John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address

Ceremonial speeches are given to mark ceremonial events and help a society move beyond their differences. John F. Kennedy gave a ceremonial speech, his inaugural address, on January 20th, 1961, marking one of the most historic speeches in time. In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address speech, that is being evaluated today, the author uses social cohesion as a call for the nation to give back to the country, as we should do of course, and to ask, and expect less from the government, but that we should all have equal rights. Social Cohesion is described as the words, values, goals, speeches, and ceremonies that glue a group or society together and serve to maintain social order. John F. Kennedy uses power, freedom and the faith in God as values throughout his Inaugural Address.

John F Kennedy states, “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.” The president gave his speech at a time when the American people were growing increasingly fearful of a long, drawn out Cold War. Yet, instead of reassuring his audience by minimizing the dangers, Kennedy warned them of a long struggle, emphasizing differences between the United States and its enemies, and showed the specific responsibilities and obligations of the United States and its citizens, ...

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Professor: Connie C. Duren