What does service mean?
What does service mean to some of our presidents? Read below to find out.


George W. Bush

President George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States.
"For too long our culture has said, ‘If it feels good, do it.’ Now America is embracing a new ethic and a new creed: ‘Let's roll.’ In the sacrifice of soldiers, the fierce brotherhood of firefighters, and the bravery and generosity of ordinary citizens, we have glimpsed what a new culture of responsibility could look like. We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self. We've been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this moment pass."

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States.
"A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society."

Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor, 12th President of the United States.
"I have no private purpose to accomplish, no party objectives to build up, no enemies to punish—nothing to serve but my country."

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States.
"Let us have the faith that right makes might, and in this faith let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it."

Woodrow Wilson

President Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States.
"We are expected to put the utmost energy, of every power that we have, into the service of our fellow men, never sparing ourselves, not condescending to think of what is going to happen to ourselves, but ready, if need be, to go to the utter length of self-sacrifice."

Warren Harding

Warren Harding, 29th President of the United States.
"Service is the supreme commitment of life. I would rejoice to acclaim the era of the Golden Rule and crown it with the autocracy of service."

Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States.
"Do your works with the spirit of a soldier in the public service. Be loyal to the commonwealth and to yourselves and to be brief; above all be brief."

Harry Truman

Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States.
"We know that helping others is the best way—probably the only way to achieve a better future for ourselves."

Dwight D. Eisenhower

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States.
"Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in the blood of his followers and the sacrifices of his friends."

John F. Kennedy

President John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States.
"The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it, and the glow from that fire can truly light the world."

Lyndon B. Johnson

President Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States.
"If there is one word that describes our form of society in America, it may be the word — voluntary."

George Bush

George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States.
"We all have something to give. So if you know how to read, find someone who can’t. If you’ve got a hammer, find a nail. Join the Community of Conscience."

Bill Clinton

President William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States.
"We must work toward the day when citizen service is the common expectation and common experience of every American."