We in this country, in this generation, are—by destiny rather than choice—the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint, and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.“ That must always be our goal, and the righteousness of our cause must always underlie our strength. For as was written loan ago, “Except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen waketh but in vain.”
– John F. Kennedy, November 22, 1963, from a final speech, not delivered
