May 31, 1961
We believe it vital to the security of the United States and we intend to honor our commitments.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
The Public Record
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, serving from January 20, 1961, until his assassination on November 22, 1963. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in Massachusetts and is often remembered for his leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Kennedy also established the Peace Corps, promoting international service and cooperation, and he advocated for civil rights, laying the groundwork for future legislation in this area.
presidency.ucsb.edu
May 31, 1961
I salute this city and I salute your country, and I salute your distinguished President.
May 31, 1961
We are closely associated and are allies, because it helps protect the interest of our country and because it protects the interests of freedom around the world.
May 31, 1961
I tried to get assigned to the Embassy in Paris myself, and unable to do so, I decided that I would run for President.
May 31, 1961
What has happened here in the last 10 years shows what free men can do.
May 31, 1961
This city stands today and I think it is evidence of the continuity of history.
May 31, 1961
The security of Europe, its freedom, is essential to the security of the United States, and we plan to take every measure, we plan to continue to devote every energy, to strengthening the common ties which bind us.
May 31, 1961
This desire for freedom, this desire for liberty, wherever it may be on the globe, in my opinion is the strongest tide of the 20th century.
May 30, 1961
It is my hope that on this visit we can contribute to the uniformity of view which will permit us to go to the river of peace and gain satisfaction from it.
May 30, 1961
In my office, in recent weeks, I've received many envoys of new countries. Many of them spoke French, the language of free men.
May 30, 1961
Toasts of the President and President de Gaulle at the Formal Dinner in the Elysee Palace
May 30, 1961
It is a particular source of satisfaction to me as President of the United States that we should be associated with President de Gaulle.
May 30, 1961
France and the United States have been associated in the past in many great causes, but I can think of no more happy cause than to be associated together in the climactic moment in the defense of freedom.
May 30, 1961
I come from America, 'the daughter of Europe,' to France, which is America's oldest friend.
May 30, 1961
I ask you to drink to the great Captain of the West, your President, General de Gaulle.
May 29, 1961
The great strength of our country is the willingness of people such as yourselves to undertake this kind of work.
May 29, 1961
I also urge our citizens to pause during this day and resolve always to sustain the allegiance of our hearts and minds toward our national banner and to cultivate the dynamic principles and ideals that it symbolizes.
May 29, 1961
I call upon the people to observe that day with suitable ceremonies, including the display of the flag at their homes and other appropriate places.
May 29, 1961
The Peace Corps offers a special and timely opportunity to put dedicated Americans to work for the cause of world peace and human understanding.
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