JFK DELIVERS STATE OF UNION MESSAGE TO 87TH CONGRESS
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 11, 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivered his annual State of the Union message to the 87th Congress of the United States.
The President began by acknowledging the passing of "Mr. Sam" Rayburn*, influential Speaker of the House of Representatives. JFK said that the House and the Nation "would not be the same without him."
The President continued...
"The Constitution makes us not rivals for power but partners for progress. We are all trustees for the American people, custodians of the American heritage. It is my task to report the State of the Union--to improve it is the task of us all."
Mr. Kennedy's message included the following topics...
I. Strengthening the economy
II.Fighting inflation
III.Getting America moving
IV.Our goals abroad
V.Our military strength
VI.The United Nations
VII.Latin America
VIII.The new and developing nations
IX.The Atlantic community
X.Our balance of payments
The President said...
"Members of the Congress: The United States did not rise to greatness by waiting for others to lead. This Nation is the world's foremost manufacturer, farmer, banker, consumer and exporter."
JFK acknowledged the European Common Market's rate of economic growth was twice that of the U.S. and the Communist economic offensive was underway. He said, however...
"The opportunity is ours--the initiative is up to us--and I believe that 1962 is the time."
*Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn (1882-1961) was born in Kingston, TN. His family moved to Windom, Texas in 1887. STR graduated from East Texas Normal College in 1903. He represented 4th District in US House of Representatives (1913-1961) & was Speaker of the House (1940-1947, 1949-1953, & 1955-1961).
SOURCE
"Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union, January 11, 1962," Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, John F. Kennedy, January 1 to December 31, 1962, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, 1963.
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 11, 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivered his annual State of the Union message to the 87th Congress of the United States.
The President began by acknowledging the passing of "Mr. Sam" Rayburn*, influential Speaker of the House of Representatives. JFK said that the House and the Nation "would not be the same without him."
The President continued...
"The Constitution makes us not rivals for power but partners for progress. We are all trustees for the American people, custodians of the American heritage. It is my task to report the State of the Union--to improve it is the task of us all."
Mr. Kennedy's message included the following topics...
I. Strengthening the economy
II.Fighting inflation
III.Getting America moving
IV.Our goals abroad
V.Our military strength
VI.The United Nations
VII.Latin America
VIII.The new and developing nations
IX.The Atlantic community
X.Our balance of payments
The President said...
"Members of the Congress: The United States did not rise to greatness by waiting for others to lead. This Nation is the world's foremost manufacturer, farmer, banker, consumer and exporter."
JFK acknowledged the European Common Market's rate of economic growth was twice that of the U.S. and the Communist economic offensive was underway. He said, however...
"The opportunity is ours--the initiative is up to us--and I believe that 1962 is the time."
*Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn (1882-1961) was born in Kingston, TN. His family moved to Windom, Texas in 1887. STR graduated from East Texas Normal College in 1903. He represented 4th District in US House of Representatives (1913-1961) & was Speaker of the House (1940-1947, 1949-1953, & 1955-1961).
SOURCE
"Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union, January 11, 1962," Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, John F. Kennedy, January 1 to December 31, 1962, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, 1963.
JFK State of the Union Address
January 11, 1962
Photo by Abbie Rowe
JFK Library Image
