Katie Couric's Notebook: JFK

Today's the deadline so I think I missed the boat, plus it's for high school kids.

But, for what it's worth, I think John F. Kennedy's words, delivered 50 years ago today at his inauguration, still matter because they addressed universal challenges America faced then - and still does today.

He spoke of the legacy given to us by our forefathers, but said, "The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life."

In deep snow and brilliant sunshine on the Capitol steps, a young president's words inspired a generation to serve...to use their mortal hands to build up their brothers and sisters...not to tear them down.

And that's why those words still matter.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.