50 years…

22 November 1963.  

I was 12 years old and in the 7^th grade (Ms. Pollack’s afternoon study hall period, to be precise) when I learned of President Kennedy’s death.   Mr. Rose, our vice principal, was an older guy who never seemed or sounded like an old person until he made that announcement over the school’s speaker system.  

Even as 12 year olds, we reacted with stunned silence.  

I remember that day and all that followed as if it happened last week.   The memories are that strong.  I had been chatting with my friend, Bob Dixon, who wondered aloud who would do such a thing.

I liked President Kennedy and all that he stood for.   He understood and pursued equality.   He served with distinction in World War II and he was the skipper of PT-109.   He put us on the path that put a man on the moon.   He approved our Special Forces wearing the green beret.   He stood up to the Soviets.   He was a charismatic leader who understood that the United States is, indeed, an exceptional place.   The media later published negative things about the President, but I don’t know why.   Some things we just don’t need to know. 

Years later when I lived in Texas, I visited Dallas and Dealey Plaza.  I wanted to see the place that I had seen on television 15 years earlier.  I saw the sixth floor window, the streets, and the grassy knoll.   The place looked so ordinary, yet it had a hushed tone and everyone seemed to know it was special.   I returned to Dallas 20 years later to interview the Dallas PD for my book on police motorcycles.  The interviews lasted well into the night (police officers like to tell stories and they had some great ones).   A couple of the motor officers drove me back to my hotel, and our route took us directly through Dealey Plaza.   I recognized the Texas School Book Depository building and started to ask…”is that…” but before I could finish one the officers simply and quietly said “yes.”   Everyone understood.

It’s been said that anyone who is old enough to remember knows exactly where they were and what they were doing when they first learned of the Kennedy assassination.   I sure do.   50 years have passed, but it seems like it was yesterday.  

Rest in peace, Mr. President.