We never forget where we were or what we were doing when certain hinge points of history unfolded. They’re like bookmarks in time, and we weigh all the days that follow by their measure. Like 9/11, the assassination of President Kennedy can never be forgotten. It was unbelievably surreal, something that couldn’t possibly be true, but somehow it was, and the horrific accomplishment of one benighted man was forced upon the world.
I was 16 and sitting in American History class, taught by our
high school football coach, when the broadcast came over the intercom
telling us that President Kennedy was dead. All of us just sat in silent shock
for several minutes, and then some of us began to cry, wondering how such a
thing could happen. The rest of the day was a blur; I couldn’t begin to tell
you what took place.
Then there was the TV coverage. Everyone I know was glued to
the TV until after the funeral was over. I especially remember the riderless
black stallion with boots turned backward in the stirrups following the caisson
bearing the President’s body. Like that horse, we felt we were a nation without
a leader, not knowing which way to turn. It was one of the few times I can
remember my mother and I both crying over anything together.
Somehow we went on, just as we went on after the horrors of
9/11. It’s what people do, because regardless of anything else, life goes on.
Homework still must be done, dinner prepared, and the rent must be paid. We
picked up the pieces and remade our world, hopefully a better one, and most
importantly, we did it together. We are always better when we work together in
doing a thing. Together we cannot be stopped.
Many of us were inspired by President Kennedy, using his
words and ideals to shape our lives and the people we became. Yes, we knew he
was not perfect, but he was our hero all the same. At his urging, the United
States put men on the moon, and no other country on earth has yet managed to
equal that accomplishment. As for me, I will never forget these immortal words:
“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country!”
God bless you JFK. No, you weren't perfect, but we will never forget you.
