Inaugural Address

Delivered: January 20, 1961, U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C.

Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens:

We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom -- symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning -- signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

A New Generation

The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe -- the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. 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, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

To Our Allies and Adversaries

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.

This much we pledge -- and more.

To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do -- for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.

To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom -- and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.

The Call to Service

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, 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.

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Speech Analysis

Key Techniques:

• Antithesis: "Ask not what your country can do for you..."
• Parallel Structure: Repeated sentence patterns create rhythm
• Inclusive Language: "We" and "our" build unity
• Historical References: Connects to American founding principles
• Call to Action: Clear challenge to citizens

Historical Context: Delivered at the height of the Cold War, Kennedy's speech sought to inspire Americans to serve their country and support freedom worldwide. At 43, he was the youngest elected president and represented a generational shift in American leadership.

Impact: The phrase "ask not what your country can do for you" became one of the most famous quotes in American political history. The speech inspired the creation of the Peace Corps and motivated a generation of Americans to public service.

Lessons for Speakers:

1. Use antithesis to create memorable phrases
2. Connect current challenges to historical values
3. Balance idealism with realism
4. Issue a clear call to action
5. Speak to multiple audiences simultaneously
6. Use parallel structure for rhythm and emphasis

Modern Applications:

• Corporate leaders can adapt the "ask not" framework for team motivation
• Nonprofit organizations use similar calls to service
• The speech demonstrates how to inspire action without promising easy solutions
• Shows the power of challenging your audience rather than just comforting them