Mayor's Weekly Column

From the Desk of Mayor Hall

‘Ask What You Can Do’… Remembering JFK

Across America, citizens of all ages are pausing this week to reflect on the 50th anniversary of John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s inauguration as the youngest elected president of the United States. Those who witnessed the event (the first presidential speech delivered to Americans on color television!) recall these immortal words from memory: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Even those too young to have heard the speech are able today to recite the famous phrase at will, so great has been its impact on the world for the last half century.

Indeed we remember … but how well do we measure up to the challenge? In JFK’s speech that cold winter day in 1961, he also urged the nation’s people “to convert our good words into good deeds.” Helping our neighbors, our fellow community members, isn’t just a nice ideal; it’s the responsibility of every human being.
At the time of Kennedy’s inauguration, the country was in the throes of the Civil Rights Movement. Freedom riders were risking their lives to ensure that the Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation was being put into effect. Following in the footsteps of brave leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers, Ruby Bridges and numerous others, ordinary people were inspired to take an active role in the fight for equality and justice.

We have come far since that time, but much remains to be done – not only to ensure freedom and stamp out discrimination, but to improve the overall quality of life in our communities. Your local government can only do so much without your help and support; it is, after all, the people who make up the character of a community. Many individuals in the Village of Hempstead have extended themselves to others in need, and I am personally thankful to each one who has volunteered to reach out with a helping hand. But as with the ongoing fight for justice everywhere, more is yet needed.

As we reflect on the abiding words of John F. Kennedy, let us, as he urged, “pledge our best efforts” to help others help themselves, “because it is right.” Please consider volunteering your time to some form of community service in the Village of Hempstead. When you do, I promise you that it will not only improve the overall quality of life in the Village, but will enhance the quality of your personal life beyond your expectations.
To stay on top of what’s happening in the Village, please join our electronic mailing list by sending your name and email address to Mayor@villageofhempsteadny.gov, and listen to the “Hempstead Happening” radio show every Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. on WTHE-AM (1520).

Sincerely,

Wayne

Wayne J. Hall Sr.
Mayor of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead

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