35.+John+F.+Kennedy

John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917. He was enrolled in Chaote boarding school at the age of 16 and later went on to attend Harvard University. Kennedy also served in the navy during World War II. He served for six years in the House of Representatives then moved on to become a senator for Massachusetts. John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th president on January 20, 1961.
 * John F. Kennedy** (Jan. 20, 1961 - November 21, 1963)

[|Click here to see a video of JFK's inaugural address.]

One of his most famous quotes is "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Kennedy was a very big supporter of joining powers together in order to fight more common enemies like tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself. Early in his administration he created the Peace Corps. As President, he set out to redeem his campaign pledge to get America moving again. His economic programs launched the country on its longest sustained expansion since World War II.

__**Peace Corps**__
With the Alliance for Progress and the Peace Corps, he brought American idealism to the aid of developing nations. Since 1961, the Peace Corps has shared with the world America's most precious resource – its people. Volunteers serve in 77 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. Peace Corps Volunteers live, learn, and work with a community overseas for 27 months, providing technical assistance in six program areas: education, youth and community development, health, business and information and communications technology, agriculture, and environment. Peace Corps provides Volunteers with language, cross-cultural, and technical training. This program has helped improve the lives of of millions of people in underdeveloped world, such as Africa which was the first intended place to receive 10,000 volunteers. [|Learn how to volunteer for the Peace Corps here]

__While In Office__
JFK led America through many hardships during his time in office. This includes the Cold War and the Vietnam War. The Cold War and the nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union were vital international issues throughout his political career. His inaugural address stressed the contest between the free world and the communist world. In May 1961, JFK had authorized sending 500 Special Forces troops and military advisers to assist the government of South Vietnam. They joined 700 Americans already sent by the Eisenhower administration. In February 1962, the president sent an additional 12,000 military advisers to support the South Vietnamese army. By early November 1963, the number of U.S. military advisers had reached 16,000.

__Why JFK?__
John F. Kennedy was a president who choose to make the struggle for peace and equality. His idea was to unite the world and fight against the common enemies that needed teamwork to be resolved. He was very inspirational to many people. One of his greatest actions was creating the Peace Corps. This program helped many, many people throughout the world and is still continuing to help today. He made positive changes for America in his time as president and that is why is one of the most significant presidents.

__**References**__

"JFK Presidential Library and Museum." //John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum//. JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Web. 22 May 2011. 

"John F. Kennedy." //The White House//. The White House. Web. 22 May 2011. .