Let both sides seek to invoke

the wonders of science

instead of its terrors.

Together let us explore the stars,

conquer the deserts,

eradicate disease,

tap the ocean depths,

and encourage the arts and commerce.

Let both sides unite to heed

in all corners of the earth

the command of Isaiah

to "undo the heavy burdens...

...and let the oppressed go free."

And if a beachhead of cooperation

may push back the jungle of suspicion,

let both sides join in creating

a new endeavour,

not a new balance of power,

but a new world of law,

where the strong are just

and the weak secure

and the peace preserved.

All this will not be finished

in the first one hundred days

Nor will it be finished

in the first one thousand days,

nor in the life of this administration,

nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet

But let us begin.

[Applause]

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?

[Shouts of "Yes", Applause]

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,

I welcome it.

[Applause]

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 endeavour

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.

[Applause]

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.

[Applause]

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.

[Applause]