JFK DELIVERS HIS FIRST STATE OF THE UNION MESSAGE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 30, 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered his first annual message to the Congress of the United States on the "State of the Union.*"
The President began with these words...
"It was here...that I gained both knowledge and inspiration from members of both parties in both Houses...including the programs of two great presidents (Truman & Eisenhower)."
The President then painted a somber economic picture...
"I speak today in an hour of...peril and...opportunity. The present state of the economy is disturbing...bankruptcies have reached their highest level since the Great Depression...farm income is down by 25%....insured unemployment (is) at the highest peak.
We still have 25 million Americans living in substandard homes (and) measures to provide health care for the aged under Social Security...must be undertaken."
The world situation, in the President's view, was even more disturbing...
"Each day the crises multiply. Each day their solution grows more difficult. Each day we draw nearer the hour of maximum danger, as weapons spread and hostile forces grow stronger.
Life in 1961 will not be easy. There will be further setbacks before the tide is turned. But turn it we must.
In the words of a great President whose birthday we honor today (FDR), closing his final State of the Union message 16 years ago...
'We pray that we may be worthy of the unlimited opportunities that God has given us.'"
*The State of the Union Address came from the requirement in Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution that the POTUS "from time to time give to Congress information on the State of the Union." Wilson was the 1st POTUS to give his annual message in person.
The address includes a budget message and economic report. Tonight at 9 pm (EST), President Donald J. Trump will deliver his 1st State of the Union message.
"Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union, January 30, 1961", The American Presidency Project, www.presidency.ucsb.edu/
JFK'S First State of the Union Message
January 30, 1961
www.youtube.com/
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 30, 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered his first annual message to the Congress of the United States on the "State of the Union.*"
The President began with these words...
"It was here...that I gained both knowledge and inspiration from members of both parties in both Houses...including the programs of two great presidents (Truman & Eisenhower)."
The President then painted a somber economic picture...
"I speak today in an hour of...peril and...opportunity. The present state of the economy is disturbing...bankruptcies have reached their highest level since the Great Depression...farm income is down by 25%....insured unemployment (is) at the highest peak.
We still have 25 million Americans living in substandard homes (and) measures to provide health care for the aged under Social Security...must be undertaken."
The world situation, in the President's view, was even more disturbing...
"Each day the crises multiply. Each day their solution grows more difficult. Each day we draw nearer the hour of maximum danger, as weapons spread and hostile forces grow stronger.
Life in 1961 will not be easy. There will be further setbacks before the tide is turned. But turn it we must.
In the words of a great President whose birthday we honor today (FDR), closing his final State of the Union message 16 years ago...
'We pray that we may be worthy of the unlimited opportunities that God has given us.'"
*The State of the Union Address came from the requirement in Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution that the POTUS "from time to time give to Congress information on the State of the Union." Wilson was the 1st POTUS to give his annual message in person.
The address includes a budget message and economic report. Tonight at 9 pm (EST), President Donald J. Trump will deliver his 1st State of the Union message.
SOURCE
"Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union, January 30, 1961", The American Presidency Project, www.presidency.ucsb.edu/
JFK'S First State of the Union Message
January 30, 1961
www.youtube.com/
