JFK's Famous Inaugural Address Passage

On January 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy was sworn into office and delivered one of the most famous inaugural addresses in U.S. history with the line "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

[@thecpmr6276]

Many presidents have called me a fellow American. This one sounded like he meant it.

[@kyleshiflet9952]

Along with FDR,and Eisenhower

[@bryanscott9770]

Trump does too!

[@kyleshiflet9952]

@@bryanscott9770 but he's not sincere

[@bryanscott9770]

@@kyleshiflet9952 fair enough.

[@sharathrm2354]

Hello

[@BruhMoment-mn9kn]

In life he was a highly charismatic and popular politician. In death, he became an almost sacred figure of universal admiration and respect among the American political classes

[@gianmariacorona7313]

Every time I think about responsability, about accountability, this speech comes in my mind

[@docsbuying]

That one like “ask not what your country can do for you , ask what you can do for your country” really is extremely powerful.

[@cinephile9885]

Happy 100th birthday, President Kennedy.

[@mindofkyle9960]

He is 100 years old? JK

[@เตียบ่อกี้-พ6ฎ]

@@mindofkyle9960 Anniversary

[@hawksfan8870]

Since it’s the beginning of 2021, Happy late 103rd birthday🎂President Kennedy. You truly are my favorite!

[@UnitedStates17]

@@hawksfan8870 he’s about to turn 104 in less than a month

[@abrahamlincoln8037]

@@UnitedStates17 hi

[@TariqKhan-xt5qs]

My two most favorite presidents, Abe Lincoln and JFK

[@izzya1282]

Clone high watch it

[@colby7703]

They got coincidences with each other

[@brownhead31]

What about FDR

[@andrewreil3938]

Hey that's racist dotcha know

[@shachinthabalasuriya4772]

How bout Obama

[@Comberi]

A Sonic quote used correctly. “Ask not what others can do for you, but ask what can you do for others.”

[@jbelden36]

His stellar oratory gives me goosebumps of noble, righteous American Patriotism and world leadership of peace that is hard to find nowadays.

[@ayrtongreenwood956]

Ask Not what your country can do for you, But What you can do for your country.

[@BeingOfLight-gq4fm]

55 years later, Give me free stuff! Free college! lol

[@jmjfanss]

Almost 56 years later Americanism, not globalism will be our credo

[@bradydechant8281]

Ayrton Greenwood last time you hear that from a Democrats mouth

[@brownhead31]

Ask not what america for you but what together we can do for the freedom of man

[@liveoak144]

that's what I remember, too. there were NOT two "ask" in his statement. Hello, Mandela Effect-ian!

[@eddiedeleon2425]

what an inspiring speech ... i always remember the letters ... a good words of legacy ... there must be somebody as great as you Sir ...

[@tutigseg]

The best American President ever I'm not even American but my grandpa was in America when he was the President whenever he used to talk to about him his eyes shed a tear :(

[@MaxWyllis]

JFK forever in our hearts

[@calebgroncki6045]

“Ask not what your country can do for you Ask what you can do for your country.”

[@Captaiesqueleto]

It’s basically saying don’t ask what your government should do for you, ask what you can do for your government

[@scottm8579]

The greatest line ever spoken by a US president.

[@grantmarks7429]

If Kennedy saw today's democrat party he'd flip his shit

[@mridoxmyfansftw7164]

Grant Marks you could say the same for Reagan and the douchebag GOP who are afraid to stand up to the Russian Pricks

[@liptongreentea3296]

Tremendous. Believe me. your a bitch regan helped speed up the fall of the soviet union while also making our army bigger

[@RichardMNixon]

Also that time he granted amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants.

[@TwoGamingDudes1]

lipton green tea he also put america into debt

[@americantanker9498]

Well they're not real Democrats

[@hawksfan8870]

“And so my fellow Americans, ask not what you’re country can do for you. Ask not what you can do for your country.” -JFK

[@williamgarcia9858]

Kennedy's light can't never be destroyed, I'll give my life to preserve it.

[@BGerbs66]

As a Republican born in the mid 1990s, I never got the opportunity to witness the Kennedy administration. However, from studying it, I found that I do not agree with many of his policies, but I do greatly respect him for being such a good leader and figurehead for this country. I do think that he had better thought than our current president and I wish Mr. Obama would study a thing or two from Mr. Kennedy. President Kennedy would be rolling over in his grave right now if he could see what President Obama is doing to our great nation. Even though I would not be voting for him, I would be happy if there was another president from the Democratic Party as enthusiastic and smart as the late John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

[@sunsetblue1759]

+BGerbs66 - I feel the same way about Reagan, as you do about JFK I think. But you seem to think that despite being very young, you already know more about the world, than someone with far more experience. Who taught you that arrogance ?

[@BGerbs66]

Sunset Blue Where do you see arrogance? And no, I know that I have much to learn about what goes on in the world. I can just make decisions on what I have studied and I love studying history.

[@jpmanning2966]

How about the current Republican President?

[@imthatguypal_]

JP Manning One of the best President the U.S has had (Up there with Lincoln, JFK, and G.W.)

[@musicalmelodies3595]

@@jpmanning2966 current what? President who? The oompa loompa in office now? Nah, I'll take GW Bush over that nutcase

[@mjehall]

I'm addition to his most quoted words, his ending was also powerful.We go foth asking God,s blessing, but knowing that here on earth God''s work is our own.

[@elvistran4595]

This quote was so famous that somehow the translation of it became super famous in Vietnam

[@PunpunCatolico]

Great Kennedy :) hugs from your friend country, Brazil

[@farreladityowicaksono463]

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do to your country." JFK's famous quote🙏

[@larryperera8724]

everlasting quote

[@alfredovalles4100]

This speech lives in my mind

[@romaislucid]

my favourite words from jfk "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." - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

[@keifer7813]

"Ask not what your company can do for you. Ask what you can do for the company" - some CEO somewhere

[@angelcastaneda529]

On May 29th, 1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy the 35th President of the United States was born. Though his presidency was cut short, he is regardless one of the most important presidents in American history. Though I wasn’t alive to witness it, this is how a leader acts.

[@robsmithadventures1537]

One of the greatest orators in history.

[@eddieandrews3335]

A beautiful concept that will prevail after more a few more hardships

[@parijatatreya575]

The Noble,The Humble ,The Honest & One of the Best President & Representative of The Northern Hemisphere 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉! We still miss you Mr.President -RIP- Love you America

[@catherinebarrock375]

this speech is the opening part for my competition dance 🤞

[@hicksfamilyfive8670]

A true American! Where have they all gone? If a man or woman like him were to run for president I would 100% vote for them.

[@jeromewade4110]

A "true American" by whose definition?

[@mackadoodless]

One of the greatest Democratic leaders this country has ever had, and the last good one, too.

[@Jantv81]

I believe the day JFK was killed the Democrats died with him.

[@redwhiteblueboy3290]

I’m a Trump Supporter and I approve this message!

[@mackadoodless]

Janna Watson I agree 100%!

[@kelb6073]

Wrong

[@al4redb730]

@@kelb6073 he’s not that wrong

[@haroungwiyamabuzohera-jk3vl]

This was indeed a great speech of Time.

[@MillStMaros]

Love JFK, was born a couple towns away from where I was born, and was my grandfather@s favorite president

[@Pygmygerbil88]

most lovely words from the loveliest president ever. respect and love. RIP.

[@djryan173]

This part is now the legend of all presidents in history 0:52

[@YourWealthPreserved]

We can use his words today more than ever before.

[@Sheena1234ization]

When Democrats were proud of America and positive about it

[@SDguy3030]

Seems incredibly rare now.

[@robbie_the_guitarist7277]

I am an independent. I vote not because of a polutical party but for freedom. I would vote for Kennedy if he were still alive today. I dont like Todays republicans or Democrats. Just my 50 cents

[@niccologentile867]

JFK was one helluva man, people with his resolve and character, keep countries together. A house divided against itself Cannot stand.

[@shine-uy5fq]

short and sweet? i think short but iconic

[@dylanisdylan5578]

0:52 A quote that I live my life off every day, I am a freedom loving American a marked made in history at this exact moment by a smart man!

[@monsterpig3270]

This Inaugural speech is among the greatest ever. Fast forward 55 years to Donald Trump's Inaugural speech and you have to wonder, what went wrong?

[@scrambled82]

I wish I could understand why there are 6 thumbs down votes in this. We need a leader who will live these words so our country will too.

[@Bebe-qw7oi]

🇺🇸 needs another JFK.

[@marcellialother8071]

Hearing this great speech again makes me long for sanity to once again be the center of our politics. No more lawless, immoral name-calling and spreading of conspiracy theories. Elected officials actually doing the job they were elected to do rather than blocking just to harm their opponent. Spending their time to harm rather than striving for our country be the best it can be. So many self-serving politicians working only to achieve wealth and power for themselves. Please vote and elect people that actually love this country.

[@SoccerBoi500]

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Well over half a century later and JFKs words are completely lost in modern America. Everyone wants the government to do everything for them.

[@spongeintheshoe]

Then what's the government for?

[@enammemberseptember7366]

JFK literally vouched for Universal Healthcare and Social Security. He was more to the left than modern Democrats

[@BeatleBecky]

Be a patriot and wear a mask. A simple thing you can do for your country!

[@jazzruff]

One of the greatest speeches ever delivered

[@abrahamlincoln8037]

0:52 Your Welcome!

[@johndoe-dl6qo]

Kennedy would not recognize today's democrat party.

[@rickavory]

John Henderson eh. I kinda doubt he would still be content with the current state of the Democratic Party. They are literally the party of handouts.

[@JF-bv6vc]

John Henderson he was in some areas/issues but he wouldn’t be anywhere near the likes of Booker, Ocasio-Cortez or Sanders.

[@maar9555]

Bernie and JFK are similar lol, both support universal healthcare, I know you conservatives dont like it

[@himynamelscolin]

Imagine what he would think of the Republicans...imagine what any real Republican would think of them.

[@chrisdrivesasubaru457]

Maar He wanted guaranteed health care for “The Elderly” Not for every American.

[@VersusARCH]

Lee Harvey Oswald obviously took this to heart.

[@Sandlot1992]

Best Speech Ever! God Bless You Mr. Kennedy!

[@cedarpoplar]

Amen. I often wondered about so many Christian religions out there. I get paranoid just thinking of so much opposition between them. Then someone says when 'unity and peace' comes, it'll be the end. I do pray and cry when I'm alone sometimes. I ask for forgiveness and for courage to face another day. And then, the thought pops into my head: "ask not what your country can do for you" this makes me feel at ease. It gives me purpose. If I were to give someone advise, I would say, read, study on your own time instead of wasting time with social media end television. And, pray. The Holy Spirit is real . Love you folks. Let's keep up. Life is short

[@vecumex9466]

There is no better definition of what it means to be an American.

[@78989795]

0:51 John Fitzgerarl Kennedy FOR EVER...

[@AYVYN]

If you get lost in the woods, the local community will help look for you. If you get detained by another country, our government will try to help you. I believe America has a truly pure foundation at its core and we should work daily to make our country ever greater.

[@Captaiesqueleto]

Wrong the whole speech is about you asking what you can do for the government

[@AYVYN]

@@Captaiesqueleto You can’t do anything dead

[@amaundertaker4339]

Kennedy, Was the man, still the man, and always will be the man!

[@daniels9937]

If only we were like this now. God bless the United States of America and God bless every Democrat and Republican. No matter what party we are, we are still AMERICANS, no matter the color, race or gender.

[@AndrewSavageStrenght]

My Dream of Leader and my Dream of Country! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🌟🌠💫

[@johnfoltz8183]

1961 Democrats: this quote. 2019 Democrats: oRaNGe mAn bAD

[@hybridc.8285]

Lmao

[@backseatdriver6566]

More like 1961: This quote 2019: "The ramp was just....was just.... it was like an ice skating rink. So I said GENERAL!" Orange banshee screaming into a microphone

[@joepoop4000]

1962: we choose to go to the moon! 2019: windmills cause cancer

[@Dutch_Engineer_Piff_Dahnk]

@@backseatdriver6566 complaining about nothing as usual

[@felipecortes7055]

1961: this quote 2020 President Trump: CaN wE iNjEcT bLeACh InTo ThE bOdIeS tO sToP cOrOnA?

[@moneymastermind2698]

That’s what a true Patriot is and does.

[@hugoibanez922]

World’s Greatest President, of all time.

[@edwardphillips406]

Never Forget…

[@scottward5473]

Amen

[@brabra2725]

greatest speech ever.

[@rasp1097]

BEST DEMOCRAT OF ALL TIME, iternal flame

[@slapshot68]

He was a Republican

[@Ryan-yd1kq]

JFK: Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Country: Dear citizen can you please wear a facemask to save thousands of American lives and the economy? Citizen: lol no

[@racingfootball]

I AGREE, he is a long cousin from Ireland of mine, HONESTLY

[@thomasrocco1402]

Ask not......... that would be considered hate speech today. A more appropriate version for today would be---- what could my country do for me!!

[@sunsetblue1759]

+Thomas Rocco - so you support the idea that the nation is more important than individual sensibilities ? Does that mean you support repealing the second amendment ?

[@thomasrocco1402]

+Sunset Blue. Maybe I wasn't clear enough that I am disgusted that this would be considered hate speech and it's a shame that people have an attitude of "what can my country do for me". My post was geared more towards a smear at the entitlement mentality. I absolutely would not be in favor of repealing the 2nd amendment. King Barry has it ass backwards. He pardons felony gun offenders while wanting take individual liberties away from people who follow the law. If I was unclear, my apologies. But if you did understand what I was saying and are turning this into an anti second amendment agenda then you are dead wrong.

[@DiggerWhoops]

I wish men still wore top hats to such occasions!

[@ooffactor]

we could use this right about now.

[@MoneyMan8900]

Even though JFK and Obama are(were) both democrats, I find some big differences between the two.

[@carI_1]

No matter if your Republican or Democrat, there will be similiarites, but more importantly differences between every president.

[@jeromewade4110]

REALLY?

[@aarontheperson6867]

Back when democrats where good :|

[@MrSleepy677]

Agree and I think when they're more of a centrist in my opinion.

[@Dab74442]

Democrats may have been more socially conservative but they were much more interventionist when it comes to the economy.

[@boner638]

back when Americans were good

[@ertm.2722]

Why do we bring up when we were good or bad, when we should think about what we will do in the future?

[@stevencollins7186]

Probably they will be dead if the these good people come back.

[@daepa7800]

Just wish JFK is here in this time.......

[@m1992seishun]

This speech gives me chills 🥶

[@happy-us9mh]

Nah Ho Chi Minh was the first person to say this "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

[@Elijah-YHVHIsMyGod]

I Salute you President Kennedy

[@Mexicutioner0516]

Back when presidents had dignity, respect, and professionalism.

[@Magd-Akarsu]

The best president of USA.

[@hugoibanez922]

For the greater good… of all mankind.

[@ryanweaver962]

Has anyone ever considered what the let down from world war 2 must have been like for those who served in it? The highway systems, the huge intelligence infrastructure... imagine hyper diligence seeking issues to solve... I was not alive then, but there are certainly overlaps of needs of over control addictions. Helping our world helps us help ourselves and beyond. It's very workable, but we must be brave enough to see it.

[@FakeNews69]

Answer the question!!!

[@abdulgwary7437]

Miss America

[@howardgofstein7366]

Where is that podium today?

[@adaire451]

The only problem I have with this: a democracy is based on the government being held accountable to citizens. If this is the case, shouldn't the citizens still be asking what the government should be doing for them? While I respect JFK and all, this was still a statement that kind of goes against the very fundamental of what a democracy is based on in my opinion. Perhaps an indication to how much things would deteriorate in later years? It's an interesting thought I think.

[@henryolsen6248]

adaire451 he was talking about our country. BTW, a government protects people rig Jr s and keeps them safe. In order for society and the country to be run, we have to help it. It should not help you.

[@adaire451]

Except, this goes against what a democracy is about. The very definition of democracy comes from the government being held accountable to it's citizens. This is why there are elections, so that the government has to please the majority of its members. Examples of countries that do not help its citizens: North Korea, Cuba, etc. They expect its citizens to help the country through a totalitarian regime. This is why I raise this question, because I really think this speech was an indication of the direction the states started to head and why so many people are wondering what happened.

[@henryolsen6248]

adaire451 A social contract: an actual or hypothetical agreement among the members of an organized society or between a community and its ruler that defines and limits the rights and duties of each So, the government protects the rights of the people and defends them. The people, give up some freedom for the protection. To make a society function, people need to work. What JFK is saying is that we should not expect other people to work for us, but to work to benefit society. And when you benefit society, you benefit yourself. We all help others, but we still have to contribute. That is what JFK was saying. This isn't about government, this is about society. Capitalism.

[@adaire451]

The thing is, everything intertwines. Government is a part of society; therefore, this is about government in a sense that, for everything to work and not become an anarchy, a form of governance is established. In a capitalist society, people need to work to make money to survive. This doesn't happen if chaos ensues as crime becomes more beneficial to the individual in such circumstances; therefore, again, government is established. It's interesting how you mention social contract theory. This theory is arguably anti-democratic. If individuals are forced to give up freedoms, then the government becomes less and less accountable to its citizens as the government is granted more power. With more power comes the ability to control its citizens which then can affect the very basic idea of democracy: the election polls. There is an old prison style called the panopticon. This prison has the guard sitting at the centre of the prison with the ability to see all of the inmates. The inmates, through one-way glass or another means, cannot see the guard. Therefore, the inmates don't know if and when they are being watched. This in turn affects their behaviour. The same can be said for how society works. If we give up our freedoms (and privacy is a big one), we give up our willingness to be free and, thus, giving up the entire reason for even having a charter of rights in the first place.

[@henryolsen6248]

adaire451 The government only sets up limitations of what the corporations can do. Thus, the people run it. Thus, we need to work. Thus, don't expect others to work for you. THAT'S WHAT HE IS SAYING. DO YOUR OWN WORK!!!!!! And the freedoms people give up, are bad freedoms. The freedom to kill and steal without punishment. The freedom to destroy your body. The freedom to do bad things. Those are the freedoms you give up. And your last paragraph is too true. But. if you do not know if you are being watched, then you would act normally. The only way you would act differently is when you were told someone is watching you.

[@lizbethurrutia6933]

My favorite President is JFK

[@betsyw4943]

0:51 What I can do for my country? I'm asking this a lot lately. Voting. Volunteering. Pursuing a meaningful career. Supporting people in my community targeted and scapegoated by hateful laws (in Florida.......). Finding the strength to stay engaged with the world and stay hopeful.

[@NIZAR-i8l]

Jhon .f .kennedy such a great true genuine u .s president in 20th centure.

[@apexlifeismine100]

When he says,"riding the back of the tiger" to gain power ... A friend of mine felt that and wrote a book about it. My friends name is Sir Claude Balls 😂

[@bluekunt]

Why did I get an ad of this.

[@liliannakifflin6343]

58 years later... people still don't know the truth that this was LBJ and Hoover's doing for getting rid of our beloved JFK and the rest of his dear Kennedy's. 😢

[@siriguillo]

For super earth!!!

[@dreamepiphany9093]

"Ask not what your country can do for you." Why not? We do everything for a reward. No reward, no work.

[@charismabros5352]

0:35 the best part!

[@dakotajordan9328]

Many presidents have called me a fellow American.

[@vikramo6994]

Bro if Kennedy was saw this today, nearly a 60 years after his inauguration. Seeing the madness of Capital hill,

[@oldbirbman]

JFK and Abraham Lincoln are our most open minded presidents Both literally and metaphorically

[@sunergun4578]

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 endeavour 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 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. god hate jew.

[@MORE4SP]

JFK is my hero! 😍 I am just so ebullient and scrumptious right now!

[@ErikSWE]

"Ask not what what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" As long as taxation is a thing "What the country can do for me" is a much more relevant question than "What *else* I can do for my country".