From Inaugural Address by President John F. Kennedy
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each
generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to
service surround the globe.
Now the trumpet summons us again-not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need not as a call to battle, though embattled we are—but a
call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"-a struggle against the common
enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all
mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not
shrink from this responsibility—l welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.
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.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask
of you. 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.
2.
Select all the correct answers.
Which two statements best describe the purpose of the passage?
The purpose of the passage is to inspire Americans to be selfless in their service to the nation and
the world.
The purpose of the passage is to invoke all Americans to fight against poverty, disease, and war, for
the betterment of mankind.
The purpose of the passage is to let the world know that the American soldiers have fought bravely
in the war.
The purpose of the passage is to let people know that weapons are needed, but they need not
simply be used in battle.
The purpose of the passage is to inform Americans about the nation's rich, historic past.
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