I was seven years old and sitting in a class room when suddenly over the loudspeaker our principal informed us what had happened.
"I'm sorry to inform you that the President of the United States has been shot and killed. School will be dismissed. Please quickly and quietly gather your belongings and go straight home."
There was deafening silence as we each looked at each other with wide eyes. Was this the end of the world? What would happen next?
The next thing I remember, I'm dressed in my coat and running as fast as I can home. (Remember, in those days we lived two blocks from school.) I burst into the door with questions on my lips but Dad and Granny were glued to the television set and barely acknowledged my presence.
According to Wikipedia, that day, Friday, November 22, 1963, ushered in 4 straight days of television programming (on all channels all day long) regarding the assassination and funeral of the President. Schools and businesses closed in tribute through Monday.
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| Wikipedia.com |
I believe it because at our house the television was on constantly. The atmosphere was one of mourning even though we were really not Kennedy supporters. Still, he was our president, and honor was due him.
(I'm not sure today's world would afford anyone quite the respect his office received.)
I'm including this post in my collection of Life Stories because it truly was a life-changing event. Even though I was only 7, it seemed that life seemed different after the President's shooting. I became aware of politics - I'm not sure I even realized anything about government before that day - and also, a certain innocence was lost. The world was not a safe place and you really did not know what to expect!
How about you? Do you remember what you were doing that day? Or, for you younger readers, do you remember the details of your day when 9/11 happened? Did you feel life was different after those events?
This post is #10 in my series, 31 Days of Life Stories. Hundreds of writers are linking up at the 31 Day Writing Challenge hosted by Crystal Stine. There is a wealth of information on many topics. Go visit and see! I'll be posting under the category "Inspiration and Faith."
I was born in 1967--so, no I do not remember...but the haunting pictures of the Kennedy children have never left me. Thank you Jerralea....Blessings
ReplyDeleteI didn't come along till '73 but I've heard how it's touched so many. Nice read!
ReplyDeleteIt's something I will never forget. The first national tragedy that affected me. I was in 7th grade in my science class. Our science teacher turned a t.v. on in our room. The rest of the day was surreal and then of course going home to sit in front of that little black and white t.v.
ReplyDeleteIt was especially close to me because my sister and I were able to shake the president's hand while he was campaigning and was in a parade on the main street of our town.
A few years ago while in Texas visiting my brother we went to the spot where he was shot. That was another surreal experience...
I was 5 and don't remember when that happened. But I do remember the day his brother was shot and killed.Both are such sad events of our history.
ReplyDeletethanks for the help, love you.
ReplyDeleteI was a year younger than you, but also heard it over the speaker at school. Was a Catholic school, all the nuns were crying. I remember my sister glued to the tv for the next few days. Definitely one of those events you always remember
ReplyDeleteBetty
I more so remember his brother Bobby being shot. I was too young to really understand but remember feeling sad. And I remember coming upon the newspaper clipping years later in my mom's storage room and all those feelings surfacing once again. It truly was impacting what happened to that family even up here to us young Canadians.
ReplyDelete