The 35th President Of The United States John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Studying history, or reading magazines, or simply watching TV, one may find many interesting stories about outstanding people who lived in the past or who are living now and whose lives and characters can attract our interest and excite our imagination. However, if I was given an opportunity to spend a day with one of them, I would choose the 35th President of the United States John Fitzgerald Kennedy. This prominent person is still an icon for millions of people throughout the world, and I would hope to discern the secret of his infinite charm.
Born in a well-fixed and influential family on May 29, 1917 (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, n.d.), John F. Kennedy had an opportunity to develop his mind and all his personal qualities. The fact that he didn’t simply enjoy the wealth earned by his parents but worked hard to become a deserving member of this prominent family is already an evidence of JFK’s merits. He became an educated and broad-minded man. Later, during his presidency, Kennedy’s family was famous for their admiration for arts and culture. They invited many artists, writers, scientists to the White House. John Kennedy himself won a Pulitzer Prize for his book Profiles in Courage (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, n.d.). All these deeds contributed to the development of American culture since all what the President Kennedy was doing attracted nation’s attention and earned nation’s support. I think that if more politicians cared so much for culture and arts, we all would live in a better world.
Altogether, John F. Kennedy was a role model for many people, which is not surprising since his merits and virtues were really numerous. He was not an ordinary politician, he was an all-rounded person, and that is why his popularity was more like a pop-star’s fame than like a politician’s success. People loved his personality and not only his political platform. His personal charm, his sense of humor contributed a lot to this popularity. Kennedy managed to turn any boring press-conference into a smart event. His eloquence and ability to attract audience’s attention are undisputable, and these qualities were a part of his leadership ability.
Indeed, John Kennedy was a prominent leader. Due to his charisma, he contrived to get support even from many protestant conservatives who were initially suspicious of this young Catholic politician (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, n.d.). However, merits more fundamental than the sense of humor and eloquence made him a nation’s idol. These merits include courage, patriotism, high ethical principles, strength of mind. During World War II, when Kennedy’s boat was rammed by Japanese, he rescued his crew and dragged one of his men by the strap on the life jacket (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, n.d.). I think this is an example of true heroism and courage.