On January 25, 1960, this City Hall Plaza was John F. Kennedy's first campaign stop in the nation for the Presidency of the United States of America. “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.” John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961.