The Power of Words

Convention oratory can be memorable. John F. Kennedy delivered his acceptance speech in Los Angeles on July 15, 1960. Here are excerpts:

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‘We are not here to curse the darkness but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a sage and sane future. As Winston Churchill said on taking office some 20 years ago: If we open a quarrel between the present and the past, we shall be in danger of losing the future. ... Today our concern must be with that future. For the world is changing. The old era is ending. The old ways will not do. ... But I believe the times demand imagination, courage and perseverance. I am asking each of you to be new pioneers on that New Frontier. My call is to the young in heart, regardless of age--to the stout in spirit, regardless of party--to all who respond to the Scriptural call: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed.”’

Researched by SCOTT WILSON and NONA YATES/Los Angeles Times

Compiled by MALOY MOORE and JENNIFER OLDHAM / Los Angeles Times