If it wasn’t memorable for other reasons, I doubt I’d be able to pinpoint so precisely the date of the assassination of John Kennedy but it was probably the first really shocking world event of my life.
At boarding school in England, we were in the annex where we did homework before supper. The door behind us opened and one of the nuns entered and went to whisper something to the sister who was supervising.
.
We were told the news and released for the purpose of going immediately to the chapel to pray for Mr Kennedy.
After, we were allowed to watch the news broadcast on television and three days later the funeral.
Catholic nuns were bound to be particularly upset I suppose, given that the president was catholic, but I had the impression that people everywhere were deeply shocked.
.
A fortnight after the funeral, I flew to New York to spend my first Christmas with my aunt and uncle.
Landing at Idlewild Airport, I had expected to find people subdued and was rather taken aback that everyone seemed so cheerful.
Watching the evening news later that day, it appeared that America had moved on.
.
When I flew back to England after the holidays, the airport had been re-named JFK International.
That was that.
Why had I expected America to be grieving over their dead president? Perhaps because Europe had seemed so affected. Newspapers and magazines carried all the sad details including the awful aftermath.
Of course they did. It was in great demand.
.
Then as now, the news media was interested in sales but I think that world was not yet so cynical.
Who could forget the face of Walter Cronkite reading the bulletin of John Kennedy’s death?
60 years on today, I am still moved.
I would be surprised to see people not affected by such tragedy as “Any man’s death diminishes me
because I am involved in mankind.” I am moved too.
Joanna
Interesting story! I noticed in your photos that you also have snow in US. It is snowing quite hard now in Finland.
I was 11, and will never forget the news that day. It was a really big shock, and the coverage lasted for days after. The closest I can compare it to now is 9/11.
Best wishes, Pete.
I was listening to Radio Luxembourg when his death was announced. I think they were the first to break the news.
I didn’t know that. It was such a shock.
This was before I was born, yet it is something that has not been forgotten … and I don’t believe it should be either, no matter who it is. Here in SA we also had our own assassination of a president – Dr Verwoerd in September 1966. I always think it must be terrible for the families to see these events play out in the media. On a more positive note: Love your winter photos.
Yes I remember Dr Verwoerd. And too many others. We just had a tease of Winter. Today I sat on the porch enjoying the sun with His Nibbs.
That sounds like a lovely way to pass the time … sitting on the porch and enjoying the sun (with His Nibbs) 🙂 .