By James A. Marples, Longview, TX
November 22 will mark 47 years since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on the streets of downtown Dallas, Texas, on Nov. 22, 1963. I was born just 22 days later on Dec. 14, 1963. Throughout my life, I have seen numerous still photos of that fateful day, along with various replays of that famous Zapruder Film. I have asked many older people where they were on that terrible day in history. Most can vividly recall the shock, horror, and sadness of the time.
When he was killed, President Kennedy was smiling and waving to thousands of spectators along that motorcade route. He was 46 years old. Now, I am age 46 myself.
A few days ago, I was traveling by car in Dealey Plaza and I glanced over at the old Texas Book Depository Building and then I looked down at the roadway to see the “x” which I have seen so many times before. Many people are frozen in grief by wondering “what might have been” if President Kennedy had not been shot. Likewise, I share that grief…..but I look at that spot with “fresh eyes” as a 46 year-old today: The Dream did not die. The ‘Vision’ of a brighter future did not die. The man’s legacy lives on.
To broadly paraphrase one of President Kennedy’s sayings and adapt it here might go like this: “Ask Not what types of bereavement are associated with Dealey Plaza —- Ask yourself how you can turn the page and make this Country a better place for all mankind.”
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading …
Posted in 
Add to Google
Jim a very good thought with the paraphrase. For life surely goes on and dwelling on anything that was not pleasant will not chage that event. I am sure that JFK would have wanted all of us to move forward and to do what we could to improve our lives and the lives of others.