Tag Archives: John WInthrop

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Ronald Regan’s Farewell Speech

President Ronald Regan’s unbelievable farewell speech is one that many Americans will never forget. Throughout his speech, President Regan expresses his sorrow on his presidency coming to an end but also conveys how proud he is on how far the United States of America has come to become one of the greatest nations in the world. President Regan informs the country that the United States would not be what it is without their help. He explains: “Our Constitution is a document in which ‘We the People’ tell the government what it is allowed to do. ‘We the people’ are free. This belief has been the underlying basis for everything I’ve tried to do for the past 8 years.” During his presidency, President Regan always desired to make the residents of the United States comfortable and happy with the decisions he made. He wanted the people to know that they helped make the decisions in government happen and that he was thankful for that: “ You won every battle with every call you made and letter you wrote demanding action.” 

 

Towards the end of his speech, President Regan mentions John Winthrop’s speech, “ City Upon A Hill”. John Winthrop was one of many individuals who were in search of freedom. In his famous speech, Winthrop describes what his America, or freedom, would be like. At first I didn’t quite understand why President Regan mentioned Winthrop, but it soon made sense. President Regan wanted to share with the people of the United States what he believed freedom was and that he was happy the nation was moving towards that direction, the direction of freedom. During his eight years of presidency, Regan was able to move America back in the direction of freedom and hopes that with a new president coming into office, they can continue.

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Massachusetts General Court , January 9, 1961 (JFK)

At the beginning of his speech, John F. Kennedy immediately grabs the attention and support of the audience. He speaks about his origins in Massachusetts, and the credit he owes to the states and its people. JFK states, “For fourteen years I have placed my confidence in the citizens of Massachusetts.” This statement gives the people a sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as arousing their curiosity. After gaining their trust, JFK refers to John Winthrop’s “City Upon a Hill” in order to inform how the eyes of all people are watching them and they, the people of the United States, must be a shining light. JFK’s opening statements help him to ease into the part of the speech where he begins to speak about, very subtly, the problems of their government and the items that need to be addressed. I find it very interesting how John F. Kennedy lists out the issues at hand with questions. He asks the people if they were men of “courage”, “judgment”, “integrity”, and “dedication”. Listing out the issues using a question format helps to get the audience and even myself to think about them. JFK then leaves the audience with closing remarks that again gain the support of the audience. In stating that those qualities mentioned before are the qualities the state of Massachusetts already has he appeals to the people. These last remarks set a standard for the upcoming presidency of John F. Kennedy.