John F. Kennedy

Hello. My name is John Fitzgerald Kennedy, but everyone always called me Jack. I grew up in a big, busy, happy house with my eight brothers and sisters. We loved playing games, sailing our boat on the ocean, and reading adventure stories. I was often sick as a boy, which meant I spent a lot of time in bed, but I didn't let it stop my imagination. I would read books about heroes and explorers and dream of having my own adventures one day.

When I grew up, a big war started, and I joined the Navy to help my country. I was the captain of a small boat called the PT-109. One dark night, a huge ship crashed right into us. It was very scary, but I knew I had to be brave for my crew. I helped them swim for hours to a tiny island where we were safe. After the war, I knew I wanted to keep helping people. I decided the best way to do that was to work in the government. First, I was elected to Congress, and then I became a senator. Finally, in 1960, I became the 35th President of the United States. It was the biggest job of all. I moved into the White House with my wonderful wife, Jackie, and our two children, Caroline and John. It was a very exciting time.

As president, I wanted to inspire everyone to do great things. I once said, 'Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.' I meant that we should all think about how we can help each other and make our world better. I started a program called the Peace Corps, which sent young people to other countries to help build schools and bring clean water. I also had a giant dream: I believed we could send a person to the Moon. I wanted us to be explorers. My time as president ended suddenly and was sad for many people, but I hope my ideas live on. I want you to remember to be brave, to help others, and to always dream big.