Title: JFK's City Upon a Hill Speech, January 9, 1961

" Welcome to the John F Kennedy presidential speech series. On January ninth 1961. President elect John F Kennedy. Return to his native Massachusetts who appeared before the state religiously tour to make his final formal public address. Before assuming the office of president of the United States. His speech was brief. Graceful and in places eloquent. And it evoked the New England tradition as a basis tried by history -- true for success in US leadership. Coaching John Winthrop one of the early pilgrims Kennedy said we must always consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. In the speech which would later become known as a city upon a hill speech. Kennedy paid tribute to the early role Massachusetts played creating a republic. He thanked the citizens of Massachusetts for a lifetime of friendship and trust. And he laid out before essential qualities that he hoped would characterize his government courage. Judgment integrity and dedication. -- all they. They -- Johnson."

" President powers. Lieutenant governor of law -- of the general caught. Constitutional officers have -- clergy ladies and gentlemen I have welcome this opportunity. To address this historic body. And through you the people of Massachusetts to whom I am so deeply indebted. For a lifetime of friendship and trust for fourteen years. I placed my confidence in these citizens of Massachusetts and they had generously responded. By placing their confidence in the now on the Friday after next I am to assume new and broader responsibilities. But I am not here to bid farewell to Massachusetts for 43 years. Whether I lost in London or in Washington or in the South Pacific. Our house later this has been my home and god willing wherever I share this shall remain my home."

" Okay."

" It was here that my grandparents were Vaughn. It is here I hope that my grandchildren will be wrong. I speak neither from falls provincial pride. No our whole political flattery. For no man about to end their high office in this country. Can never be on mindful of the contributions which this state has made -- on national greatness. Its leaders have -- died yesterday long before the great republic which belong. It's principals have guided our footsteps in times of crisis as well as in times of com. It's democratic institutions including this historic -- Have served as he -- lights for other nations as well as all ross' sister states. Collect her please say had to get the unions has long been true love this commonwealth. We do not imitate. Foley RA model to others. And so it is that I carry with me from this state. Through that high and -- only office to which I now succeed more than on them raised -- friendships. The enduring quality of Massachusetts the common thread woven by the pilgrim and the care. The fishermen in the pharma they Yankee -- immigrant. Will not be and could not be forgotten in this nation's executive mansion. They are an indelible part of my life my convictions my view of the past and my hopes for the future. Allow me to illustrate. During a -- sixty days I have been at the task of constructing an administration. It has been a long and deliberate process some have counseled greatest speed. Others have counseled more expedient test. But I had been guided by the standard. John Winthrop set before shipmates on the flagship Arab -- 331 years ago. As -- to face the task of building a new government. On a perilous front -- We must always consider you said that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. Today the eyes of all people I truly upon us and our governments in every branch at every level. National state and local must be as a city upon a -- constructed and inhabit. By man aware of their great trust and their grave responsibilities. While we are setting out on -- voyage in 1961. No less hazardous than that undertaken by the Arab -- in 1630. We are committing ourselves to tasks of state craft no less awesome. And that governing the Massachusetts bay colony. Be sedated laws by -- without and it's -- within. History will not judge our endeavors and a government cannot be selective. Merely on the basis of color or creed or body affiliation. Neither will competence and loyal and stacks. Well essential to the utmost suffice in times such as these. For those to whom much is given much is required. And win at some future date. The high caloric history sits in judgment on each one of us. Recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfill our responsibilities to the state. Our success or failure. In whatever office we may hope will be measured by the answers to four questions first. Where we truly men of courage. With the courage to stand up to one's enemies. And the courage to stand up when necessary to one's own associates the courage to resist public pressure. As well as private greed. Secondly will we truly men of judgment. With perceptive judgment of the future. As well -- the past of our own mistakes. As well as the mistakes of others whether -- not wisdom to know what we did not know. And enough -- to admit it. Third when we truly men of integrity man who never ran out. On either the principles in which they believe all the people who believed in -- Man whom neither financial gain not political ambition. Could have a divert from the fulfillment of our sacred trust. Finally where we truly -- of dedication. With a no -- luggage to -- no single individual or group. And compromised by no private obligation or aim. But devoted solely to serving the public good. And the national interest courage judgment integrity dedication. These out historic qualities of the bay colony and of that they state the qualities which this day. Have consistently sent to this chamber here in beacon -- lost and a Capitol Hill back in Washington. And these are the qualities. -- with God's help. This on a Massachusetts. Hopes will characterize our government conduct in the four stormy years that lie ahead. -- I ask kids -- up and down undertaking. But away heaven on earth is really where by man. I ask for your help and your prayers as I embark on this new and solemn journey"