Who is famous for saying, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country"?
These were one of the best known and most famous words pronounced by John F. Kennedy. He was sworn in as the 35th US President at noon of the 20th of January, 1961.
In his inaugural address he spoke of the need for all Americans to be active citizens, famously saying, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." He wanted all the nations of our planet to join together to work, develop and fight against what he called the "common enemies of humanity: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself". Kennedy's speech was optimistic, he spoke a lot about the bright and promising future of the country, offering his citizens great hopes.
More Info:
www.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
113 Comments
Robert Haugh
Terri Spurgin Halpern, I think that's the problem. Those of us who were alive at the time, and old enough to realize the worldwide impact of that event, ( I was 21 ) can tell you a lot about it, but I'm told that History is no longer taught in schools the way it was when I was young, so kids today are completely ignorant of such an important, history changing event. It;s all part of the dumbing down of America.It is intentional, It is very real, and it is happening.
76
Jul 2, 2016 9:33PM
Bosskittymogul
How could anyone not know JFK said this?!
29
Jun 21, 2016 3:06AM
Spencer Thomas Hancock III
I was in 5th or 6th grade and they turned the TV on in class and we watched the news updates, everyone was very quiet.
13
Jul 5, 2016 1:27AM
William Laughlin
It may not have been an original idea, but the question asks, " Who is FAMOUS FOR SAYING...". I believe, in this case, JFK is the appropriate answer. If the phrase was someone else's, fine, but the author of the original idea or phrase is not famous for it. JFK brought it to the nation's attention and is noted for the statement. The idea that any president's words are strictly his own is naive. ALL presidents have speech writers. The speaker is free to edit by changing, deleting, or adding content, but to say the words are his own is not always true. It is because he chooses to speak them that they become his and are attributed to the speaker.
11
Jul 7, 2016 8:36PM
Kathryn Juin
I remember this very well. Was also preached to me by my parents. Yes, Dad was in the military service for years. We grew up with repect for our parents and elders.
11
Jul 4, 2016 12:19PM
Nick Delarosa
I came home from school to find my mom crying. I was 8 years old the day JFK was assassinated.
9
Jun 24, 2016 2:56AM
William Laughlin
To say he stole it is a bit harsh. Repeating a good idea is not stealing, it is passing on what is considered a good philosophy. It may not have been an original idea from him, but the question asks, " Who is FAMOUS FOR SAYING...". I believe, in this case, JFK is the appropriate answer. If the phrase was someone else's, fine, but the author of the original idea or phrase is not FAMOUS for it. JFK brought it to the nation's attention and is well noted for the statement. The idea that any president's words are strictly his own is naive. ALL presidents have speech writers. The speaker is free to edit by changing, deleting, or adding content, but to say the words are his own is not always true. It is because he chooses to speak them that they become his and are attributed to the speaker.
9
Jul 7, 2016 8:39PM
Carole Barrios
I never heard these words spoken live nor was born yet when this great president of ours was struck down; but I do know these words were attributed to his inaugural speech. If he indeed heard them from a headmaster and had the power to spread them to a much much wider audience with great impact, his speech has no less a call today to be involved in a solution and not the problem than it was 55 years ago. These simple strong words should be heeded as the wisdom for any age. Step up for your country in times of war and in peace to fight injustice, famine, and disease. Whether you choose to join a military branch or a peace corp, get involved and serve. We are a world of family and there is never enough work to be done to keep us all safe, healthy and fed. Amen JFK. Long may your words be heard!
9
Jul 6, 2016 11:29PM
Tim Coyle
I was a bit younger, but I remember my dad coming home from work early and he was crying. I asked him why and he told me, they had killed his president.
6
Jul 5, 2016 2:05AM
Hermanus
Maybe not everyone here is American.
6
Jul 5, 2016 11:32AM
gypsy rose 24
Nick Delarosa, Yes, l was 6 years old and can remember mom crying when l came home from school
0
Jun 23, 2021 8:27AM
Arthur Wesselman
Myrna Cooksey-Watson, What do you mean, "Modern Democrats missed this statement?" Ste you disparaging JFK's party on the back of his cold-blooded murder? That's pretty classless, but it fits perfectly with someone who would support Donald Trump, as I assume you do.
0
Jul 28, 2020 11:43PM
allen s dohner
I have read that the quote is adapted from an essay by Kahlil Gibran.
1
Dec 31, 2019 1:26PM
sykesginny
I remember it very well,, it was snounced and they sent us all home. It was my Brotherd birthday not a happy time watched everything on TV.
0
Dec 4, 2019 6:30AM
cabooselites
I remember also and it was a day I will never forget. I was in Washington state History in the 9th grade we were sitting down ready to start the days lessons. Ao boy came in late to class. Mr. Mose asked why he was late the boy answered the President was just Assassinated and it put the whole class in turmoil. My teacher said never joke about something like that. The class was very quiet at that point. The speaker for announcements crackled and the Principle spoke to us saying that President John F Kennedy was just killed in Dallas TX, I sat there dumbfounded unable to speak tears welling up in my eyes as was the rest of the class. I hope and Pray to God that I will never have to experience a moment like that ever again. What happened that day was a life changing event. Regardless if Party differences or who was to blame it was a black moment in the History of these United States of America. We as Americans need to guard our freedom because freedom isn't free it is earned by the blood and sacrifice of those willing to pay the price. John F Kennedy went to meet his maker that November day giving back to America his life as the ultimate price.
2
Nov 17, 2019 12:56PM
svlindsey
8th grade when the announcement was made. All the teachers had to report to the office. Remember my teacher coming back crying. She was a strick disciplinarian and told us we had to sit quietly. The principal made the announcement and everyone, even the tough guys, started crying. She told us to be quite. I remember sitting there needing a tissue but afraid to leave my seat or ask for one.
0
Sep 20, 2019 11:27PM
dawn erickson
Best president ever 💙
0
Sep 15, 2019 8:13PM
Denise Wilson
Wow, you and your classmates must have been sad not to see her again or help console her!!!!! catstar,
0
Sep 1, 2019 4:04PM
andrew anna
I got it right.I read it somewhere.
0
Aug 3, 2019 9:55PM
catstar
I was in 2nd grade when he was assassinated. My teacher was the wife of the secret service agent that was also shot. We never saw her again after they called her to the office.
1
Jul 28, 2019 12:40AM
Marianne Frederick Halterman
I was in 9th grade when the President was assassinated. I will never ever forget where I was, when this occurred. I don't think people understand (today) how far we have come--good and bad...it seems the ills in society have grown exponentially...along with achievements...?
2
Jul 13, 2019 6:07AM
Todd Van Dell
JFK became president 7 days before I was born.
0
Jun 17, 2019 8:04PM
Carol Focht Cheney
Robert Haugh, You are correct. They are whitewashing the history books. They aren't teaching the bad parts like slavery and The Civil War and how the Native Americans were treated. Anything that is considered offensive to one group or another is removed and covered up and not taught.
4
Jun 13, 2019 10:29PM
Myrna Cooksey-Watson
Modern Democrats missed this statement.
4
Jun 11, 2019 1:25PM
Joanne Serin
I was in 7th grade, so grateful for such a wonderful, caring President.
1
Jun 8, 2019 10:06PM
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