美国同胞们，不要问国家能为你们做些什么、而要问你们能为国家做些什么。

全世界的公民们，不要问美国将为你们做些什么，而要问我们共同能为人类的自由做些什么。

 

---约翰.肯尼迪

 

First Inaugural Address

 

We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom, symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning;signifyingrenewal, as well as change.For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.

 

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of ourcourse. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.

 

Now thetrumpetsummons us again, not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are; but a call to bear the burden of a longtwilightstruggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope; patient intribulation”, a struggle against the common enemies of man:tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.

 

Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind?Will you join in that historic effort?

 

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 notshrinkfrom this responsibility. I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

 

And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.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.

 

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a goodconscienceour only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth, God’s work must truly be our own.