Where were you when Kennedy was shot? People over a certain age can answer that question without missing a beat.
The tragic death of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963--46 years ago this coming Sunday--was a defining moment in the life of every American who was old enough to have even the slightest understanding of what was going on at the time.
JFK was not the first U.S. president to be assassinated, and his violent death was no more tragic than those of his younger brother, Bobby, or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. just a few years later, yet it shocked and saddened us in a way no other tragedy before or since has ever done.
When Kennedy was inaugurated in January 1961, he was the youngest person ever to hold the office. Brilliant, charismatic and energetic, Kennedy inspired the nation and the world. In his inaugural address, Kennedy spoke the now famous lines:
"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.
"My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
"Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."
When he died less than three years later on that street in Dallas, the hope and optimism he inspired died with him--at least for awhile. Other leaders would rise up to carry on the work and the vision. But on that sad day in Dallas, a bright light was extinguished, and those of us who witnessed the descending darkness will never forget.
Where were you when you heard Kennedy was shot? Share your memory with Senior Living readers, below.
Photo: National Archives/Getty