of our ancient traditions, and unwilling to witness or allow human rights to be gradually taken away. China has always been steadfast in these human rights, and we are also vigorously defending them at home and around the world.

Let every country know that no matter whether it expects us to be good or bad, we will pay any price, endure any burden, cope with any hardships, support any friends and oppose any enemies to ensure the existence and realization of freedom.

that's what we are determined to do-and that's not all.

for those old allies who share the same cultural and spiritual traditions with us, we promise to treat them with sincerity as close friends. As long as we are United, there is almost nothing impossible in many cooperative undertakings. If we are divided, we can't do anything, because we dare not meet powerful challenges when we have different opinions and go our own way.

For those new countries that we welcome to join the ranks of free countries, we should make a pledge that we will never let one form of colonial rule disappear and be replaced by another far more cruel tyranny. We can't always expect them to support our point of view, but we always hope that they will resolutely safeguard their own freedom, and we should remember that in the past, those who were stupid enough to ride on the back of a tiger with a strong momentum were swallowed up by the tiger.

for those people who live in huts and villages half around the world and strive to break the shackles of universal poverty, we promise to do our best to help them save themselves, no matter how long it takes. This is not because the * * * production party will do that, nor because we demand their votes, but because it is right to do that. If a free society can't help many poor people, it can't save the few rich people.

To our sister countries within our borders, we make a special guarantee: we will turn our good promises into good deeds and help free people and free governments to get rid of the shackles of poverty in the new alliance for progress. However, this peaceful revolution to realize one's own wishes should not be the prey of a hostile country. Let all our neighbors know that we will unite with them to resist aggression or subversion in any part of America. Let other countries know that the western hemisphere will take care of its own affairs.

As for the world parliament of sovereign countries, the United Nations is our last and best hope in today's era when the tools of war are developing faster than those of peace. We would like to reiterate our commitment to support; Don't let it become a forum for abuse, strengthen its protection for new countries and weak countries, and expand the areas where its power can be used.

finally, for those countries that are our enemies, what we want to provide is not a guarantee, but a request: both sides should start to seek peace again, and don't wait for the dangerous destructive forces released by science to make all mankind fall into self-destruction intentionally or unintentionally.

we dare not tempt them with weakness. Because only when our force grows beyond doubt can we be sure that it will never be used.

But neither of these two powerful groups of countries can rest assured of the current trend

-both sides feel overwhelmed by the cost of modern weapons, and both sides are horrified by the constant development of deadly atomic forces, but both sides are striving to change the unstable balance of terror, which can temporarily prevent mankind from finally engaging in war.

So let's start over. Both sides should remember that humility is not a sign of cowardice, but sincerity always needs to be verified. Let's never negotiate out of fear. But let's never be afraid to negotiate.

Let both sides explore what issues can unite us, instead of wasting their energy on issues that divide us.

Let the two sides make sincere and exact suggestions on weapons inspection and control for the first time, and put the unrestrained force that can destroy other countries under the absolute control of all countries.

Let both sides seek to stimulate the magical power of science instead of the scary factor of science. Let's join forces to explore the planet, desert control, eliminate diseases, explore the depths of the ocean, and encourage art and business.

Let the two sides join hands to follow Isaiah's command in every corner of the world to "unload the heavy burden ... (and) set the oppressed free.

if the establishment of a cooperative beachhead can curb many suspicions, then let the two sides make a joint new effort. This is not the pursuit of a new balance of power, but the establishment of a new world ruled by law, in which the strong are just, the weak are safe and peace is in hand.

all these things will not be completed in the first 1 days, in the first 1 days, during the term of this government, or even during our life on earth. But let's start.

my fellow citizens, the final result of our cause is not in my hands, but in your hands. Since the founding of our country, every generation of Americans has been called to test their loyalty to the country. The graves of young Americans who served in the military in response to this call are all over the world.

Now the horn calls us again-not to shoulder weapons, although weapons are what we need; Not calling us to fight, although we are ready to fight; That is to call on us to shoulder a long-lasting and inseparable struggle year after year, "to rejoice in hope and endure in adversity"; This is a struggle against the public enemies of mankind-tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.

can we form a great global alliance covering the east, west, north and south to deal with these enemies, so as to ensure that all mankind can enjoy a richer life? Are you willing to participate in this historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been entrusted with the task of defending freedom when it encounters the greatest crisis. I will never flinch before this responsibility; I welcome it. I don't believe that any of us would like to exchange places with others and other generations. Our energy, faith and devotion in this endeavor will illuminate our country and all those who serve it, and the brilliance gathered from this flame will surely illuminate the whole world.

So, my fellow citizens, ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

Citizens of the world: Ask not what America is willing to do for you, but what together we can do for human freedom.

Finally, whether you are a citizen of the United States or other countries in the world, please ask us for the high standards of strength and sacrifice that we ask of you. Our only reliable reward is a clear conscience, and the final judge of our actions is history. Let us guide our beloved land forward and ask God's blessing and help, but we know that in this world, God's task is definitely our own task.