.more than mine. . .will rest the
final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded,
each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to
its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the
call to service surround the globe. Now the trumpet summons us
again. . . not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need. . .not as a call
to battle. . . though embattled we are. . .but a call to bear the burden of a
long twilight struggle. . .year in and year out, rejoicing in hope, patient
in tribulation. . .a struggle against the common enemies of man:
tyranny. . .poverty. . .disease. . .and war itself. Can we forge against
these enemies a grand and global alliance. . .North and South. . . East
and West. . .that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will
you join in that historic effort?
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. I do not believe
that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any
other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to
this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it. . .and the glow
from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans. . .ask not what your country can do for
you. . .ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the
world. . .ask not what America will do for you, but what together we
can do for the Freedom of Man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world,
ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which
we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with
history the final judge of our deeds; let us go forth to lead the land we
love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth
God's work must truly be our own.
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