Sample Notes – Advanced Work
Ms. Menard
English – Period 3
December 18, 2012
(Advanced) Cornell Notes: John F. Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address”
Kennedy’s opening statement
“We observe today not a victory of a party but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an
end as well—signifying renewal as well as change” (Kennedy 292).
“The world is a very different place
now” (Kennedy 292).
“For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and
all forms of human life” (Kennedy 292).
“We dare not forget today that we
are heirs of that first revolution”
(Kennedy 292).
“The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans” (292)
 born in this century
 tempered by war
 disciplined by hard and bitter peace
 proud of our ancient heritage
 unwilling to witness the undoing of rights here or around the world
Reflection: I appreciate how President Kennedy encourages all citizens to have a voice in
America.
“This much we pledge and more”
(Kennedy 293).
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear
any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival
and success of liberty” (Kennedy 293).
Prediction: I predict that this speech will be famous for many years because it inspires all
citizens to get involved.
“United, there is little we cannot do
in a host of cooperative ventures.
Divided, there is little we can do, for
we dare not meet a powerful
challenge at odds and split asunder”
(Kennedy 293).
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President Kennedy addresses many groups:
 “To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free…”
 They will not always support the American view, but they are expected
to defend their own freedom
 “…and to remember that those who foolishly sought power by riding the
back of the tiger foolishly ended up inside” (Kennedy 293).
 “To those peoples in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the
bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves”
(Kennedy 293).
 “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the
few who are rich” (Kennedy 293).
 “To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge—”
 to convert our good words into good deeds
 to assist free men and free governments of casting off the chains of
poverty
 we shall oppose aggression anywhere in the Americas
 “To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations…”
 our last best hope for peace instead of war
 strengthen its shield of protection for more people
One inch summary of notes on this page:
President Kennedy welcomes all groups in America and in the world to join the call for peace.
He calls for all people to unite in strength, courage, and sacrifice to end war, poverty, and disease.
He states that everyone has a role in defending precious freedom and peace.
“Finally, to those nations who would
make themselves our adversary, we
offer not a pledge but a request: that
both sides begin anew the quest for
peace, before the dark powers of
destruction unleashed by science
engulf all humanity in planned or
accidental self-destruction”
(Kennedy 294).
There are two sides in war, but we will prepare:
 “We dare not tempt them with weakness” (294).
 War is a problem for both sides:
 overburdened by the cost of war
 spread of the deadly atom
 “…yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the
hand of mankind’s final war” (294).
Reflection: War is such a horrible experience. It’s good that our leaders attempt to keep
the people out of war if possible.
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Let us find a better way
 civility is not a sign of weakness
 sincerity is always subject to proof
 “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate”
(Kennedy 294).
 explore what unites us instead of fighting over what divides us
 create serious solutions to control weapons
 “…and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the
absolute control of all nations” (Kennedy 294-295).
 “…seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors” (295).
 “Together let us:
 explore the stars
 conquer the deserts
 eradicate disease
 tap the ocean depths
 and encourage the arts and commerce” (295)
“Let both sides unit to heed in all corners of earth the command of Isaiah—to
‘undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free’” (295).
Let both sides join in a new endeavor:
 not a new balance of power
 a new world of law where the strong are just, weak are secure, peace is
preserved
When will this be done?
 not in the first 100 days
 not in the first 1000 days
 not in the life of this administration
 not in our lifetime on this planet
 “But let us begin” (295).
Thinking: I predict that this task will never be done. We can always improve, and it takes
time with such a large group of people.
“In your hands, my fellow citizens,
more than mine, will rest the final
success or failure of the course”
(Kennedy 295).
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“…each generation has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty”
(295).
“Now the trumpet summons us again” (295):
 not to bear arms
 a call to keep struggling for the right thing
 remain “rejoice in hope” and “patient in tribulation”
 struggle against the common enemies of man
 forge a global alliance to create a better experience for all of mankind
Reflection: I like this metaphor that the trumpet has sounded to call the people to action
and to show their loyalty. It’s a good reminder that we have responsibilities to keep our
country strong and free.
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One inch summary of notes on this page:
President Kennedy summons all groups of people to help defend against war. We will not tempt war, but if we are forced
into it, America will be a fierce competitor.
Let us find a better way to leave without war and secure peace for all.
This will not be done soon, but each generation has a role in defending peace and life for all.
“In the long history of the world,
only a few generations have been
granted the role of defending
freedom in its hour of maximum
danger” (Kennedy 296).
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President Kennedy will not be afraid to go to war; he will welcome it if it is
needed
“The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light
our country and all who serve it—and the flow from that fire can truly light the
world” (Kennedy 296).
Reflection: I’ve read many articles this week that have shown that America is a world
leader, and that it must continue to make wise choices to protect the American citizens
and to honor other countries in the world as well.
“And so, my fellow Americans, ask
not what your country can do for
you—ask what you can do for your
country” (Kennedy 296).
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President Kennedy asks what the American citizens can do to guarantee freedom
in the world.
This will require strength and sacrifice.
History will be the final judge of America’s deeds.
“Let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but
knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own” (Kennedy 296.)
Thinking: I wonder if there has ever been a time in American history where the citizens
feel like they have reached success and have nothing more to improve. I bet each
generation has decided to improve the current condition.
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One inch summary of this page:
Only a few generations have had the call of war and defending liberty for all. President Kennedy is not afraid to go to war
if necessary.
He asks what the citizens can do for America.
He says that history will be the final judge of America’s deeds and choices. The citizens must carry out His work on earth.