John
Fitzgerald Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, and one of the
most popular figures of the 20th century. A decorated hero during World War II,
"Jack" turned to politics after the war and was elected to represent
his Massachusetts district in Congress, then served as United States Senator before
being elected President of the United States in 1960. John F. Kennedy was the
only practicing Roman Catholic ever to be elected president, and the only President
to have won a Pulitzer Prize, which he won for Profiles In Courage.
From
the moment he was sworn into office, JFK set the tone of his presidency with his
inaugural address, urging all Americans to be active citizens with the famous
line "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."
He also urged the nations of the world to work together to fight "the common
enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself." During his presidency
he was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement and government programs
for the poor, sick and elderly. He created the Peace Corps, signed a nuclear test
ban treaty with the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War, and helped
raise awareness about the need for land and water conservation. The controversy
surrounding President Kennedy's assassination in 1963, continues to be debated
today. President Kennedy has received many honors and memorials -- including roads,
schools, parks, an island and an airport named after him; his image has been on
the half dollar coin since 1964; and he posthumously received the Presidential
Medal of Freedom. JFK is often seen as a symbol of American hopes and aspirations,
and he continues to rank in polls as one of the most popular Presidents.
