Passing the Torch #158 by Hank Silverberg “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans, born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” -- John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address 1961 , When John Kennedy spoke those words 60 years ago, he was picking up the torch of liberty from what has been described as America's "Greatest Generation." The United States was in a cold war with commu