"And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" -- John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961
The words of John F. Kennedy in his 1961 Presidential Inauguration have inspired patriotism since the moment he spoke them, a patriotism that seems to have been lost by the American people today. Reading the news and watching T.V. about the current election, it's really no surprise why Americans today seem to lack the national pride they had during Kennedy's presidency, but today's political environment isn't what I would blame for our decline in patriotism. I'd blame it on our definition of "Country."
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
Well, what is "your country"? Believe it or not, "your country" doesn't start on Capitol Hill or with whoever happens to be sitting in the White House, it actually starts with you. The United States of America was never meant to be defined by the actions of its government or military, but instead by the values of its people, thus, a country "for the people, by the people."
The United States of America starts with you. It then goes on to include your family and loved ones, your ancestors, and your children. It includes your friends and neighbors, your co-workers and your church, and eventually your entire local community. The United States of America is as big as millions of people 50 states and as small as your own family. So if you do not take pride in the actions of your government or the current candidates for the presidency, then take pride in your family and your community.
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
In other words, ask not what your family, friends, and community can do for you, but what you can do for your family, friends, and community. Kennedy's words are more than just a call for national pride, they're a call to be community servant. They're a call to reach out to the poor and the hungry and the sick and the needy. A call to help make our nation a better place, one neighborhood at a time.
Whether you're motivated by national pride, spirituality, or simply the goodness of your heart, I strongly encourage everybody to find their philanthropy. Whether it's donating to an organization or finding time on the weekends to build houses or pass out food and water for those in need, find your philanthropy and stick with it. Quit relying on social welfare programs or the promises of politicians to take care of those in need in your own community, and take matters into your own hands. Be the difference you wish to see. My fellow Americans, stop asking what your country can do for you, and start asking what you can do for your country.
