Spring Valley in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Site of the American University Address

Commencement June 10, 1963

By Devry Jones, February 17, 2019

1. Site of the American University Address Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Delivered by
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
President of the United States 1961-63
This address contained the policy declaration which led to the treaty banning nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and under water signed in Moscow August 5, 1963. . . . Approved by the United States Senate September 24, 1963, ad entered into force October 10, 1963 with the signatures of one hundred seven nations.

From the address: "I have therefore, chosen this time and this place to discuss . . . the most important topic on Earth: world peace. . . the United States. . . will never start a war. . . This generation of Americans has already had enough of war and hate and oppression . . . . confident and unafraid, we labor on. . . not toward a strategy of annihilation but toward a strategy of peace."

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Peace • War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy series list.

Location.

By Devry Jones, February 17, 2019

2. Site of the American University Address Marker

38° 56.217′ N, 77° 5.54′ W. Marker is in Spring Valley in Washington, District of Columbia. Marker can be reached from Indian Lane Northwest north of Rockwood Parkway Northwest, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4400 39th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Birthplace of the Army Chemical Corps (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mary Eliza Graydon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jeju Jeong-nang (approx. 0.2 miles away); School of International Service (approx. ¼ mile away); Battelle Memorial Building (approx. ¼ mile away); September 11 Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Jeju Dolhareubang (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spring Valley.

Also see . . . JFK - Speech at American University (Youtube, 3 mins.). (Submitted on February 20, 2019.)

<i>President addresses American University Commencement</i> image. Click for full size.

Cecil Stoughton / White House Photograph Office (photo courtesy of the National Archives), June 10, 1963

3. President addresses American University Commencement

Full title: President addresses American University Commencement, receives honorary degree. President Kennedy at Podium, speaker's platform guests. Washington, D.C., American University, John M. Reeves Athletic Field.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 68 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on February 19, 2019. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.