Rhetorical studies have been lacking in the area of John F. Kennedy's ceremonial speeches. Therefore, it was felt that a contribution could be made by analyzing samples of President Kennedy's speeches delivered on special occasions in order to describe what he used in such situations and where possible to attempt to explain why he used these devices. This study will be done in light of principles given by some classical and modern rhetoricians concerning the ceremonial speech. The specific criteria will be the rhetorical canons of invention, disposition, and style.