And in 1961, during the Cold War with the Soviet Union, John Kennedy urged people to take an active part in the future: "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.

VOA: special.2009.01.19

"It is our intention to conclude this phase of our discussions in the very near future, within the timeframes that you suggest, to enable us to move on to the more important phase,".

VOA: standard.2009.09.14

"And if we refuse to deal with these issues today, then I guarantee you that they will be an albatross around our efforts [a big obstacle to combat terrorism in the future. The president spoke in the National Archives, which houses the nation's founding documents.

VOA: standard.2009.05.21