For each speech, President Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” and Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address” come to terms with the lack of equality and describe the value of freedom within America. Lincoln begins his speech by commemorating those who have lost their lives during the Civil War and begins to speak about the present issues, at the time. Mentioning how the fight for equality goes beyond the battlefield and has become something greater than us. As a final tribute, he adds “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us… that these dead shall not have died in vain.” Signifying that these men died in honor and we must carry these ideas of liberty and equality in our everyday lives. Similarly to Kennedy, he conveys a strong theme of nationalism throughout his speech regarding liberty for all. As he continuously advocated that Americans would be powerful together then separated “ United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do…” Proving to the American citizens to band together as we become less vulnerable to obstacles put against us. Yet, despite these comparisons, it begins to become clear the distinctions of the beliefs of each President. In Lincoln’s speech, he praises America and its blessings that have been given to citizens as an act driven by a higher power giving credit to God for the future betterment of America, “under God, shall have a new birth of freedom… the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Further, illustrating this point by emphasizing God’s weight on the turnout of America. Whilst, Kennedy concluding his speech by stating “let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.” Mentioning that change will happen but by our actions rather than depending on a religious factor.

Although both had promised to target the unequal and unjust areas that the United States lacked in, it continues to persists. Ironically, both presidents acknowledged America’s extensive history to achieve its liberty and equality yet struggle to maintain it. Given current issues, there is still police brutality, homelessness, poverty, and discrimination/racism consequently these problems will only continue to persist if the system isn’t dismantled