Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You — Vocabulary
John F. Kennedy
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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.†1 more

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.†1 more

To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge -- to convert our good words into good deeds in a new alliance for progress -- to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty.1 more

Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request -- that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.

Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah — to "undo the heavy burdens...and let the oppressed go free."†

For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.†

To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge — to convert our good words into good deeds in a new alliance for progress — to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty.†

To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required, not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right.†

Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty.†

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.†

Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors.

Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas.

Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.†

For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.†

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.†

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.

Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty.†1 more

For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.†

For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.†