The world at present is witness to the quest for liberty and freedom in a few African and middle eastern nations. We in America sought, found and established those same principals over 200 years ago. It was not easy then and it is not any easier now. The history of change does not happen quickly. America was fortunate to have an elected leader many years ago who understood the march of time and that people, where ever they may live were ingrained with liberty and freedom and would one day break the shackles of tyranny. That leader was John F. Kennedy.
Prior to becoming President, Kennedy was a member of congress. While there he spoke out about the colonial rule in Africa and how the people of Africa should be able to attend to their own affairs. After he became President he was consistent in his speeches and actions in support of nations around the world who wanted to live in freedom. Kennedy knew time would take care of brutal regimes who supressed their people's desire for freedom. The peace corps, one of JFK's early action as President was designed to help people in their quest for a better life.
The President in his inaugural address set the tone when he said: To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom.
To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
In June of 1963 the President went to W. Berlin and made his famous speech before more than a million west berliners according to reporters in Germany. The President knew at that time that communism was not the wave of the future and that the people themselves in W. Berlin and Germany would one day prevail when he told them, there are some who say that Communism is the wave of the future. Let them come to Berlin.
The President continued: While the wall is the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of the Communist system, for all the world to see, we take no satisfaction in it, for it is, as your mayor has said, an offence not only against history but an offense against humanity, separating families, dividing husbands and wives and brothers and sisters, and diving a people who wish to be joined together.
So let me ask you as I close, to lift your eyes beyond the dangers of today, to the hopes of tomorrow, beyond the freedom merely of this city of Berlin, or your country of Germany, to the advance of freedom everywhere, beyond the wall to the day of peace with justice, beyond yourselves and ourselves to all mankind.
When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe.
When that day finally comes, as it will, the people of West Berlin can take sober satisfaction in the fact that they were in the front lines for almost two decades.
The courage and wisdom of President Kennedy concerning freedom and liberty is being played out before our very eyes around the world. He knew going to war was not necessary for liberty and freedom to take hold, yet he led with strength. When it came to freedom and liberty, Kennedy was the eternal optimist and that was over 40 years ago. He was also the most eloquent on the subject. Those regimes of iron tyranny who are feeling the rush of freedom and liberty should remember what Kennedy said, To remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.
It was often said by those who knew Kennedy the best that he always thought about the young children in America and around the world who had no say so or vote on government policies that affect their very own lives. He wanted to make a difference for them. President Kennedy was in office only 35 months before he was gunned down, but his political and moral courage and wisdom will always be with America and the eternal flame that he left will continue to light the way for future Presidents to follow.
