Ask Not…
“Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”
At 2pm, on April 30th, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office to become America’s first President. An incredible moment when a new yet imperfect nation began its most sacred tradition, a peaceful transition of power. After the ceremony, Robert Livingston, who had administered the oath of office shouted, “Long live George Washington, President of the United States!", which was followed by many cheers, and a 13 gun salute.
232 years later, we will soon witness the Inauguration of our 46th President, at 12pm, this coming Wednesday. Over the past 40 years, I have been blessed to have been in Washington, D.C. on a number of these monumental days. On January 20th, 1981, Dad rounded up our family, after we had only recently moved to the D.C. area, and took us to spend the day at the first Inauguration of President Ronald Reagan.
Since then, I have been present both when the person taking the oath was someone I voted for, and when they were not the person I voted for. However, what is amazing about our nation, is that no matter who you voted for, on Inauguration Day, we as a country gather to celebrate, above any leader, our unique form of government.
We live in a nation founded on God-based liberty, where we are free to express our opinions, and to vote the dictates of our conscience. We are also welcomed to debate the integrity of this, or any election, in hopes of protecting the fragile and sacred bonds of trust bestowed on us by previous generations. However, on Inauguration Day, we unite as a nation, behind our new leaders, whether we voted for them or not, laying aside the past, in the hopes of a brighter future.
January 20th is also a special day in our family because it is Sunny’s birthday. She was not only born in Washington, D.C on an Inauguration Day, but she and all of our six children have accompanied me to at least one Inauguration. As such, going to Inaugurations, and celebrating Sunny’s birthday have become not only a family tradition, but also a time to show support for our nation, no matter who we voted for.
The photo is from the 2009 Inauguration of President Obama, see me in the crowd? OK, I’m kidding but I was there, way down the mall near the Smithsonian castle. It was so cold that morning that my daughter Rachel wrote a report about it later, and stated several times in the midst of her description of the day, I was cold, I was cold , I was cold. Cold or not, it was, and always is incredible to be there. Regrettably, due to the pandemic and requests by D.C. officials, my family and I won’t be there this Wednesday, as we, and most other Americans will be watching this year’s events virtually.
Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, both a federal holiday, set aside to honor the incredible life and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. and it is part of this year’s Inaugural events, designated as a national day of service. In that regard, I’d like to encourage you to join me today, remembering and honoring the legacy of Dr King, and also taking time today, or this week to serve your local community.
In light of both the deep traditions of our nation, and current challenges we are facing, Please join me this week to pray for :
- God’s ongoing comfort, strength, and help, regarding Covid - 19
- A peaceful week befitting our most sacred traditions
- President elect Biden, Vice President elect Harris, and their families, as they soon begin serving our nation as President and Vice President
- President Trump, Vice President Pence, and their families, as they transition to life after four years of serving us in our nation’s highest offices.
- Our amazing nation, and the needs of individuals, families, towns, cities, and all of our 50 states
On January 20th, 1961, in his Inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy spoke the immortal words that we would do well to bring to mind this week, and to share anew with our children, and grandchildren,
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”