Dear CCI Friends,
In solidarity with peace activists throughout the United States on the anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, CCI is posting the complete content of his commencement address given at American University in June, 1963. His words that day have become an enduring inspiration to those who engage in the work for peace between our country and Russia. It is a powerful message from the past and, perhaps, an even more relevant message to our world today.
In peace and solidarity,
The Center for Citizen Initiatives
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
JUNE 10, 1963
President John F. Kennedy
Washington, D.C.
June 10, 1963
President Anderson, members of the faculty, board of trustees, distinguished guests, my old colleague, Senator Bob Byrd, who has earned his degree through many years of attending night law school, while I am earning mine in the next 30 minutes, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
It is with great pride that I participate in this ceremony of the American University, sponsored by the Methodist Church, founded by Bishop John Fletcher Hurst, and first opened by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. This is a young and growing university, but it has already fulfilled Bishop Hurst’s enlightened hope for the study of history and public affairs in a city devoted to the making of history and the conduct of the public’s business. By sponsoring this institution of higher learning for all who wish to learn, whatever their color or their creed, the Methodists of this area and the Nation deserve the Nation’s thanks, and I commend all those who are today graduating.
Professor Woodrow Wilson once said that every man sent out from a university should be a man of his nation as well as a man of his time, and I am confident that the men and women who carry the honor of graduating from this institution will continue to give from their lives, from their talents, a high measure of public service and public support.