I ask particularly that those of you who are now in school will prepare yourselves to bear the burden of leadership over the next 40 years here in the United States, and make sure that the United States - which I believe almost alone has maintained watch and ward for freedom - that the United States meet its responsibility. That is a wonderful challenge for us as a people.
Interpretation
Kennedy urges students to prepare for future leadership roles in order to uphold the United States' commitment to freedom.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy calls on the younger generation, particularly those in school, to take on the responsibility of leadership over the forthcoming decades. He emphasizes the significance of the United States in safeguarding freedom and challenges them to actively participate in ensuring the nation fulfills this vital role, highlighting the importance of preparation and responsibility for the future.
In practice
In a graduation speech to inspire new leaders.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
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.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
It is necessary to broaden the opportunities for a stronger presence of women in the church.
A statesman... must wait until he hears the steps of God sounding through events, then leap up and grasp the hem of His garment.
One of the things that was really an issue was I did not want to just be a woman secretary of state. I wanted to be a secretary of a state who was a woman, but not just chosen for that particular reason.
Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders.
I don't want people to think you have to look a certain way or be a certain mold to be able to be a quarterback.
The appointing power vested in the president imposes delicate and onerous duties. So far as it is possible to be informed, I shall make honesty, capacity, and fidelity indispensable prerequisites to the disposal of office, and the absence of either of these qualities shall be deemed sufficient cause for removal.
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