Lot # 1817: 1961 John F. Kennedy Inauguration Ticket - "Ask Not..." Speech

An historic relic is spotlighted, with the presentation of this ticket from the 1961 inauguration of John F. Kennedy. The popular 35th president was sworn in on January 20, 1961, at the East Portico of the United States Capitol Building. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers formed a task force with brigades of District of Columbia employees and Boy Scouts to clear away 8" of snow that fell the night before, making way for the masses to witness Kennedy's inauguration.

The obverse proudly declares "Inauguration of the President and the Vice-President of the United States pf America, Washington, D.C. January 20, 1961". Seen on the reverse are photographs of the dapper, young Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, who would succeed Kennedy after his assassination on November 22, 1963. During his inauguration speech, Kennedy delivered the stirring line "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country", a petition that has echoed throughout modern history. Though this ticket is lightly stained, it remains sturdy and very pleasing, showing EX details.