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| Through his words JFK lives on for generations to come. |
President John Fitzgerald Kennedy is a political hero of mine. JFK held the Presidency during one of the most dangerous times in world history, at the height of the Cold War. His greatness as a political leader can be seen by his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
Fifty years ago he gave one of the greatest speeches ever given by a politician. On a sunny morning on 10th June 1963 JFK gave the Commencement Address at the American University.
It has become known as the 'Peace Speech'. President Kennedy called on the Soviet Union to work with the USA to achieve a nuclear test ban treaty. He boldly called for an end to the Cold War.
"I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time."
The Soviet government broadcast a translation of Kennedy's entire speech and allowed it to be reprinted in the controlled Soviet press.
The words and sentiment of Kennedy's beautifully crafted speech speak to our world in 2013 as evocatively as they did five decades ago.
"For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal."
JFK's gifted speechwriter Ted Sorensen never ceased from reminding the world of JFK's eloquence.
"That is why accuracy, not modesty or loyalty, compels me to emphasize once again that John Kennedy was the true author of all his speeches and writings."
Today fifty years on I shall re-read JFK's 'Peace Speech' and listen to a President who continues to inspire.
JFK's Commencement Address video & transcript
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