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Kennedys Mark 50th Anniversary Of JFK Inauguration

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President John F. Kennedy delivers his historic inaugural speech, January 20, 1961. (AP Photo)

President John F. Kennedy delivers his historic inaugural speech, January 20, 1961. (AP Photo)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy took the oath of office and called for a fresh start with a reminder that “civility is not a sign of weakness” and his famous request to “ask what you can do for your country.”

Watch: Kennedy Inaugural Address

On Thursday, Caroline Kennedy will gather members of her father’s administration, civil rights activists, astronaut Buzz Aldrin and others to celebrate the 35th president’s legacy. She and Jimmy Fallon also plan to talk about a new public service campaign aimed at youth.

In Washington, the Kennedy Center will host three weeks of performances recreating moments from the Kennedy White House.

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs Thursday night, along with Morgan Freeman, the American Ballet Theatre and the National Symphony Orchestra for an audience that will include about 100 Kennedy family members.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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  • Cynic

    Fifty Years….It seems like only yesterday.

  • Ellen

    So what, Going to make this a big deal, so why not other Presidents Inaugural speeches.

    • Cynic

      Ellen…It may have something to do with the quality of the speach. MLK’s “I have a dream”, and Lincolns “Four Score and seven years ago” were speaches,but not all speachs are “Four Score And Seven Years ago” or ” I Have A Dream”.. Is there anyone that doesn’t remember ‘Ask Not” ?

      • jaygee

        Lincoln and MLK wrote their speeches, JFK didn’t!

  • Ellen

    Cynic. I don’t care. Getting sick of all the Kennedy worship in this state.

  • jaygee

    John Kennedy was president for two years and yet only the few good things he actually accomplished are mentioned. What is somehow forgotten is the Bay of Pigs disaster, Vietnam, very little done with regard to civil rights in the south and a bevy of affairs with women, other than his wife. One of these women was either the present or former gal-pal of a Detroit mobster. Camelot……I don’t think so.

    • Cynic

      jaygee…I could never understand the Camelot reference…… If I remember the story of Camelot correctly it was one on betrayal. Lancelot doing Gwen when Arthurs back was turned….Well maybe there is a connection….

  • Cynic

    We have nothing to fear but fear itself…..I have a dearm….Four score and seven years ago……Ask not what your Country can do for you….I Am Not A Crook….Unforgetable Speachs all

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