Kennedy’s speech encouraged Americans to participate in the goals of the nation. This speech really spoke to the audience of the day, who faced looming threats and concerns about communism, nuclear war, economic hardships, and civil unrest. The times were turbulent and Kennedy sought to unite Americans in such a way that everyone would want the same goals: freedom and liberty. As a young president, Kennedy used his age to his advantage, declaring the dawn of an era with youth leading the way to change and improvement. By phrasing this line in this way, Kennedy is able to arouse emotion in his audience rather than sounding like he is lecturing them.