What was John F. Kennedy trying to persuade the audience to do during his inaugural address?

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech is widely considered one of the best ever delivered. The most famous part, quoted above, illustrates the tenor of the speech, which was a...

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech is widely considered one of the best ever delivered. The most famous part, quoted above, illustrates the tenor of the speech, which was a call to service for Americans. As president, Kennedy created a variety of program including the Peace Corps that allowed Americans to serve others, both at home and abroad. He asks the American people to serve their country and other countries that are struggling. His plea is for selfless service without the expectation of reward. At the end of his speech, he asks Americans to pray for strength and for God's blessing but quickly states that here on earth, the work of God is the work of the American people. Kennedy also lays out a similar plan for the United States in the world, that American foreign policy should serve the needs of freedom in the world.