Important Words
A few weeks ago I wrote a short essay recalling the Inaguration of John F. Kennedy, which I watched on black and white television at the age of eight. When I wrote the piece I was amazed at how many lines from the speech I could recall from memory over the span of 56 years. (see: The Inaguration of JFK, 1/18/17). I realized that I remembered those lines not just because younger brains have better memory function than older ones, but because of the words themselves. They were eloquent, it’s true. But they were also IMPORTANT. They made a difference: They pointed a direction for our great nation to follow. They made a commitment to the cause of liberty. They spoke of commonality of purpose and the community of our citizens. And they affirmed the role of our Creator in being our guide and our inspiration.
Having been to the Inaguration of America’s Forty Fifth President, I was privileged to hear Mr. Trump’s Presidential Address in person. And, once again, I was thrilled to hear our President’s words.
Like Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Trump’s words pointed a direction for America:
JFK: “Let the word go forth to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed…”
DJT: “We are not merely transferring power from one party to another, but we are transfering power from Washington and giving it back to you, the people.”
Like Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Trump’s words spoke of community and inclusivity:
JFK: “We are a new generation of Americans, born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace…”
DJT: “The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no more.”
And, “When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.” And, referring to the less fortunate, “Their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams. We share one heart, one home and one glorious destiny. The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.”
Like Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Trump’s words spoke of commitment in the face of our adversaries:
JFK: “We will pay any price, bear any burden, support any friend, apposition any foe, to ensure the survival of liberty.”
DJT: “We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones, and unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate from the face of the earth.”
Like Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Trump’s words spoke of working together for the common good:
JFK: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”
DJT: “No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America.”
Like Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Trump’s words affirmed the role of our Creator in America’s destiny:
JFK: “The rights of our citizens come not from a generous government, but from God.”
DJT: “Whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the wind-swept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator.”
Beautiful words indeed. Important words. Inspiring words. I was privileged to hear them in person. And America is privileged to now have Mr. Trump at its helm.