A young preacher's cause was just gaining traction against a land segregated not only by custom but by law.Īnd yet in that volatile tinderbox of a time, President Kennedy led with a steady hand, diffusing the most perilous moment of the cold war without firing a single shot and forcing the rights of young black men and women to study at the university of their choice. Large swaths of the country knew poverty far deeper and more widespread than we see today. He entered the Oval Office at just 43, only a few years after Khrushchev had threatened to bury America. I have to imagine it would give them great pride to see a new generation of Kennedys, like Joe, carving their own proud paths in public service.įor whatever reasons I receive this award, whatever the scale, the challenges that we overcame, and the scope of progress we made over my presidency, it is worth pointing out that in many ways the times that President Kennedy confronted were far more perilous than the ones that we confront today. I can see truthfully that the example of Jack and Bobby Kennedy helped guide me into politics and that the guidance of Teddy Kennedy made me a better public servant once I arrived in Washington.
The responsibility that each of us have to play a part in our nation's destiny, and by virtue of being Americans, play a part in the destiny of the world. The belief that America's promise might embrace those who had once been locked out or left behind and that opportunity and dignity would no longer be restricted to the few but extended to the many. The notion that our problems, while significant, are never insurmountable. The idea that politics in fact could be a noble and worthwhile pursuit. To those of us of a certain age, the Kennedys symbolized a set of values and attitudes about civic life that made it such an attractive calling. Kennedy etched into the character and hearts of America. My life in many ways would not have been possible without the vision that John F. But it is true that I'm at the age, at that turn in the road, where one looks back as well as forward to remember one - where one has been, so it's better to chart where one is going.Īnd one thing I'm certain is that I was lucky to be born into that new frontier, a new world, and a new generation of Americans. Moreover, I expect to be busy if not with a second career then at least a second act. Now, I hadn't seen this quote when I wrote my first memoir at 33. "It has been suggested," he said, "that whether I serve one or two terms in the presidency, I will find myself at the end of that period at what might be called the awkward age, too old to begin a career and too young to write my memoirs." And he remarked on that possibility once. Had he lived to finish two terms, he would have been just 51. I was born the year he took office, which makes me 55 years old. How fitting that we gather here this month, the 100th anniversary of President Kennedy's birth. I'm also grateful that, unlike the Nobel Prize Committee, you waited until I was out of office. I could not be more grateful to the Profile in Courage Award Committee for this honor. And to all the members of the Kennedy family that are here tonight, thank you.
That's what this family has done for America. So I am humbled by this evening and to be honored by a family that has given this country so much, a family that's challenged us to ask what we can do for our country, to dream and say why not, a secret cause that endures and to sail against the wind in its pursuit. And I do believe that it was America's great good fortune to have her as first lady. But once her official duties were over, it wasn't clear. I also want to thank Michelle Obama for after the presidency sticking with me because I think she felt an obligation to the country to stay on. It is wonderful - it is wonderful to see Senator Markey and Senator Warren my dear friend and former governor, Deval Patrick, and his lovely wife Diane governors and members of Congress Cardinal O'Malley one of the finest secretary of states ever to represent America around the world, John Kerry, and Theresa and the best vice president this country has ever known, Mr. He has rendered public service again and again and again. He also rendered outstanding service to my administration when we were dealing with the BP oil spill, 9/11.
Kennedy Library Foundation these past 12 years. I want to thank Ken Feinberg for his service as chairman of the John F. I sure was proud, and I'm grateful for your friendship. I also want to thank you and Rose and Tatiana and your dad for sharing Caroline with us the past few years as America's ambassador to Japan.Ĭaroline, you, true to form, did your country proud, and I'm sure your father and mom would have been proudest of all. Well, first of all, thank you so much, Jack, for that really kind introduction.