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.
But the Chancellor in his time, meeting his responsibility, made the right judgment and, therefore, he is an historic figure and one to whom all of us who believe so strongly in the cause of freedom feel privileged to come and pay him our…
I am sure that the Chancellor never thought that there was any prospect, any more than we have considered the prospect, that other allies of ours would sell out the interests of the Free World.
I think we have consistently attached the greatest importance to the maintenance of a free Europe since 1945.
The primary purpose is the treaty, but I am sure the other matter may come into the conversation.
Because I regard the relationship between the United States and Western Europe as vital to our security.
I bring you greetings from the citizens of America, including the citizens of Cologne, Minn.; Cologne, N.J.; and even Cologne, Tex.
Your fellow citizen, Chancellor Adenauer, has fulfilled these obligations as a citizen of the West in full measure.
Politicians like John Fitzgerald Kennedy
