Concordia Remembers President John F. Kennedy
Concordia University joined America in remembering the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. In a November 22nd event organized by the Concordia Center for Public Policy, community leaders, students and local elected officials came together to hear noted author and former Executive Director of the Nixon Presidential Library for the National Archives Tim Naftali, speak about President Kennedy’s accomplishments, frustrations in office and his big challenges.
Naftali, who has written three books on Kennedy and has a new one on the way, was previously the director of the University of Virginia Miller Center for Public Affairs’ Presidential Recordings Program, brought actual recordings of President Kennedy in candid conversation with his advisers on the issues of the day such as civil rights, the cold war and the lead up to the Vietnam War.
Naftali focused his presentation on President Kennedy’s call to service with the immortal phrase from his inaugural address “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”
“A madman with a rifle killed this personification of a call to service” said Naftali.
The program was held at the Newport Beach main library and occurred on the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s death.
“President Kennedy inspired my generation, and his words serve to inspire today’s generation of young people as well” said Keith Curry, Director of the Center for Public Policy and the mayor of Newport Beach.
The program was attended by some of the Concordia Public Policy Fellows including Tina Thompson, Joe Deverian and Jim Virant.