John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Speech

Words: 501
Pages: 3

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country” (“John F. Kennedy,” n.d.). When John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural speech, some say it was and still remains one of the most powerful addresses ever given. President Kennedy had the vision to see that in order for America to be great, Americans had to devote themselves to make it so. He was a servant leader (http://sites.psu.edu/leadership/2013/11/24/john-f-kennedy/) dedicated to bringing positive change for all Americans. President Kennedy was a visionary and ethical leader whose power of influence led a nation through many changes. His inspirational motivation and individualized consideration made him one of the most beloved …show more content…
I had often wondered why she and many others believed this to be true. My research has led me to discovery that President Kennedy moved a nation forward by having the ability to envision opportunity and identify a number of potential issues affecting everyday Americans. One of areas that I found especially interesting was his vision of a fit America. After World War II, physically demanding occupations were being phased out with the introduction of a more mechanized workforce. Americans were getting heavier- especially the youth (“The Federal Government Takes on Physical Fitness,” n.d.). On July 16, 1956 President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration established the President's Council on Youth Fitness with Executive Order 10673, however, his “Laissez-faire” approach (BCEE) led to an unsuccessful implementation of the program President Kennedy had a much different way to incorporate American “buy in” where fitness was concerned. His “Manage by Exception- Active” approach (BCEE) proved successful in moving the program forward. He was an involved leader of the change. President Kennedy’s vision included using influential Americans to join his council and sell the concept of building a healthier America. University of Oklahoma football coach Charles "Bud" Wilkinson was selected as special consultant to the President. He also solicited the assistance of Charles Schulz who took up the subject in his “Peanuts”