Inaugural Address Notes

Key Themes:

• Transition of Power
• Commitment to Freedom
• Global Cooperation
• Call to Service
• Peace and Progress

Introduction

• Acknowledgment of dignitaries: Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy.
• Emphasis on the celebration of freedom.
• The speech marks both an end and a beginning, a renewal and a change.
• Reference to oath of office and commitment to uphold beliefs of forebears.

The World Stage

• The world has changed; man holds power to abolish poverty and life.
• Revolutionary beliefs about human rights still contested globally.
• Rights of man derived from God, not state generosity.

Generational Responsibility

• A new generation of Americans inherits the torch.
• Commitment to human rights domestically and internationally.
• Assurance to pay any price to ensure liberty's success.

Diplomatic Pledges

• Old Allies: Pledge loyalty and friendship in united efforts.
• New States: Promise not to replace colonial control with tyranny. Support for freedom.
• Developing Nations: Efforts to help them break mass misery bonds, not influenced by communism or votes but because it's right.
• Sister Republics of the Americas: Pledge to turn good words into actions, oppose aggression, maintain regional autonomy.

United Nations & Peace

• Renewed support for the UN as a peace instrument.
• Call to prevent the UN from becoming just a forum for invective.
• Emphasis on strengthening and expanding UN influence.

Adversaries & Arms Reduction

• Offer to adversaries to pursue peace anew.
• Warning against the dark powers of destruction, science-driven self-destruction.
• Importance of sufficient arms for deterrence.
• Urge for reduction of armament, control of destructive power.

Cooperation for Progress

• Proposing a new global law order, not a new balance of power.
• Call for joint scientific and social efforts (exploration, disease eradication, etc.).
• Encouragement for both sides to embrace cooperation over division.

Call to Action

• Acknowledgement of the long-term nature of these goals.
• Summoning citizens to a struggle against tyranny, poverty, disease, and war.
• Emphasis on collective effort to forge a global alliance for a better future.
• Historical perspective: the responsibility and opportunity of defending freedom.

Famous Call

• "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
• Appeal to citizens of the world for joint action for freedom.
• High standards of strength and sacrifice required from everyone.

Conclusion

• Call for God's blessing and help, but recognition of human responsibility in enacting change.