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Building Peace: 60 Years On

JFK approaches the podium to give the now famous commencement address.

On the morning of June 10, 1963, President John F. Kennedy arrived on the campus of American University set to deliver a commencement speech that would change the course of history. From the podium emblazoned with the presidential seal, Kennedy put forth "A Strategy of Peace," a rallying cry for an end to the nuclear arms race with the Soviets and a beginning of a new era of peace with all nations.

Learn more about this historic address and its legacy at AU.

JFK Commencement Address at American University

27:05

CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) motion picture excerpt of President John F. Kennedy's address at the 1963 commencement ceremony for American University held at the John M. Reeves Athletic Center in Washington, D.C.