Draft for remarks upon receiving an honorary degree at Amherst College, page 3

JFK invited more than 50 writers, painters, poets and musicians to his inauguration—and also invited poet Robert Frost to take part in the inaugural ceremony itself—signaling, from the earliest moments of his administration, that the arts would hold a prominent place in the new government. White House events, designed and meticulously planned by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, became a showcase for excellence in American music, dance, theater, and literature during the Kennedy administration.

On October 26, 1963, nearly three years after Robert Frost rang in the Kennedy Presidency with the recital of a poem, the President spoke at the groundbreaking for the Library at Amherst College named for Robert Frost. Earlier that day, Amherst presented the President with an honorary degree. In a speech accepting that honor, JFK championed the role of the artist in American life, articulating the principles behind the arts initiatives he and Jacqueline Kennedy were promoting.

The initials of Arthur Schlesinger, Special Assistant to the President, are at the top of page one of this draft. President Kennedy’s handwritten notes and edits are transcribed below each page.

Handwritten notes:

high
When power corrupts—poetry cleanses