This reading selection is taken from John F. Kennedy's inspiring inaugural address which called on Americans to "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.
   It was a bitterly cold January day in 1961 when JFK delivered the speech.  President Kennedy, following the principle put forth by President Truman many years earlier, declares that the U.S. will "pay any price" and "bear any burden" to protect free nations and liberty.
   But Kennedy also used the occasion to warn of the increasing danger of nuclear war, and urged the nations of the world to devote their energies to more useful goals.
   The crowd gathered to see him sworn into office was thrilled as he spoke of a new summons "to a struggle against the common enemies of man:  tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself."

John F. Kennedy, elected president in 1960.  Although his life was cut short by an assassin in 1963, the sense of idealism he inspired still lives on today in the work of countless citizens and political leaders.

   President Kennedy warns that the Cold War has left the world in a dangerous balance between two groups of nations.  He means, of course, the free world and the communist world.  Both groups of nations possess nuclear weapons, and only an "uncertain balance of terror" holds back the threat of a new - and final - war of destruction.
   Kennedy says that America cannot risk cutting back its weapons or appearing weak.  But he calls for both sides to seek peace, before a deliberate or accidental use of atomic weapons destroys mankind.

  The president urges the nations of the world to turn their energies to new purposes.  He declares, "let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce."  He cites the Biblical command, to "undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free."
   He calls on Americans to bring a new sense of devotion to the fight against poverty, disease, and even war itself.  A high point of his speech is the famous line, "And so, my fellow Americans:  ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."