John F. Kennedy on Defense of freedom
← Back to John F. Kennedy ProfileCarved at JFK's gravesite in Arlington, this excerpt from his inaugural address reflects the weighty burden and embraced duty Kennedy felt towards global freedom during the Cold War.
“In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it.”
A chilling irony underscores Kennedy's undelivered Trade Mart speech, envisioning America as "watchmen on the walls of world freedom" hours before his own watch ended abruptly.
“We in this country, in this generation, are—by destiny rather than choice—the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint, and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of "peace on earth, good will toward men." That must always be our goal, and the righteousness of our cause must always underlie our strength. For as was written long ago: "except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."”