Tribute to JFK - John F Kennedy - A Leader for Equal Rights

JKF served as US President for only 2 years - but oh, my - what an impact he made upon the world! November 22^nd marks the anniversary of his death. Come journey through this amazing life and family and see the everlasting impact a man of only 46 years can have on a country and upon our global world.

On November 22^nd, 1963, President John F. Kennedy (commonly referred to as JFK), America's 35th President was fatally shot with 2 rifle bullets. As a tribute to a much beloved American President, a man who called for congressional action to fully end the morale injustice of racism in the United States, a man who promoted physical fitness, a man who initiated the Peace Corps, a man who courageously defended freedom, a man who died decades too soon, come with me as we journey together through his life, his family his great accomplishments in his short 46 years of life.

It is important to note that Kennedy never lost an election, served four years in the US Navy while he only served 2 years as President, his statements, his leadership, his words are a legacy to the American public.

JFK actively supported the US Space Exploration Program which on July 20, 1969 landed the Apollo 11 on the moon.

During his short presidency of only 2 years (1961-1963) , he initiated legislation to eliminate the social injustice for African Americans. JKF called for added legislation from Congress in addition to calling upon the American people's personal assistance to have true equality throughout American society irrespective of race, religion or color of the skin. JFK also initiated the Peace Corps which remains even today a successfully government program encouraging college students to serve in foreign countries.

Jackie Kennedy Quote After JFK's Assassination

"He didn’t even have the satisfaction of being killed for civil rights... it had to be some silly little Communist."

JFK's Request for Legislation & Support of All Citizens

Even after 100 years, even after much blood shed in the United States, even after all the valiant efforts, words and deeds of Abraham Lincoln, freedom did not reign in the United States for the entire population. Segregation and discrimination remained a way of life - both in the North (albeit in a more quiet fashion) and in the South. Bonds of injustice remained in movie houses, restaurants, buses, etc...

Inequality throughout the United States continued to prevail. Discrimination based upon color of skin continued. The constitution said it was color blind but public places had different places for man and women of a different race.

From the outcries of the university campus in Birmingham, Alabama, following extreme strife where the national guard was called to restore order for the University of Alabama, a young President responded with courage, conviction with a plan both for the Congress of the United States and new legislation but also for a personal plea for individuals to put prejudice behind them, to walk the talk that the freedoms of the United States was built upon in our constitution that outlined equality.

JFK called for examination of conscious and reminded us that this country was founded upon equality. Segregation and discrimination was an ugly topic that had divided this great nation for many years. JFK united the states, he sought to unify the North and South. He brought healing after 100 years of freeing the slaves. He gave to the American people, respect for themselves, respect for our constitution and wisdom to know we are stronger when we are unified - not just in the public places but in our homes and in our hearts.

JKF stated that this is more than a legislative issue. New laws are need but this is a "moral issue", "as old as the scriptures and the heart of the American constitution". Fellow Americans need to be treated equality.

We have as United State's citizens participated in a worldwide struggle to protect the right to be free. We have sought to promote and protect the rights of all who wish to be free.

"A great change is at hand, and our task our obligation is to make that revolution that change peaceful and constructive for all."

"Race has no place in American life or law."

In JFK's own words: "Legislation cannot solve this problem alone it must be solved in the homes of every American, in every community across our country."

"I ask the support of all of our citizens."

"I have today signed an Executive Order providing for the establishment of a Peace Corps on a temporary pilot basis. I am also sending to Congress a message proposing authorization of a permanent Peace Corps. This Corps will be a pool of trained American men and women sent overseas by the U.S. Government or through private institutions and organizations to help foreign countries meet their urgent needs for skilled manpower.

It is our hope to have 500 or more people in the field by the end of the year.

The initial reactions to the Peace Corps proposal are convincing proof that we have, in this country, an immense reservoir of such men and women--anxious to sacrifice their energies and time and toil to the cause of world peace and human progress.

In establishing our Peace Corps we intend to make full use of the resources and talents of private institutions and groups. Universities, voluntary agencies, labor unions and industry will be asked to share in this effort--contributing diverse sources of energy and imagination--making it clear that the responsibility for peace is the responsibility of our entire society.

We will only send abroad Americans who are wanted by the host country--who have a real job to do--and who are qualified to do that job. Programs will be developed with care, and after full negotiation, in order to make sure that the Peace Corps is wanted and will contribute to the welfare of other people. Our Peace Corps is not designed as an instrument of diplomacy or propaganda or ideological conflict. It is designed to permit our people to exercise more fully their responsibilities in the great common cause of world development.

Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. There will be no salary and allowances will be at a level sufficient only to maintain health and meet basic needs. Men and women will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals of the country in which they are stationed--doing the same work, eating the same food, talking the same language.

But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps--who works in a foreign land--will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace."

Statement Upon Signing Order Establishing the Peace Corps

President John F. Kennedy
March 1, 1961 as provided by www.jfklibrary.org as accessed on November 20,2009.

John F. Kennedy's most famous saying:

"Ask not what your country can do for you,

ask what you can do for your country."

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963)

Student, Choate Academy (1932-1935), (Wallingford, CT)

Princeton University (1935-1936),

Harvard College (1936-1940),

Stanford University (1941);

Naval Officer (1941-1945);

Representative (1947-1953) and

Senator (1953-1961) from Massachusetts;

President of the United States (1961-1963).

as provided by the jfklibrary.org as assessed on November 20, 2009

The Peace Corps today is much larger than JFK's vision of 500 volunteers, it now boasts over 7,600 Volunteers in over 75 countries! And yet it has remained true to JFK's original vision of Volunteers exercising "more fully their responsibilities in the great common cause of world development." It is not a political or diplomatic service. It is not a "fully paid position", it is a volunteer service with a nominal stipend for sustenance only.

The countries the Peace Corps serve include Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe and the Middle East. Volunteers contribute in various fields from youth outreach, community development, education and information technology and agriculture.

Who are the Peace Corps Volunteers? While JFK's visions began strictly with college age students, the Peace Corps now boasts a full range of ages including retirees. The Peace Corps represents a rick diversity of the American people who serve with nominal pay by sharing their skills in education, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, to soil conservation in various countries around the world.

The Peace Corps seeks to match the Volunteers to where their skills and life experiences can best be utilized throughout the world. www.peacecorps.com

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994) was the wife of the 35thpresident of the United States, John F. Kennedy. She served as First Lady during his presidency from 1961 until his assassination in 1963.

Years after JFK's death Jacqueline married a Greek shipping tycoon named Aristotle Onassis. They were married from 1968 until Onassis' death in 1975.

She was always known for her style and elegance. There is an amazing collection of her personal jewelry recreated by Camrose and Kross - see the link below. Jackie is fondly remembered for her diplomatic skills, multiple languages (she was fluent in French and also spoke Spanish ) that she spoke and her contributions to the arts and historic preservation.

Sadly Americans also remember her grace and public stoicism in the wake of President Kennedy's assassination.

And Their Children:

Arabella born August 23, 1956, a stillborn daughter

Caroline Bouvier Kennedy born November 27, 1957 has two daughter and a son.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. born November 25, 1960 married Carolyn Bessette. Tragically both JFK Jr and wife Carolyn and Carolyn's sister died in a plane crash on July 16, 1990.

and Patrick Bouvier Kennedy born August 7, 1963 died frm Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome 2 days after his birth.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr. (November 25, 1960 – July 16, 1999), often referred to as John F. Kennedy, Jr., JFK Jr., John Jr., John Kennedy or John-John, was an American magazine publisher (George), lawyer and pilot. He was the oldest son of John F. Kennedy, United States President. He was killed in a plane crash with his wife and sister-in-law on on July 16, 1999.

In an interview with Oprah, JFK Jr stated his father like to annoy him by calling him Sam.

Carolyn Jeanne Bessette Kennedy (January 7, 1966 – July 16, 1999) was the wife of JKF Jr.

Caroline Bouvier Kennedy (born November 27, 1957) is the only surviving immediate family member. She is an American author and attorney, daughter of US President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy.

She is married to Edmin Schlossber, an exhibit designer and is rumored to have 7 houses! She received her law degree from Columbia Law School. She has contributed her time and expertise to education, law, politics and charitable foundations.

Philip Katz tells an adorable story how she named her daughter after her little sister. Jackie's sister was called Lee because when Jackie was little she was not able to say her little sister's name of "Caroline". Years later upon her first female child, she named her Caroline after his beloved sister whose name she was unable to pronounce!

Tribute speech to her uncle US Senator Edward Kennedy, Massachusetts.

Caroline Kennedy's speech at the 2008 nomination of the democratic presidential candidate for Senator Barrack Obama.

Prior to her introduction, the song that is playing is Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline.   Sadly I am unable to share this song via video with you. 

Caroline pays tribute to two men who have changed her life - Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Senator Obama and the life of this country. And she states "their stories are very different but they share a commitment to timeless American ideals of justice ad fairness, service and sacrifice, faith and family."

"Leaders like them come along rarely, but once or twice in a lifetime, they come along just when we need them the most. This is one of those moments."

"The Profile in Courage Award was created in 1989 by members of President Kennedy's family to honor President John F. Kennedy and to recognize and celebrate the quality of political courage that he admired most.

The award is named for President Kennedy’s 1957 Pulitzer prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage, which recounts the stories of eight U.S. Senators who risked their careers by taking principled stands for unpopular positions."

"The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of our nation's thirty-fifth president and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world.

Located on a ten-acre park, overlooking the sea that he loved and the city that launched him to greatness, the Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the life and times of John F. Kennedy.

Come tour our Museum which portrays the life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy, conveys his enthusiasm for politics and public service, and illustrates the nature of the office of the President.

Students and scholars can also arrange to conduct research using our collection of historical materials chronicling mid-20th century politics and the life and administration of John F. Kennedy."

Tribute to John F Kennedy - A Leader for Equal Rights & Peace

While to many his life is denoted as Camelot - a fairy-tale, in reality, he was the leader the United Stated needed even if all we could have was 2 years, he was the leader that brought us unity, ended the segregation on the buses and in the restaurants, a leader who had the foresight to create the Peace Corps which continues successfully today!

He was born to a great nation, born to a great political family but his talents of unifying our nation during the height of ugly human emotions is a legacy of equal rights and peace that continues fervently today. His ideas echoed our founding fathers. He gave us the voice our founding fathers could not transcend.

John F. Kennedy was more than a great father, politician, speaker, he was a true leader that taught us we are one great national and an integral part of the great global populace.

I hope this article instilled upon you what one man can do in a few short years. I hope I share some new information with you and perhaps some new insights.

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