**John F. Kennedy** (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963) was the 35th President of the United States, serving from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. Born into a wealthy and politically influential family in Brookline, Massachusetts, Kennedy was the second son of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. He grew up in a competitive, privileged environment, where public service was highly valued.
Kennedy attended Harvard University and graduated in 1940 before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he commanded a patrol torpedo boat (PT-109) in the South Pacific. His actions during the war, particularly his heroism after the sinking of his boat, earned him national recognition and a Purple Heart.
After the war, Kennedy entered politics, representing Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1947 to 1953 and the U.S. Senate from 1953 to 1960. In 1960, Kennedy ran for president against then-Vice President Richard Nixon. His campaign was marked by his youthful energy, charismatic public presence, and a strong stance on civil rights. He became the youngest man ever elected to the presidency and the first Roman Catholic president of the U.S.
As president, Kennedy faced significant challenges, including the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement. His administration championed the space race, setting the goal of landing a man on the moon, and initiated programs to support education and healthcare. His famous inaugural address in January 1961 called on Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
Tragically, Kennedy’s presidency was cut short when he was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, while riding in a motorcade. His death shocked the nation and the world, and to this day, the events surrounding his assassination remain the subject of speculation and investigation.
Despite his short tenure, Kennedy is remembered as an iconic leader, known for his vision of a “New Frontier” of progress and his ability to inspire hope and civic duty in the American people. His legacy continues to influence U.S. politics, culture, and public service.