The inspiring speech of John F. Kennedy that gives hope in difficult times.

It has been almost 60 years since John F Kennedy, or JFK, for short, gave his famous “peace speech” on his inauguration day. The words he said in that speech still inspire people today. This is especially so when we find ourselves in tough times. His speech about peace still stands today as the world faces the possible reality of another major war.

John F Kennedy’s Peace Speech Is Still Relevant Today

John F Kennedy’s inaugural speech was one of the most inspiring and memorable speeches in history. His words went on to inspire thousands of Americans to make changes in their lives and strive to make their own country a better place. To this day, people take inspiration from Kennedy’s words. (1)

“What kind of peace do we seek?” JFK said. “Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children–not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women–not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.” (2)

The youngest president ever elected, JFK and his words were like a symbol for change. The most inspiring part of his speech, however, came near the end. It is this part where he called his country’s citizens to action. It is this part that moved people to do big things and make big changes.

“And so, my fellow Americans,” Kennedy addressed the nation. “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

The Inspiration JFK Incited

These final words truly struck a chord with Americans across the country. This was especially for young Americans and university students who were figuring out where their lives were going. These were young, impressionable people who wanted to make their mark on the world and in their country.

Bruce Birch, a 19-year-old university student at the time, was one of the brave people who actually made the trek in the snow to listen to the speech live. JFK’s speech inspired him to become a teacher. From there, a professor, and eventually the dean of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

“I remember feeling very invigorated by it,” Birch recalled. “Feeling at the end of the speech, man, this really makes me want to do something, to contribute.”

Donna Shalala was a freshman at Western College for Women in Ohio the day she first heard JFK’s famous words. Before she heard the speech, she was considering becoming a war correspondent journalist. Having never considered public service, his words hit her, as she described, “like a splash of water”.

Shalala went on to join the Peace Corps, where she taught at an agricultural college in Iran. She later earned her doctorate at Syracuse before going on to be a professor, president, and chancellor of several colleges. Bill Clinton then elected her as his Secretary of Health and Human Services in 1993. In 2003 President Bush awarded her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Today, she is the president of the University of Miami.

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His Word’s Inspired People of All Backgrounds

JFK didn’t just inspire middle-class Americans. He inspired people of all backgrounds and economic statuses. Gonzalo Barrientos was the son of Mexican-American cotton farmers and pickers. He had grown up in poverty his whole life. When he heard the speech, he was studying business at the University of Texas. Not wanting to stay that way, Kennedy inspired him to make changes. 

Barrientos switched his major to study sociology, economics, and government. In 1974 he became one of the first Mexican-Americans elected to the Texas state legislature. He later served in the Texas Senate for 10 years.

“[My goal was] to help the community, to help the poor people, to help the downtrodden, to empower those people to get the American Dream. All of which, I think, came from John Kennedy.”

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A Lasting Impact

There are countless stories like these ones. Even people years later found themselves inspired to do something different with their lives thanks to JFK’s words. Bill Hilliard says it was the day Kennedy was assassinated that his words inspired him. Hilliard wasn’t feeling overly patriotic. In fact, he was considering moving to Canada. 

When he heard the news about JFK, however, he remembered those last words of his peace speech. Instead, he enlisted in the Airforce. He ended up fighting in Vietnam.

“It made me more of a patriot than I had ever been. I really believed in the country you know?” Hilliard explained.  “It was a turning point, a real change of life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Young people today. They say Kennedy’s famous words inspire them to give back. To work hard and make a difference in their communities. To help your neighbors, not turn your back. Give what you can to help those less fortunate – your time, your energy, or otherwise. This, I think, is the greatest lesson we all can take from that famous speech.

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