Today marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Pres. John F. Kennedy.

As a nation, state, city and community, we should take pause to remember him for making the ultimate sacrifice while being a nation's leader.

The words used by the young energetic president at his inauguration still ring true 43 years later.

In this time of putting ourselves first, it should always be remembered that there are those who are less fortunate.

There are those who need help to make it.

We as a people have to remember that sometimes we can't all pull ourselves up by the bootstraps.

His words:

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for youask what you can do for your country," do hold some truth.

When were you last involved in a community project?

When did you last volunteer to help others?

What have you done for your community lately?

There are those around us that spend so much time tearing others down or talking down community projects, that sooner or later, people quit taking part.

We encourage our readers to get involved with that civic group.

Start a program for kids that you can nurture and know that you are providing for the next generation.

In the 20th Century, the Baby Boomer generation did it all.

They went to the moon, they brought the Soviet Union's regime down, they built the cities and often made it look easy.

They fought for the rights of others and stood for what was morally right.

Now we have the Gen-X's coming of age and becoming the productive citizens?

There are those who claim there are no great causes left or that all the truly great battles that made a difference have passed.

Well that's not true.

It is up to individuals to pick up a cause and work with it.

To find that next battle and move forward.

So on this 40th anniversary of the man who asked our country to do more for itself, and rely on others less, we say to you, ask not what your community can do for youask what you can do for your community.

Make his words your axiom and live it fully and know you make a difference.