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November 22, 2005
November 22, 1963 - Kennedy Assassination
As I was driving to work this morning, I was listening to Jerry Springer on Air America Radio. I enjoy his show -- he talks about current events and recalls famous anniversaries and I often get my blog ideas from him. Today I learned that it is the 42nd anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination. That day in 1963 was historic for many reasons. It was pointed out that it was the first "shared" experience for America. There were 3 television stations at the time and they all aired live coverage of the assassination. All of America was glued to the television, in the same way that we were riveted by the coverage on September 11th. The other thing that changed after the assassination was that presidents are now on camera every minute of every day -- with the exception of their bathroom and bedroom. It is called the "assassination watch." Kennedy's assassination was not filmed by a network or by Secret Service -- it was filmed by an ordinary man named Abraham Zapruder. He retrieved his film camera from his hotel room to catch the presidential motorcade pass by. His 26 second, silent film is the most complete visual record of the assassination. Never again, vowed the country, would we be unable to see exactly what happened to our president. Today, we take for granted our ability to see everything live on television. And, although I wasn't born when Kennedy was assassinated, I can relate to the feeling of shock and shared grief that the public felt in 1963 -- because I that is how I felt in 2001 as we watched the World Trade Center topple.
John F. Kennedy governed at a time of tremendous change and growth of our country. It was a time (before Watergate) when presidents were respected leaders and we didn't have to know every gory detail about their personal lives. What a concept!
Incidentally, if you've been the recipient of the email forward, which recounts the coincidences between JFK and Abraham Lincoln -- you have to take a look at the Snopes article. Essentially, it's entertaining to ponder, but none of it is remarkable.
Posted by Michele at November 22, 2005 11:40 AM