It was an ordinary high school day until an a terrible announcement came over the intercom: “President Kennedy has been shot. We are sending you home to be with your families.” Silence. Tears. Fears.
I was 11 years old and was in the middle of a piano lesson at school when the announcement came over the loudspeaker. I was immediately dispatched to the rectory to inform the priests. It was a long, lonely walk there and back to school. We, too, were sent home and I spent the next few days with my family glued to our little black and white TV. I still ask why.
I was gutted, five years later I was truly hollowed out when Dr. King and RFK were murdered.Life and love filled me again, but my heart breaks when I think of all we as a country lost to these deaths.
I was in my last period class, Biology when the announcement came. Don't remember if we were let out early, I don't remember, I think not because the buses has already arrived. I still had faith so I prayed. Once I was home it was nonstop Walter Cronkite. I was 15.
I remember that day very clearly. I was in second grade. The principal came to the classroom very upset, said the president had been shot, and sent us all home. I had a hard time processing what had happened until I saw the TV news coverage.
Thanks. The speech was so eloquent and forward-looking like Biden’s and Harris’s. We must get back the Democrat House and Senate as well as the Presidency for Democracy.
Yes it was. My heart aches to see him and hear that speech. I was in kindergarten on the day of his assassination, and remember the pervasive silence, too. My parents didn't speak, just cried.
Was a junior in high school and remember it like it was yesterday. I remember what I was wearing that day, I remember the silence as my high school of 2200 students walked out and home in absolute silence.
I was about 19, on the couch reading a book to my little sister while my dad kept turning the radio stations. “what are you doing … he said checking all the news because it’s saying the president was shot.” I had to go to work that day, took the bus to Montgomery Ward. The bud was silent except for quiet weeping. And I remember the store was empty. No shoppers. Thanks for remembering this date! It’s especially sad this year knowing what lies ahead. We thought that was the worst thing to ever happen.
I remember my mother having to explain that Captain Kangaroo would not be on television, and I just didn't get it back then. I knew something was horribly wrong, but I had not grasped the concept that President Kennedy had been publicly executed. Thank you very much for the remembrances.
Thank you for your remembrances. It must have been so difficult. I was too young, so have no memories, but my husband was in kindergarten and he does remember. I guess it’s not something you’d ever forget….
David, thanks for your comment. I’m also thankful that the Harris and Biden families are well and able to be the adults in the room. I really hoped there would be justice for felon Trump by now.
I was 11 years old and was in the middle of a piano lesson at school when the announcement came over the loudspeaker. I was immediately dispatched to the rectory to inform the priests. It was a long, lonely walk there and back to school. We, too, were sent home and I spent the next few days with my family glued to our little black and white TV. I still ask why.
Yes. Thanks for your memories. Pass them on to your family.
I was gutted, five years later I was truly hollowed out when Dr. King and RFK were murdered.Life and love filled me again, but my heart breaks when I think of all we as a country lost to these deaths.
I do not think I cried b c it was Strongly discouraged from doing so.
I was in my last period class, Biology when the announcement came. Don't remember if we were let out early, I don't remember, I think not because the buses has already arrived. I still had faith so I prayed. Once I was home it was nonstop Walter Cronkite. I was 15.
I remember that day very clearly. I was in second grade. The principal came to the classroom very upset, said the president had been shot, and sent us all home. I had a hard time processing what had happened until I saw the TV news coverage.
Thanks for posting this, Diane. And for sharing his inaugural address.
Thanks. The speech was so eloquent and forward-looking like Biden’s and Harris’s. We must get back the Democrat House and Senate as well as the Presidency for Democracy.
Yes it was. My heart aches to see him and hear that speech. I was in kindergarten on the day of his assassination, and remember the pervasive silence, too. My parents didn't speak, just cried.
November 22, 1963 will never be forgotten by me! The details are embedded in my mind!
Was a junior in high school and remember it like it was yesterday. I remember what I was wearing that day, I remember the silence as my high school of 2200 students walked out and home in absolute silence.
Thanks, Susan. It seems that silence is a very common memory. I thought it was just my school friends.
I was about 19, on the couch reading a book to my little sister while my dad kept turning the radio stations. “what are you doing … he said checking all the news because it’s saying the president was shot.” I had to go to work that day, took the bus to Montgomery Ward. The bud was silent except for quiet weeping. And I remember the store was empty. No shoppers. Thanks for remembering this date! It’s especially sad this year knowing what lies ahead. We thought that was the worst thing to ever happen.
Yes, we live in very changed times, and I’m glad I have memories. Thanks for sharing.
I remember my mother having to explain that Captain Kangaroo would not be on television, and I just didn't get it back then. I knew something was horribly wrong, but I had not grasped the concept that President Kennedy had been publicly executed. Thank you very much for the remembrances.
That childhood innocence was a bubble partially burst that day. Thanks for your comment, Vila Mundi.
Thank you for your remembrances. It must have been so difficult. I was too young, so have no memories, but my husband was in kindergarten and he does remember. I guess it’s not something you’d ever forget….
True. It’s sad that young adults today don’t know history.
I was thirteen. No words.
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David, thanks for your comment. I’m also thankful that the Harris and Biden families are well and able to be the adults in the room. I really hoped there would be justice for felon Trump by now.