Hand Off to JFK by Eisenhower 1961.
(This War is Spiritual)
Keep your Spirits strong.
…
This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence – economic, political, even SPIRITUAL – is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government.
We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its GRAVE implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
You and I – my fellow citizens – need to be strong in our FAITH that all nations, under God, will reach the goal of peace with justice.
May we be ever unswerving in devotion to principle, confident but humble with power, diligent in pursuit of the Nation's great goals.
God Bless America