What happened to "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country"?

In the spring of every school year, my U.S. History students begin the study of the 1960s. Once we have examined the Kennedy administration -- to include the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Vienna Conference with Khrushchev, the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis -- students ask why President Kennedy has been portrayed so warmly in the culture.

My answer, from vivid memories of the Kennedy years, includes the president's youthfulness and his speeches calling forward a new generation to service. JFK is the first president born in the 20th century.

President Kennedy's call to service was an invitation to all of us to lend a hand everywhere in the world to improve the quality of life for all people. He wanted to tap human potential for good work. And, meanwhile, another man was daily putting his life in danger in the cause of freedom. Dr. King had a noble dream that also called for unleashing even more human talent and potential.

Now, place the current president next to those two great men. President Kennedy and Dr. King placed their trust in people. What a stark contrast the current president offers.

As a teacher, I understand that my essential duty is to build bridges and turn on lights so as to help young people discover their talents and abilities. Teaching history must include making our heritage meaningful; helping the young to take ownership of our heritage by telling the story in their words in light of their experience so that they can become sentinels of freedom.

Presidents of the United States are charged with this same essential responsibility.