Old wicker chair from the 1950's * photo by Suzanne
The question of the day has been, "Where were you on that day...what were you doing?" Of course, I'm talking about November 22, 1963, the day we lost our great president JFK. Any of us who are of that time, do remember the tragic day that we lost President John F. Kennedy to one or more assassins. Why do I say 'one or more assassins'? Because I want to be fair and open to all theories regarding this tragedy, since Lee Harvey Oswald was never convicted of the crime. He was silenced before he could even defend himself!
***
And, what a beating Dallas, Texas took! This city was ostracized like a rotten egg, every inch was ransacked from crevice to gutter, and scrutinized in the aftermath of this tragedy. November 22, 1963 was the darkest day in Dallas' history. Today, a 50 year commemoration was presented on JFK's behalf in an effort to show the true love that this city had then, and still has for the fallen President. It is possibly a way for Dallas to come to grips with that dreadful day...the day that also deprived this city of their beloved President, John F. Kennedy.
***
The JFK 50 commemoration, funded by private contributions, was organized at Dealy Plaza, with only 5,000 tickets being sold. The weather was a drizzly 37°, eventually giving way to a light rain as the ceremony progressed. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings gave what I believe was an electrifying speech, describing how the city had to grow up, and come to terms with the tragedy-even though, the city did not assassinate the President. The mayor believes that Dallas has accomplished that tough task, and, the journey has made the city bigger and better.
The photos below showcase some of the activities of this event..
*** Please note: I took all of the following photos with my digital camera as I watched this memorial live from my television on NBC 5 News at home in Fort Worth, TX.
Arlington National Cemetery ~ eternal flame
~Dealy Plaza * Dallas, TX * November 22, 2013
~ Flag at half mast * Dealy Plaza * November 22, 2013
~ This is a photo of officer J.D. Tippit, who was allegedly shot down
by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963,
as he pursued Oswald in an attempt to
capture him after JFK's assassination.
~ isn't this a great banner? It was very large, displayed at Dealy Plaza
today during the ceremony.
~Here is Dealy Plaza again during the memorial activities.
The US Naval Academy Men's Glee Club performed a spectacular
rendition of The Battle Hymn of The Republic
~ Dallas Police Department Honor Guard
~Bagpipes * 6 member and drums
And, there we have it. Dallas has never had an official observance to commemorate JFK's assassination, and, it was stipulated that, perhaps there will not be another one like this.
So...where was I, you ask? Me...I was where every other 14 year old (hopefully) was. I was in my History class room at Argentine High School, in Kansas City. Mr. Sjoblom was the instructior. I believe someone from the principal's office brought a note in to announce that the President had been shot. Karo says it was announced over the intercom in his school, just 50 or 60 miles away from Dallas.
I just know it was devastating, and, yes...it did change my life!
*** Once again, please note that all photos on this post were taken by me!
Thanks for coming by. It is verrry brrrrish in Fort Worth tonite, and, there is sleet falling around some of the neighboring cities. Be careful out there. I know I will see some of you before Thanksgiving, and, for those of you I may not see, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
My list of things to be thankful for is way too long to post...just know you're on it! ♥
***
And, what a beating Dallas, Texas took! This city was ostracized like a rotten egg, every inch was ransacked from crevice to gutter, and scrutinized in the aftermath of this tragedy. November 22, 1963 was the darkest day in Dallas' history. Today, a 50 year commemoration was presented on JFK's behalf in an effort to show the true love that this city had then, and still has for the fallen President. It is possibly a way for Dallas to come to grips with that dreadful day...the day that also deprived this city of their beloved President, John F. Kennedy.
***
The JFK 50 commemoration, funded by private contributions, was organized at Dealy Plaza, with only 5,000 tickets being sold. The weather was a drizzly 37°, eventually giving way to a light rain as the ceremony progressed. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings gave what I believe was an electrifying speech, describing how the city had to grow up, and come to terms with the tragedy-even though, the city did not assassinate the President. The mayor believes that Dallas has accomplished that tough task, and, the journey has made the city bigger and better.
The photos below showcase some of the activities of this event..
*** Please note: I took all of the following photos with my digital camera as I watched this memorial live from my television on NBC 5 News at home in Fort Worth, TX.
by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963,
as he pursued Oswald in an attempt to
capture him after JFK's assassination.
today during the ceremony.
The US Naval Academy Men's Glee Club performed a spectacular
rendition of The Battle Hymn of The Republic
And, there we have it. Dallas has never had an official observance to commemorate JFK's assassination, and, it was stipulated that, perhaps there will not be another one like this.
So...where was I, you ask? Me...I was where every other 14 year old (hopefully) was. I was in my History class room at Argentine High School, in Kansas City. Mr. Sjoblom was the instructior. I believe someone from the principal's office brought a note in to announce that the President had been shot. Karo says it was announced over the intercom in his school, just 50 or 60 miles away from Dallas.
I just know it was devastating, and, yes...it did change my life!
*** Once again, please note that all photos on this post were taken by me!
Thanks for coming by. It is verrry brrrrish in Fort Worth tonite, and, there is sleet falling around some of the neighboring cities. Be careful out there. I know I will see some of you before Thanksgiving, and, for those of you I may not see, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
My list of things to be thankful for is way too long to post...just know you're on it! ♥
