On the 50th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Americans will reflect on the tragic events in Dallas and the impact it had on our country. We will never know how our history may have enfolded if he had lived and if he had been re-elected to a second term.

What we do know is that he left us with a message on which we should all reflect particularly as we look at the current and future role of government in our lives. In his inaugural address on that cold day in 1961 he said “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” This was not a call to the “greatest generation.” They did their part whether fighting against those who would deny life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to millions or supporting the war effort through hard work and real sacrifice. This message was directed to the next generation to whom “the torch has been passed.”

Whenever there is a retrospective on JFK’s brief tenure as our president, his challenge to future generations is highlighted. As I look at the direction of our country in the past several years I wonder, does his message still resonate with most Americans?

David Carrell

Campton Hills