Every nation is conscious that there may be a moment when it is isolated and when its national interests are involved.
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.
There is always the argument in Europe that the United States might leave Europe, which is, of course, in my opinion, fallacious, because the United States can never leave Europe.
I can assure you that it is the strongest wish of the people of this country, as well as the people of this hemisphere, that Cuba shall one day be free again.
Let them see in us, Marti said, constructive Americans and not empty bitterness.
On behalf of my Government and my country, I welcome you to the United States.
I can assure you that this flag will be returned to this brigade in a free Havana.
Your conduct and valor are proof that although Castro and his fellow dictators may rule nations, they do not rule people.
I determine that the modifications of existing duties and other import restrictions of the United States, the additional import restrictions, and the continuance of existing customs and excise treatment of articles imported into the United…
I call upon all citizens of the United States and all officials of the United States and of every State and local government to dedicate themselves to the completion of the task of assuring that every American, regardless of his race…
I call upon the Governors of the States, mayors of cities, and other public officials, as well as private persons, organizations, and groups, to observe the centennial by appropriate ceremonies.
Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, under the authority vested in me, as President, by the Constitution and statutes, particularly section 350 of the Tariff Act of 1930, do proclaim that
I request the United States Commission on Civil Rights to plan and participate in appropriate commemorative activities recognizing the centennial of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Emancipation Proclamation expresses our Nation's policy, rounded on justice and morality, and that it is therefore fitting and proper to commemorate the centennial of the historic Emancipation Proclamation throughout the year 1963.
As a possible alternative the President suggested that the Royal Air Force might use the Hound Dog missile.
I want to express our appreciation to the people of the Bahamas for their welcome.
This wonderful equality in the cultural world is an old American phenomenon.
The arts in the United States are, like so many other of our activities, varied and decentralized to a high degree.
I want to make sure that policies of government do not indirectly or unnecessarily put barriers in the way of the full expression of America's creative genius.
The life of the artist is, in relation to his work, stern and lonely.
A nation's government can expect to play only an indirect and marginal role in the arts.
And I do think it fair to say that we really do much better in warmer climates, so I am delighted that we are here today.
I would hope that in the years ahead, as our cultural life develops and takes on new forms, the Federal Government would be prepared to play its proper role in encouraging cultural activities throughout the Nation.
The world looks better today than it did yesterday, and I am sure it's due to our pleasure in being on this island in the sun.





