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I was five years old when JFK was inaugurated, eight when he was murdered.
I remember reading about a campaign stop he made near to me in Paterson, NJ and being so excited when I saw a picture of him standing in a place I was familiar with.
I remember memorizing his famous call for all Americans to think not of themselves but of their country. I found it a bit tricky to grasp at first but I was very much inspired at such a young age by those words. Today I wonder, was that a conservative call, a liberal one, or a true beckoning to all Americans?
I can still picture John-John scampering under the President's desk. I recall the sadness when the Kennedy's days-old son, Patrick Bouvier, died.
I remember the idealism of the Peace Corps.
I sure do remember the fear of the the Cuban missile crisis and the relief when JFK saw us safely through it.
And I remember 41 years ago today, with a sense of emptiness, sadness and sorrow for what our country has become.
Looking back I find it amazing that JFK made such an impression on me at such a young age. He instilled feelings that still burn strong 41 years later. The spirit of JFK is still alive...
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