John F. Kennedy's Message Still Important
By Dr. Marciene Mattleman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - This week is the anniversary of John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961 on a cold, wintery day like we have been experiencing,
The event was star-studded. African-American opera singer Marian Anderson sang "The Star Spangled Banner" and poet Robert Frost recited his poem 'The Gift Outright' to an enormous crowd as the youngest President in our history (younger than Barack Obama) stood waiting to take the oath.
Kennedy had been a Congressman from Massachusetts at 29, was twice reelected but he reached notoriety with his Pulitzer Prize book of biographical essays, Profiles in Courage, and his bravery in World War II.
However, he is most remembered for his words in his inaugural speech, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."
There is a message for us today. We must act on these words, speaking out against bigotry, abuse and discrimination for a more civil society.
Learn more about JFK on The History Channel.