Speech
Inaugural Address
President Kennedy's inaugural address, delivered at the Capitol on January 20, 1961. It is remembered for its pledge to "pay any price, bear any burden" in the defense of liberty and for its call to service.
The recording
Video from CBS, the original recording. Open on YouTube. Published text (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum).
Quotes, in order
These passages are quoted from the official published text, word for word. Each links to that text.
Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage
Verified sourceInaugural Address · Watch at 2:43 · John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
2:43 of 15:11
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
Verified sourceInaugural Address · Watch at 3:36 · John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
3:36 of 15:11
So let us begin anew—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.
Verified sourceInaugural Address · Watch at 8:54 · John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
8:54 of 15:11
Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.
Verified sourceInaugural Address · Watch at 9:09 · John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
9:09 of 15:11
Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.
Verified sourceInaugural Address · Watch at 10:04 · John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
10:04 of 15:11
All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.
Verified sourceInaugural Address · Watch at 10:59 · John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
10:59 of 15:11
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.
Verified sourceInaugural Address · Watch at 13:03 · John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
13:03 of 15:11
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.
Verified sourceInaugural Address · Watch at 13:52 · John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
13:52 of 15:11
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.
Verified sourceInaugural Address · Watch at 14:09 · John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
14:09 of 15:11
Text from the Kennedy Library's official publication. The recording is CBS's broadcast; we link to and embed it from the publisher's channel and quote short excerpts.