Many of you may remember one particular phrase from President John Kennedy’s Inaugural Address in January, 1961: “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”

This statement is perhaps one of President Kennedy’s most famous admonitions. It embodies an important aspect of the American spirit and a sentiment that has contributed to the greatness of our nation. It describes a vital obligation of being an American and enjoying all that this country has offered so many over the years and continues to offer so many today.

Recently, I was reading a transcript of a speech delivered a few weeks ago at the commencement ceremony at Hillsdale College. It provided a vivid reminder of the concept of obligation.

The speech was given by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, a man who was born into a poor family in the segregated South. He was raised following principles, which allowed him to overcome adversity, pursue his education, receive his degree from Yale Law School and subsequently become an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court.

Justice Thomas’ speech included several comments which explain our obligation and are worth repeating here. “If there was to be independence, self-sufficiency, or freedom, then we first had to understand, accept and discharge our responsibilities…We were obligated in our neighborhood to be good neighbors so that the neighborhood would thrive…There was always a connection between the things we valued most and our personal obligations or efforts…When we heard the words duty, honor and country, no more needed to be said.”

Ideas and principles like this made America great. It is our obligation to embrace these principles and to do all that we can to encourage others to return to them.