Events & Calendars Screening of JFK: The Last Speech - The Story of President Kennedy’s 1963 Speech at Amherst College

In an era of political tension when the value of a liberal arts education is questioned, a message from 1963 has particular resonance. Twenty-seven days before he was assassinated, President Kennedy came to Amherst College to honor the poet Robert Frost in a speech called “the most majestic” of Kennedy’s career. He spoke of the relationship of poetry to power and of a view shared with Frost that power must be exercised, but wisely -- tempered by a moral restraint inspired by the arts and a liberal arts education. And, he spoke of the obligation of those “given a running start in life” to serve the public interest. "JFK: The Last Speech" is a new documentary aired on public television this summer, and it communicates the impact of this message through the stories of Amherst alumni and students and reflections by prominent scholars and political observers. Produced by an award winning filmmaker, this film will ignite public discourse on enduring values and on our shared responsibility for the public interest. It is a call to action to rebuild our civic sphere -- infused with broad sympathy, understanding and compassion. Neil Bicknell ’64 and Paul Dimond ’66 will host this screening, field questions and share opportunities to make JFK’s call a living legacy going forward. All alumni, current students, faculty and staff are invited.