Why JFK wanted us to “Go to the Moon.” - Career Forum Coaching

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things; not because they are easy, but because they are hard…because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energy and skills.”

~ John F. Kennedy, September 12, 1962

President John F. Kennedy said the above quote and though we went to the moon in 1969, the bigger accomplishment was telling we have the power to do things and we are capable of wielding that power. Today, knowing we have that power can help us survive the economic downturn.

We are not powerless. Americans throughout history have faced challenges that would seem impossible by today’s seemingly weakened standards. The United States of America has survived national challenges because Americans are used to surviving personal challenges. In this way, we are one with our country. It takes a unique determination to stand up and fight for success so let’s get started. Let’s say, “I will succeed” and together, America will succeed with faith, hope and love.

John Winthrop sailed to the New World in 1630 on something Ronald Reagan called a “tiny wooden boat.” Without knowing our grand future, he knew already the magnificence of America and he loved her. In 1776 13 British Colonies declared their independence under the leadership of a passionate General George Washington. In what is known as America’s second Revolution, President Lincoln fought passionately against the South and helped to save the Union against all odds. The last century was heavy with war, political resignations, recession, depression and a dot com bust. Yes, we love America and we have learned to fight every obstacle.

Loving America is understanding what we have endured in the past and believing in the dreams we can attain in the future. As Kennedy says, “We choose to go to the moon...” with our dreams, not because they are easy, but despite their difficulties. Our dreams not only add value to ourselves personally but to the entire country. Perhaps reaching for those dreams is a way to show our love for America; perhaps that is patriotism. Patriotic Development TM is recognizing our history, fighting for our futures and having every intention to succeed with our goals, just as we did with going to the moon.

When President Kennedy declared that we were going to the moon, it was despite every fear that we associated with going. He did not pass the opportunity of his generation and we need not shrink from ours.