56th anniversary today of JFK death

[wnylib]

18. Yes, I remember very well.

I was 14 and in 9th grade. His election and inauguration were the first ones I had followed a few years earlier. Just becoming aware of the larger world and being encouraged by teachers to follow current events. I remember the news conferences, his wit and humor, promotion of physical fitness, and so much more.

I was home sick on 11/22/63 but felt well enough just before noon to move from bed to living room couch where I watched Groucho Marx on NBC. They broke in with a report of shots fired but no news yet if anyone was hit. Several more updates until they gave up programming altogether. Watched when Oswald was shot. Remember the funeral well -- all the figures of state from around the world, the riderless horse, Jackie in her veil walking with Bobby, the eternal flame.

But although those scenes are indelibly imprinted on my mind, I also remember well the things he did and said, the upbeat tone of those early 1960's. The things accomplished and those that were started and followed up on by Johnson. The hopefulness of the Kennedy years.

I also remember the comedy record about the Kennedy's by Vaughn Meeder. Do not recall specific lines from it, only that it was very funny. Nailed the JFK accent perfecrly. Not derogatory humor, just good fun. My civics teacher played the record for us in class. Not long afterward the same teacher was discussing the line of succession with us after Johnson was sworn in.