John 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.
Jun 22, 1963
As a citizen of Boston, which takes pride in being the oldest city in the United States, I find it sobering to come to Cologne where the Romans marched when the Bostonians were in skins.
Jun 22, 1963
Therefore, I hope those of you who are German citizens feel that in working with us so closely, you are also working for the welfare of your own country and the security and freedom of the West, and those things which make the West worth…
Jun 22, 1963
Here in Western Germany you have achieved a solid framework of freedom, a miracle of economic recovery, and an opportunity to express your political ideals through action in Europe and through the world.
Jun 22, 1963
For Cologne is not only an ancient German city, it is also an ancient European city, a city which, since Roman times, has played a special role in preserving Western culture, and Western religion, and Western civilization.
Jun 22, 1963
Your fellow citizen, Chancellor Adenauer, has fulfilled these obligations as a citizen of the West in full measure.
Jun 22, 1963
Now, suddenly, the United States, by the force of events, history, and by our own choice--and I want to emphasize 'by our own choice'--have been propelled into the world where we are the key, the archstone, the basic element in the…
Jun 22, 1963
Our Alliance was founded to deter a new war; it must now find the way to a new peace.
Politicians like John Fitzgerald Kennedy
