Cambridge, MA: JFK's Words to Reflect Upon

I arrived at the college town of ivy-covered brick buildings on Friday night. I checked into Cambridge's Charles Hotel just in time for rehearsal dinner. Charles Hotel is very conveniently located by Harvard Square and right next to the JFK School of Government (in fact, I kept picking up on their wi-fi signal rather than the hotel's). The hotel is well-equiped (has got a great gym with swimming pool), and while its rooms are rather non-descript, they are quite large (mine had two queen beds, a desk, TV cabinet, bathroom with bathtub and shower, not separate though) and do not lack in anything. Comfort and convenience at US$219++ per night.

The great thing about flying to the US is that jet lag causes me to wake up early in the morning. So on Saturday morning, I was out jogging by Charles River by 6am. It's great to be up early. I always wish that I am a morning person. There's a stillness all around at that hour of the day. It was so soothing watching the devoted rowers out on the Charles River, it's the beauty of the smooth, gliding stroke over the calm, almost still, waters of the Charles.



On my way back (It took a while because I got lost looking for a Starbucks. In the end, I went for Peet's), I paused by the gate to the JFK Memorial Park, which is right by the Charles Pavilion and the entrance to the hotel. In the solitude of the early morning, I reflected on John F. Kennedy's inspiring and visionary words:

"And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal"



"What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave, I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living...not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women -- not merely peace in our time but peace for all time." -- Both quotes from his Commencement Address at American University in Washington D.C., 10 June 1963.



Powerful words, moving words, and so relevant to our time now. I wish our current POTUS would study JFK's words of wisdom (especially this quote: "Let us once again awaken our American revolution until it guides the struggles of people everywhere -- not with an imperialism of force or fear but the rule of courage and freedom and hope for the future of man."); the world and this country (USA) would be much better for it. I ended up walking to the two other gates of the park just to read the four other equally inspiring quotes, all worthy of reflection. All of course, made me think of JFK's most famous quote: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the word: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man". -- Inaugural Address, 21 January 1961. JFK's words still strike a chord today. Circumstances may have changed, but we still desire and need a world of peace as well as freedom and dignity for all of humanity. And the responsibility for achieving these goals rests with every single individual, especially those privileged enough to already live such a life. Because, "freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free".

Charles Hotel Wi-Fi: US$10.95/24 hours