|
|
The assassination of a president is something that the United States has had to face only four times in its history. Two of these senseless killings are the ones most embedded in American’s memories and history. The first one, the assassination of Lincoln, occurred in a time when the United States was embroiled in a tumultuous disagreement on the issue of slavery. The other assassination and the one Americans have vivid memories of, occurred on November 22, 1963. The day that lives in infamy, the day a youthful, healthy, and vibrant President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was shot and killed during a trip to Dallas. His death left the public in great turmoil, wondering how this tragedy could happen in our country to a man who seemingly had everything going his way. As the news broke on that long day, Americans reacted differently. Most were shocked and confused, they did not know how and or if they should go about their business as they watched and read about the unfolding events. People felt so deeply for the President, everyone, even those who did not vote for him, were inwardly shattered, people felt for his children and his wife. Disbelieving that this could happen, wondering about a possible motive and questioning what this would mean for the country had the public reeling. Despite the sheer magnitude of the tragic event, the country united. The United States Public relied on each other, religion, the press, and even Jacqueline herself, the country was able to withstand this great hardship. Kennedy was in Texas to raise money for his upcoming campaign, a routine trip as far as presidential trips go. Kennedy had already been to Fort Worth, and was planning on spending the day in Dallas. He was appearing in a parade with the governor and because it was a nice day, the two politicians had chosen to leave the bulletproof top down so the public could get a better view of the President. He was a man that still had much to accomplish, both politically and personally. As soon as the news broke that the President was dead, memorials began popping up all over the country. People wanted to be able to share their grief with one another. Many brought flowers, balloons, even letters to the family, to numerous sites across the nation. This form of grieving gave people an outlet, a chance to talk to each other, to be there, and support one another. Every citizen was going through the same thing, the leader of their country had been inexplicitly taken, and there was nothing they could do to change this tragedy.
|
