U. S. Army Signal Corps photograph in the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, Boston

“We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom.”

On January 20, 1961, I was in seventh grade, watching John F. Kennedy deliver his inaugural address. I could not have known then that I was witnessing a moment in history, with words that would inspire generations to come.

As Thurston Clarke recounts in his book Ask Not—a book I’ve returned to many times—Kennedy understood that the occasion was an opportunity to remind Americans of something greater than themselves.

Kennedy had just won one of the closest presidential elections in American history. Yet his first message—much like Lincoln’s second inaugural—was not about Democrats or Republicans. It was about America.

He spoke of responsibility and the obligations that come with freedom: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

He spoke of civility, even toward America’s adversaries, reminding both sides that “civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.” He followed with an equally important principle: “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”

Kennedy understood that civility and strength were not mutually exclusive. One could disagree without being disagreeable, negotiate without surrendering principle, and treat an adversary with respect without abandoning one’s convictions. Civility was not simply a matter of good manners. It was an essential part of responsible leadership.

Sixty-five years later, Kennedy’s words seem particularly relevant, not because America was a better country then. In many respects, it wasn’t. But Kennedy understood something that too many Americans appear willing to forget:

Patriotism isn’t simply a matter of loving America. It requires the character, commitment, and courage to stand up for the principles upon which this nation was founded, especially when doing so means standing against our own party.

Kennedy understood that the nation’s strength depended not only on what Americans believed, but on their willingness to work together despite their differences.

“United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.”

And he concluded with a reminder that the responsibility for America’s future rests not with providence, but with us:

“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.”