JFK SPEAKS TO 1000 FOREIGN STUDENTS AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 10, 1961, President John F. Kennedy spoke to about a thousand students representing 73 countries who were attending colleges in the Washington area. The President spoke from a bandstand erected on the South Lawn of the White House.
The President thanked the young men and women for choosing to study in the United States. He predicted that when they returned to their homelands, they would "become among the future leaders" of their countries.
JFK gave examples of previous student visitors who rose to leadership positions: President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Dr. Hastings K. Banda of Nyasaland.
The President said...
"We are an open and free society. All of our strengths...and...weaknesses are on display. Those of us who hold high office...are subject to all of the scrutiny which comes from a free press and a free people..."
SOURCE
"Remarks on the White House Lawn at a Reception for Foreign Students. May 10, 1961," Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, January 20 to December 31, 1961. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, 1962.
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 10, 1961, President John F. Kennedy spoke to about a thousand students representing 73 countries who were attending colleges in the Washington area. The President spoke from a bandstand erected on the South Lawn of the White House.
The President thanked the young men and women for choosing to study in the United States. He predicted that when they returned to their homelands, they would "become among the future leaders" of their countries.
JFK gave examples of previous student visitors who rose to leadership positions: President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Dr. Hastings K. Banda of Nyasaland.
The President said...
"We are an open and free society. All of our strengths...and...weaknesses are on display. Those of us who hold high office...are subject to all of the scrutiny which comes from a free press and a free people..."
SOURCE
"Remarks on the White House Lawn at a Reception for Foreign Students. May 10, 1961," Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, January 20 to December 31, 1961. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, 1962.
JFK at Reception for Foreign Students
May 10 1962
Photo by Abbie Rowe
JFK Presidential Library & Museum Image
