John F. Kennedy: “Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring--that we greet healthy controversy…”

But as an institution, it should have in the future, as it has had in the past since its inception, no stronger or more faithful member than the United States of America.

I speak today in an hour of national peril and national opportunity.

But there is no comfort or security for us in evasion, no solution in abdication, no relief in irresponsibility.

Members of the Congress: The United States did not rise to greatness by waiting for others to lead.