January 20, 1961First published in Contemporary Haibun Online 15:3, October 2019. Originally written in
August 2013. See also “Historical Haibun.”
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.
Main Street—
a candle’s flame
from hand to hand
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