John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

Fifty years ago, on January 20, 1961, newly inaugurated President John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural address. Some of us are too young to have witnessed this speech firsthand; but, I believe we are all familiar with JFK's famous phrase, "ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Take a step back in time to that turbulent and exciting moment in American history by reading the speech in its entirety.

I can recall, even at a young age, my mother revisiting her memories of JFK and the impact that those years had on her life. She said JFK was young, fresh, full of new ideas, and immediately loved by this country. Like many, she can also remember every minute of Friday, November 22, 1963, when she heard the tragic news that he had been assassinated. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to people replicating Jackie O's classy style – the Kennedy administration definitely left its mark on her generation and the generations to come.

Gain more insight into one of the most famous and popular presidents in American history with the resources in ABC-CLIO's American Government database. If you don't already subscribe, sign up for a 60-day preview to the entire collection of databases.

Do you remember listening to this timeless speech? If so, what did you think? How did it affect you? We'd love to hear from you!

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Coming Soon...

John F. Kennedy: A Biography

Michael Meagher and Larry D. Gragg

July 2011

This biography examines the life and political career of a president whose idealism and policies continue to impact the world today despite his brief time in office.