Delivered on a bitter cold, snow-laden, 1961 January morning, John F Kennedy’s (JFK) inaugural address is considered among one of greatest speeches in U.S. history. In his speech, JFK encompassed the major themes of his campaign and defined his presidency during a time of economic prosperity, emerging social changes, and foreign diplomacy challenges. There are two main messages in his speech: the first to prove that even though he was the youngest and first catholic president, he would be suitable for the job. His second message created a bolder vision for America foreign policy, a vision that raised the stakes of the cold war, and foreshadowed decades of diplomatic, economic, and military action to support and defend freedom around the world.