John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address: A Blueprint for Presidency

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The inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th president of the United States was held on Friday, January, 20, 1961. Kennedy’s inaugural address gave him a chance to introduce his approach for presidency. Kennedy became president during the Cold War. He used his inaugural address to explain the world during that point in American history, encouraged Americans to preserve democracy and freedom, and promote international support. John F. Kennedy’s audience not only included American citizens, but citizens around the world. Kennedy personally mentioned previous Presidents and Vice Presidents, Eisenhower, Nixon, and Truman. In 1960, Kennedy won the Democratic Party’s nomination for president. Millions watched the televised debates with the Republican …show more content…

Kennedy’s Inaugural …show more content…

“.. 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” (John F. Kennedy Quotations). Words such as, “tempered”, “disciplined”, and “bitter” are not words used in everyday conversation, but appropriate for his inaugural address. These words created a vivid image in the audience’s minds. Figurative language is used in the quote, “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” (John F. Kennedy Quotations). Kennedy doesn’t mean to literally light the world on fire, but is demonstrating how our country can influence the world as a powerful nation. “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich” (John F. Kennedy Quotes). Kennedy states that money is not nearly as important as people. People who are often caught acting ungenerously will feel a sense of

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