President John F. Kennedy's iconic inaugural address

"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." John F Kennedy 1961 Inaugural Address- Great Speeches

JFK 50 Years

Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy inspired people throughout the world to rise to the challenges of their era and to achieve in ways never before dreamed possible. Today, a new generation has the opportunity to embrace President Kennedy's ideals and to take on the challenges of the next fifty years.

The new film "Let the Word Go Forth" is a re-creation of President John F. Kennedy's iconic inaugural address through many voices. Learn more about the people reciting the speech here.

JFK50 is a year-long celebration of the Kennedy presidency convened under the collaborative leadership of the JFK Presidential Library, Harvard Kennedy School, the Institute of Politics, the Kennedy Center and members of the Kennedy family. Explore this web site to experience JFK50 through stories, films, news and more.

Join us in carrying JFK's ideals and inspiration into the future.
Ask what you can do....

U.S. President John F. Kennedy delivers his inaugural address after taking the oath of office at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. in this Jan. 20, 1961 AP Photo