Jun 25, 1963
You understand it and I understand it, and I am proud to be with you.
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
Jun 25, 1963
So let me ask you, as I close, to lift your eyes beyond the dangers of today, to the hopes of tomorrow, beyond the freedom merely of this city of Berlin, or your country of Germany, to the advance of freedom everywhere, beyond the wall to…
Jun 25, 1963
And the American people and the American Government are going to respond.
Jun 25, 1963
With the special pride that I feel in my own country, which has been so generous to so many immigrants from so many different countries, I want to say that I am happy to be here tonight.
Jun 25, 1963
In addition, Mr. President, I am proud to visit here because of you--an old and valued friend of my father--who has served his country with so much distinction, spreading over the period of a half-century.
Jun 25, 1963
We come to a city which is 3,500 miles from the United States, but we come to a city which we feel to be part of us.
Jun 25, 1963
In 18 years of peace and good faith, this generation of Germans has earned the right to be free, including the right to unite their families and their nation in lasting peace, with good will to all people.
Jun 25, 1963
Your presence here, your lives, in fact, commit the United States of America.
Jun 25, 1963
The fact of the matter is, of course, that any university, if it is a university, is free.
Jun 25, 1963
I know the American people naturally wonder on occasions whether all that they have done since the end of 1945, all the responsibilities and burdens that they have accepted, whether any of this effort is recognized and appreciated.
Jun 25, 1963
I am honored to become an instant graduate of this distinguished university.
Jun 25, 1963
Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in, to prevent them from leaving us.
Jun 25, 1963
Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was 'civis Romanus sum.' Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is 'Ich bin ein Berliner.'
Jun 25, 1963
The harsh precepts of Stalinism are officially recognized as bankrupt.
Jun 25, 1963
I am proud to come to this city as the guest of your distinguished Mayor, who has symbolized throughout the world the fighting spirit of West Berlin.
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