JFK’s Legacy Lives On

Jacqueline Kennedy, Robert Kennedy

November 22, 2013 is the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (JFK).   JFK was the 35th president of the United States, but was assassinated before he could even finish his first term.   JFK was in Texas that day to start campaigning for a second term.   He was riding in the back of a convertible with the First Lady and the Governor of Texas as part of a motorcade in downtown Dallas.   Gunfire rung out just after 12:30pm as the motorcade was passing the Texas School Book Depository.  The president’s neck and head were struck with bullets.  He was pronounced dead only 30 minutes later.

            Lee Harvey Oswald was accused of the crime and was brought in by police that evening. Only two days later, a local nightclub owner named Jack Ruby shot and killed Oswald before a trial could take place.  This happened on live television!  While there was overwhelming evidence that Lee Harvey Oswald was the killer, there were many theories about why he killed the president and whether he acted alone or with others.   Many of the stories about the anniversary of JFK’s assassination are about these different theories.  One theory is that there were multiple gunmen who fired at the president.  Another theory is that Jack Ruby was involved and killed Oswald in order to keep him from talking to the police. Some people believe that Oswald was working for the Russians, while others think that the mafia or the CIA itself was behind the plot to kill the president.

            Instead of spending too much time arguing about the conspiracy theories about the assassination, I believe it is more important to remember JFK’s legacy and all of his positive accomplishments.  He is the founder of the Peace Corps, he made progress toward international peace with the International Test Ban Treaty, and avoided conflict with the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Even though he made many mistakes, such as the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, his presidency inspired many Americans and people all around the world and offers important lessons even for today.  The advice he gave during his famous inauguration speech- “My fellow Americans; ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do your country” – is still an important message for today.

~Luke

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