“No one has been barred on account of his race from fighting or dying for America, there are no white or colored signs on the foxholes or graveyards of battle.”
- May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963
- American
- Politician
- As the 35th President of the United States, he overcame the Cuban Missile Crisis and averted nuclear war, and promoted the Apollo program, laying the foundation for American space exploration.
table of contents
Quote
“No one has been barred on account of his race from fighting or dying for America, there are no white or colored signs on the foxholes or graveyards of battle.”
Explanation
In this statement, John F. Kennedy emphasizes the shared sacrifice and equality inherent in military service. He points out that when it comes to fighting for the country, race is irrelevant—men and women, regardless of their racial background, fight and die side by side for the same cause. The imagery of foxholes and graveyards underscores the ultimate equality in battle, where the burdens of war are carried by individuals of all backgrounds. There are no divisions between white and colored soldiers when facing death, reflecting the unity and inherent dignity of those who serve.
Kennedy’s statement is a critique of the persistent racial segregation and discrimination that existed in America at the time, especially in the context of the Civil Rights Movement. While African Americans and other racial minorities had long served in the military, they were often subjected to segregation and unequal treatment. Kennedy’s remark highlights the contradiction between the ideal of freedom and the reality of racial inequality in American society. He suggests that if people are willing to risk their lives for their country, then the nation has a moral obligation to ensure that all citizens are treated with equal dignity and respect, both on and off the battlefield.
The statement also calls attention to the values of unity and shared responsibility that are fundamental to national identity. In times of war, all soldiers—regardless of race—are bound by the same duty and honor, and their lives are equally valuable. Kennedy’s words invite reflection on the moral contradictions within American society and serve as a call for a more inclusive and just nation, where the principles of equality and freedom apply not only in times of war, but also in peace. Today, this quote remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the need to eliminate discrimination in all its forms, both within and outside the military.
