To each of us is entrusted the heavy responsibility of guiding the affairs of a democratic nation founded on Christian ideals.
John F. KennedyI believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute - where no Catholic prelate would tell the president (should he be Catholic) how to act. I do not speak for my church on public matters - and the church does not speak for me.
John F. KennedyWord to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard.
John F. KennedyI am fully aware of the fact that the Democratic Party, by nominating someone of my faith, has taken on what many regard as a new and hazardous risk.
John F. KennedyBy calling attention to 'a well regulated militia,' 'the security of the nation,' and the right of each citizen 'to keep and bear arms,' our founding fathers recognized the essentially civilian nature of our economy... The Second Amendment still remains an important declaration of our basic civilian-military relationships in which every citizen must be ready to participate in the defense of his country. For that reason I believe the Second Amendment will always be important.
John F. Kennedy