How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
While the wall is the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of the Communist system, for all the world to see, we take no satisfaction in it, for it is, as your Mayor has said, an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity, separating families, dividing husbands and wives and brothers and sisters, and dividing a people who wish to be joined together. (18)
Kennedy wants everyone to associate the Berlin Wall with tyrannical communist governments out of control. If the symbol of freedom is a bird, maybe the symbol of tyranny should be a brick wall? And the symbol of Berlin is a bear. (If only bears were better at climbing walls.)
Quote #2
What is true of this city is true of Germany—real, lasting peace in Europe can never be assured as long as one German out of four is denied the elementary right of free men, and that is to make a free choice. (19)
If only someone had mentioned this before the Allied Powers decided to divide Germany into four sectors after World War II. The math equation here is that three parts of Germany enjoy freedom, while one is a tyranny. Guess which one.
Quote #3
In eighteen years of peace and good faith, this generation of Germans has earned the right to be free, including the right to unite their families and their nation in lasting peace, with good will to all people. You live in a defended island of freedom, but your life is part of the main. (20-21)
West Berlin was free, but it was surrounded by East Germany…which was not free. They may have earned complete freedom, but all they got was an island out of it.
Quote #4
Freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free. (23)
This is not one of those Venn diagram situations. There is no overlap between freedom and enslavement. Kennedy is saying there's no grey area, just good vs. evil in this Cold War era of communism against everyone else.
Quote #5
All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner!" (26)
Aww, shucks. Even though this doesn't make literal sense—all of us "free (wo)men" can't all live in Berlin, or they'd run out of bratwurst real fast…it's still a nice sentiment of solidarity.