44 Years Later, JFK's Words Still Resonate

[RFKJrNews]

This week marks 44 years since President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.

It is a time when all Americans (even those who were not yet born in 1963) stop to reflect on what our country lost that day — *for we lost so much more than more than just a man* — and we ponder what role that tragic event played in shaping the world we now find ourselves living in.

While it is important that we pause to remember the past, and to ask these questions about America’s future (he would want us to), let’s not allow ourselves to forget the man Jack Kennedy was. Because it seems that far too often, we focus our attention on his death and the many questions that still remain unanswered. Shouldn’t we instead remember his life?

Since this somber anniversary happens to fall on Thanksgiving this year, it just doesn’t seem appropriate somehow to be mournful. Rather, let us give thanks for all of the good things he brought to this world as a catalyst for change. Let us recall the way he inspired people around the globe; the hope and optimism he brought to the presidency. Let’s celebrate his vision, his strength, his courage, his razor-sharp mind, his grace, charm, and of course, that delightful, sometimes wicked wit.

This would be a perfect time to reach for one of your favorite books on the shelf and immerse yourself in some of his words. Listen to some of his best speeches. Because these things are the legacy he left us. His words will live in history forever and cannot be erased.

Naturally, we all have our own favorite books and speeches of JFK’s; I’ve certainly got a long list of works I find deeply moving and inspiring, but I’ll refrain from making any recommendations here because I feel that how each of us remembers him this week should be a strictly personal choice.

But there is one little tidbit I want to share:

On November 19, 1963, just three days before his death, President Kennedy wrote this message for the rededication ceremonies of the national cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania:

“The goals of liberty and freedom, the obligations of keeping ours a government of and for the people are never-ending.”

Just one sentence, but this really says it all. Written exactly 44 years ago today, these words serve to remind us all that there is still so much work to do. Lest we forget.





Full story and photos here:
http://rfkin2008.wordpress.com/2007/11/19/44-years-later-jfks-words-still-resonate/

[midnight]

1. That photo says alot about his critical thinking. What an amazing

legacy he has left us to ponder about. "The goals of liberty and freedom,the obligations of keeping ours a government of and for the people are never-ending."

[RFKJrNews]

2. Oh, you mean THIS photo?

Always one of my favorite photos of JFK. It was difficult to choose a photo to run with the story, but this one just felt right.

Funny, but I seem to have that same look on my face here lately when I think about the predicament this world is in today...

[Bitwit1234]

3. And when the bunch of dumb bunnies

are asked who was the greatest president of the last 50 or more years the ignorant butts say reagan...who is one of the causes of the financial mess that we still haven't gotten out of.

[RFKJrNews]

4. Greatest president of the last 50 years...I'd say the 20th century.

Good lord, the fact that this thread has been up since 9am this morning and only got 2 responses makes me wonder if anyone still cares about JFK or understands what he lived, worked, fought and died for.

It's called liberty. I know it's an old, archaic, outdated concept, but dammit, it still works for me.

Please recommend this thread and help keep it going. Please take some time this year at Thanksgiving to remember President Kennedy and tell some of the younger generation about him. Make sure they know the truth!

Those of you who have first-hand memories of the 60s, please make sure your kids and grandkids know that yes, there actually was a time when we were proud to be Americans. (Because anyone born after 1980 or so really doesn't know what that feels like.) Oral history, passed generation to generation, is so important. They need to hear it from you, Mom & Dad.

...Because we CAN'T let them say that Reagan was the greatest president of the last 50 years. We just can't.

"Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."