35th President John F. Kennedy gives inaugural address
WASHINGTON, D.C.— President John Fitzgerald Kennedy will give his inaugural address on January 20th in the nation’s capital. The President will face those who elected him alongside those curious to see what the leader of their country has to say regarding key issues that are lingering in the air and holding the American people hostage.
Follow along as coverage starts before President Kennedy’s speech begins, right around the time he will be sworn into office.
***NOTE: Live Coverage has ended, feel free to explore the highlights from the event down below.
People gathered on Inauguration Day to see and hear President John F. Kennedy.
Noon — Chief Justice Earl Warren delivers the oath of office to President John F. Kennedy as a sea of people wait patiently in ultra-cold weather despite the sky’s sunny attire.
Add-on: Below is a picture of JFK in his Navy Uniform before he got involved in government and politics.
JFK WW2 Naval Hero
12:02 p.m. — The crowd is able to see how the president, despite the devilish temperature (hence, there is visible cold air as he talks), commands his audience with confidence and focus.
John F. Kennedy’s honorable character can be traced back to his time fighting in the Second World War. He is seen, among many, as a war hero and a man who believes in protecting and fighting for one’s country.
12:05p.m. — “To remember that in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger, ended up inside.” JFK
This is one of multiple metaphors the president uses in his speech to address current issues that have generated a big debate not only at home but throughout the world. The foolish entities he alludes to are the communist countries that are seeking power and control. He warns against the dangers of this kind of behavior from mankind and especially those with leadership roles.
The president is aware of the authority that words hold; ergo, he uses words like “we,” “us,” and “fellow citizens” to minimize the separation between him and his people.
He keeps his listeners engaged by connecting ideas through metaphors and creating a sense of togetherness and unity among those in the crowd.
Add-on: See below a map that shows the audience intended for his speech.
Part of Americas, JFK states United States will join them to oppose aggression and subversion.
12:07 p.m. —With respect to foreign affairs, the president declares how the United States will join its surrounding neighbors to fight against establishments (whether that may be countries or concepts) that limit democracy and liberty. President Kennedy excites the crowd on the topic of resisting communism and remaining liberated through noticeable determination and assertiveness (i.e. his light pounding on the podium with his fist).
Add-on: The previous war, WW2, showed the impact that these weapons have on the human race, environment, health, and economy of a country. For example, see John Hersey’s work titled Hiroshima as an insight on the aftermath of using atomic bombs. Only this time, there wouldn’t be much of an aftermath, just a final end.
12:10 p.m. — Man Kind’s Final War
President Kennedy acknowledges the advancement in technology and science through the creation of modern weapons– nuclear bombs.
The president knows the intense situation the United States is involved in. Ergo, he requests that both sides (U.S. & Soviet Union) as a sign of the times, should begin anew and make efforts towards peace.
The phrase below uses the word “us” to first describe the United States and how it should not be talked into anything that goes against its beliefs. The latter use of the word “us” speaks directly to the other side and how they should not weigh out the importance of settling differences.
“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” JFK
12:14 p.m. — The president explicitly addresses the American people by stating:
“And so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” -JFK
The second phrase at its best is a call to action and stimulates the noblest part inside the citizens of America. It reflects a sense of selflessness and nationalism that is needed in times of great turmoil.
JFK uses his inaugural address to set the agenda and instil courage and optimism in light of potential destruction.
