Serve
“Tell me again about President Kennedy,” I said, turning on my recorder.
Grandpa smiled. For my school project, I was interviewing him about the years he worked in President John F. Kennedy's administration.
“Those were exciting days,” Grandpa began. “President Kennedy wanted Americans to think about something important: serving others.”
Grandpa explained that before Kennedy's inauguration in 1961, many people in the administration discussed ideas that might become part of his speech. Grandpa remembered conversations about responsibility, citizenship, and how one person could make a difference.
“President Kennedy did not want people only asking what they could receive,” Grandpa said. “He wanted us to consider what we could give.”
On January 20, Grandpa stood in the cold Washington air and watched Kennedy deliver his inaugural address. When the new president challenged Americans to serve their country, Grandpa heard the crowd respond.
“What did you think?” I asked.
“I thought those words could inspire action,” he answered.
A few months later, Grandpa watched that idea grow through the Peace Corps. Young Americans volunteered to travel to other countries, where they worked alongside communities as teachers, helpers, and friends.
“Was that part of the same idea?” I asked.
“Absolutely,” Grandpa said. “Serving our country can also mean serving people.”
I switched off my recorder.
“So even kids can serve?”
Grandpa smiled.
“Especially kids. Service begins whenever you notice someone who needs help and decide to do something.”
I wrote one final sentence in my notebook:
A better world begins when we ask, What can I give?