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 the trumpet summons 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 long 
twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"--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 not shrink from 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 good conscience 
our 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.