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--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

what is kennedy's purpose for using the phrase "the torch has been passed? "
a. to the americans who have sacrificed for peace and human rights.
b. to threaten adversaries that any interference with america's quest for peace will not be tolerated.
c. to encourage all countries, friend and foe alike, to participate in the olympic games.
d. to represent the passing on of responsibility by referencing a well known, meaningful practice