The speech suggests that the American people will face months of sacrifice and uncertainty as they confront the offensive buildup in Cuba. The potential costs and casualties are unknown, but the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking action to address the threat.
The speech reveals that there is an offensive buildup in Cuba and the United States is taking action to address it. A strict quarantine is being initiated to prevent offensive military equipment from reaching Cuba. Any ship found carrying offensive weapons will be turned back. The speaker also states that any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere will be considered an attack by the Soviet Union on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response.
The speech emphasizes the need for Chairman Khrushchev to stop and eliminate the threat to world peace and stable relations between the two nations. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty and danger of the situation and admits that the future is uncertain. Sacrifice and self-discipline will be required in the coming months, and both the will and patience of the American people will be tested. Threats and denunciations will continue to remind them of the danger they face. However, the speaker warns that the greatest danger of all would be to do nothing.