Today we marked the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. I have to admit to certain amount of awe at that period of history called Camelot. From this more cynical present I find it amazing that there was a time not so long ago in our past in which idealism was celebrated. That idealism was defined in that inaugural speech in which President Kennedy challenged his fellow citizens to “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” And millions of Americans took up that challenge, entering public service at every level of American government and serving abroad in the Peace Corps.
Also this week we saw the passing of Sargent Shriver, the man JFK asked to lead the Peace Corps. I find it amazing to think that there are thousands if not millions of people all over the world whose first impression of America was formed by a Peace Corps volunteer building a bridge, teaching in a classroom, or treating people in a hospital. When people talk about the U.S. role in the world, that should be at the top of the list. So please join me in setting aside our cynicism and the critical spin of this overly partisan age and look back at a time when that spirit of service was alive and well.
