A Profile in Courage: President John F Kennedy - Birthday: May 29, 2009

I always remember this date, as I do the first moon landing, July 20, 1969. But, I've always wondered why JFK's birthday is never remembered? And most of the time its never, even, mentioned.

John F. Kennedy inspired many Americans in all walks of life, and, in, one way or another, continues to inspire. He is the founder of the Peace Corp, the author of "Profiles In Courage," where he talks about acts of bravery and integrity by eight United States Senators from throughout the Senate's history.

*Those eight Senators are:

1. John Quincy Adams a Senator (1803-1808) (later a congressman and president) from Massachusetts, for breaking away from the Federalist Party.

2. Daniel Webster also from Massachusetts, for speaking in favor of the Compromise of 1850. 

3. Thomas Hart Benton from Missouri, for staying in the Democratic Party despite his opposition to the extension of slavery in the territories.

4. Sam Houston from Texas, for speaking against the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. Sam Houston was also profiled for opposing Texas' secession from the Union, for which he was deposed from the office of Governor.

5. Edmund G. Ross from Kansas, for voting for acquittal in the Andrew Johnson impeachment trial. As a result of Ross's vote, along with those of six other Republicans, Johnson's presidency was saved, and the stature of the office was preserved. 

6. Lucius Lamar from Mississippi, for eulogizing Charles Sumner on the Senate Floor and other efforts to mend ties between the North and South during Reconstruction, and for his principled opposition to the Bland-Allison Act to permit free coinage of silver.

7. George Norris from Nebraska, for opposing Joseph Gurney Cannon's autocratic power as Speaker of the House, for speaking out against arming U.S. merchant ships during the United States' neutral period in World War I, and for supporting the Presidential Campaign of Democrat Al Smith.

8. Robert A. Taft from Ohio, for criticizing the Nuremberg Trials for trying Nazi war criminals under what Taft considered ex post facto laws.

The Kennedy (Memorial) Half Dollar was first minted in 1964

(1964, is the only year the coin was minted for general circulation in 90% silver, 1965 - 1970, in 40% silver, and beginning in 1971, in copper-nickel.)

Yes, the half dollar is nice, but, it doesn't circulate. I've always wondered why no National holiday, or, recognition-day?

It was John F. Kennedy who reminded Americans the torch was being passed from one generation to another. He was our first President born in the 20th Century, the youngest ever elected at age 43. He called on a new generation of Americans to serve their country in these immortal words; “...ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” It was a little over 48 years ago those words were spoken and they hold truth to this very day. Stand up for change!

Happy Birthday President Kennedy on your 92nd. I will always remember you...

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Bibliography:

* information supplied by Wikipedia http://www.wikipedia.com

(1) All the pictures, and  picture captions are from: http://www.historyplace.com

There are many more pictures and stories about JFK at the above link.

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Inaugural Address - Full Text - http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/jfk-inaug.htm