It’s hard to believe 62 years have passed since the November 22, 1963, assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I remember it like it was just yesterday…I must be getting old. The announcement of the shooting in Dallas came over the school’s PA system while I was shooting baskets during PE class at Tustin High School. The next announcement came next period in my English class. It was the first (and only) time we were given a moment of silence to pray in school.
When you sit and wonder why things have gone so wrong and you wish someone would tell us where our friend has gone, look then to the hills when there’s courage in the wind and in the face of freedom and those who look to him. (“Song For a Friend” – From the Kingston Trio’s Time to Think album – Song penned by John Stewart on Nov 22, 1963)
To say that Kennedy filled me with encouragement and hope for a better future for our country and the world is an understatement. For this reason, I chose his inaugural address for presentation at public speaking competitions at other schools throughout Southern California, winning several awards in the oratorical interpretation category.
For a brief moment in time, there was hope for a better future, a better nation and a better world, a world with less poverty and hunger, less war and hate. There was even a challenge to reach to the moon and beyond. Some called it Camelot.
Ask every person if he’s heard the story and tell it strong and clear if he has not, that once there was a fleeting wisp of glory called Camelot… (Overture from the Broadway play “Camelot” – Lerner & Loewe – 1960)
Twice I came close to meeting JFK while on holiday in Europe with Mom and Pop in 1963. The first time was at Westminster Abby, where we arrived just moments after he laid a wreath at Britain’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In Rome, a few days later, I chased after his open-topped limo, hoping to shake his hand as he passed by on his way to the coronation of the new Pope. (You can read all about this episode in my soon-to-be-released book, A Boy Visits France and Returns Home a Man.)
One of the saddest days I can remember was the day of JFK’s funeral. I remember it well; there was a chill in the air and the sky was dark and gloomy.
Summer takes the winter as the good years take the pain. There’ll be laughter in the land again, but hearts won’t be the same. And I know I’ll remember when a chill wind takes the sky and speak of years he gave us hope, they will never die. (Song for a Friend)
I truly believe the world would have been a better place had JFK not been shot down that fateful day in “Big D.”
Don’t let it be forgot that once there was a spot for one brief, shining moment that was known as Camelot.
Keep it flyin’,
Uncle Mott
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