As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John F. Kennedy
It seems appropriate this week to pause and remember with gratitude one of our nation's leaders: John F. Kennedy. One of the things I admire most about JFK was his imperfection. He had flaws, and as time has passed we've all become more aware of those blemishes. But that didn't mean his life couldn't still be used for good. He left us with a legacy of vision and leadership, in spite of his imperfections.
Following are a few JFK quotes that demonstrate why this week, I am thankful for his leadership and his legacy.
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."
"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men."
"A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people."
"A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on."
"Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies. Those whom God has so joined together, let no man put asunder."
"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others."
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."
"Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction."
"This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor."
"We shall be judged more by what we do at home than what we preach abroad."
"We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills; because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win ...It is for these reasons that I regard the decision last year to shift our efforts in space from low to high gear as among the most important decisions that will be made during my incumbency in the office of the Presidency."
"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."