The Greatest Speeches of John F. Kennedy, America’s 35th President

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the thirty-fifth president of the United States, from his inauguration on January 20, 1961 until his tragic assassination on November 22, 1963. A young, charismatic leader, Jack Kennedy is remembered as one of the most skilled orators of the twentieth century.

L.D.C. Fitzgerald, author of JFK conspiracy thriller, SAVING JACKIE K has transcribed JFK’s most memorable speeches, and grouped them by historical topic.

With Fitzgerald’s commentary adding geopolitical context, the speeches tell a riveting tale of the tumultuous era of Kennedy’s 1961-1963 presidency. Through JFK’s written and spoken words, the reader will live (or relive) the momentous events of his time.

Berlin Crisis

Kennedy stands up to Russian Premier Khrushchev, who threatens to invade West Berlin in order to stop citizens of Soviet-occupied East Berlin from fleeing to freedom. Although a battle is averted, the Russians begin construction on the Berlin Wall, which will remain in place for nearly three decades.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

In a covert CIA operation, Cuban exiles are armed, trained, and sent to Cuba in a failed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro’s rule. The Kennedy administration does not officially back the mission.

Cuban Missile Crisis

When the Soviet Union plant missiles in Cuba within range of the US, the world stands on brink of nuclear war. JFK successfully prevents nuclear conflict by implementing a naval blockade of Cuba.

Peace Corps

In 1961, Kennedy establishes the Peace Corps, an American volunteer program formed to promote world peace and friendship. Still in existence today, the Peace Corps has trained over 200,000 volunteers and has nearly 10,000 active members.

Civil Rights

Racial segregation and bigotry run rampant during Kennedy’s term, escalating to horrific bombings and violent attacks against African-Americans, and citizens who promote equality. A proponent of civil rights, JFK strengthens the Civil Rights Commission, and consistently speaks out in favor of desegregation. At the same time, he plans celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Space Race

Kennedy promotes space exploration, and challenges Americans to send a human to the moon and back before the end of the decade. Sadly, Kennedy does not live to see his goal succeed. Kennedy Space Center is named in his honor one week after his untimely death.

Assassination

During his motorcade procession through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, JFK is shot and killed while riding in an open limousine. Lyndon Johnson immediately becomes president, and orders a national day of mourning. LBJ posthumously awards the Medal of Freedom to Kennedy.