"Dedication"

The Poet, the President, and the Power of the American Spirit

“Libraries are memories and in this library you will have the memory of an extraordinary American, but more than that, really, an extraordinary human being; and also you will have the future,” President Kennedy noted at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Robert Frost Library at Amherst College on October 26, 1963. 

Echoing the “poetry and power” Robert Frost planned to deliver in an original poem titled “Dedication" at John F. Kennedy's inauguration, the President’s 1963 remarks upon receiving an honorary degree returned to the spirit that informs power as the foundation for an extraordinary American culture:

"When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment."

President John F. Kennedy

“Dedication” is on my mind this election season and especially tonight. As a “new normal” has faded into the ongoing exhaustion and uncertainty of 2020 challenges, I continue to center myself in the “New Frontier” spirit that defined John F. Kennedy's vision for people to come together toward the future. More importantly, I have thought about you—emerging leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, elected officials, public servants, innovators, educators, parents, and colleagues—people stepping up to meet the challenges before us with commitment and courage to make a difference.

After the Election: What Comes Next?

President Kennedy's Reminders of Where to Find the American Spirit

“Courage—judgment—integrity—dedication—these are the historic qualities” that determine our success or failure, President-elect Kennedy declared in the “City Upon a Hill” speech to the Massachusetts General Court before leaving for Washington in January 1961. Later that month in his Inaugural Address he returned to that dedication needed from all of us as democratic citizens:

"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."

President John F. Kennedy

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation exists to preserve and promote this extraordinary American spirit, not only looking back to history, not only contained in a building, but also lighting a way for the future through people living into that spirit and choosing it as their own. I am grateful tonight that so many of you have risen to show me how to serve and how to come together through crisis, challenge, and uncertainty this year through your own lives.

Whatever the election results tonight or in the next days, our country needs people like you dedicated to renewing that spirit in the coming decade. With courage and confidence, may we continue tonight and in the coming days to affirm the American spirit that will guide us forward.

With all my gratitude,

James Jenkins | John F. Kennedy Library Foundation | www.jfklibrary.org