Ronald Lawrence "Ron" Kovic was the protagonist of the 1989 film Born on the 4th of July. Kovic was portrayed by Tom Cruise. As a young child Kovic played war in the woods near his family home in Massapequa, Long Island, New York. In 1961 he saw Kennedy's inaugural address, which inspired him when Kennedy asked what people could do for their country. Following graduation from high school Kovic enlisted in the Marines.