Final answer:
President Kennedy's statement can be paraphrased as an appeal to American citizens to think less about what the government can do for them and more about how they can serve their country, promoting public service and civic responsibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
To rephrase President Kennedy's famous inaugural address statement, he is encouraging the citizens of America to shift their mindset from questioning the support they expect to receive from the government to considering how they might contribute to the welfare and betterment of their country. This call to action speaks to a larger theme of public service and civic responsibility, which was fundamental to the Kennedy administration as they sought to involve talented individuals from various fields to take part in this new era of dedication to public affairs.
This exhortation is not only about the engagement in public service but also about fostering a sense of civic responsibility among citizens. It outlines a vision where everyone is invited to contribute to the nation's progress and uphold democratic principles by participating actively in its representative democracy. This sentiment echoes through various famous quotes and speeches that emphasize the importance of action, integrity, and moral responsibility at both individual and national levels.