November 22,1963: The date will forever be etched in the collective consciousness of Americans in every walk of life and will stir the anguished recollection of millions around the globe who lived on that ill-fated day. It was one of the world's darkest events for that diverse band of humanity of the 60's who had placed their hope auspiciously on the promise couched in the Camelotian leadership of one so vibrant and so gifted.
Charisma was often used to explain his phenomenal appeal by both detractors and supporters, a word that they thought could sum it all, a single adjective that mayhap could define his remarkable pull for admiration, even endearment. But charisma, though an unmistakable element of his extraordinary persona, did not even touch the true nature of the man. His incumbency as leader of the free world was short but momentous; brief, but full of promise and hope, especially for those who inhabit the third world countries that harbor little in resources, financial and otherwise. It was the time when America's political standing in the world stage was at its highest; it was the age of strength; it was the era of culture and class; it was the years of Alliance For Progress that brought America's help to underdeveloped nations with its peace corps volunteers. It was also a time of national pride when America, through its space program, attempted to conquer the hurdle to space domination.
But it was also a time of turmoil and chaos that saw the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as the Vietnam War. Through all the challenges that were heaped upon him and his administration from here and abroad, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, remained a figure of unrelenting determination to keep the fire of American leadership burning as he stamped its mark in the world stage as that "shining city on the hill". His patriotic inclinations and desire to shield America from the clutches of wars that demanded the highest price of life and resources was unpopular among the global elites who profited from the chaos antithesis to peace. He was young - the youngest of American presidents - and his youth was, in many ways, considered by the more experienced in world affairs as synonymous to lack of strength and wisdom. So his political enemies tested his resolve in policies that did not align with their own. They attacked and blocked legislations and foreign policy matters that they thought did not support their own agenda. But time and again, they underestimated him. Though there were some unfortunate decisions that almost crushed him, such as the Bay of Pigs debacle in the early part of his ascension into office, he learned from the experience. More than that, he showed he understood what true leadership entailed: he owned the mistake, though it was not necessarily his alone. The previous administration seemed to have failed, purposely or otherwise, to brief and give him all the vital information about the mission. But he made no excuses and spoke to the American people with the fortitude and grit only a true leader could muster. With decisiveness and candor, he faced the harsh backlash that was sure to come. But his loyal supporters knew there was more to this young and handsome leader than met the eye - and they were on point. He had proven himself to be that inspiring and strong president America, at that time needed, a true leader that would establish American dominance in the world stage.
But it was also a time of turmoil and chaos that saw the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as the Vietnam War. Through all the challenges that were heaped upon him and his administration from here and abroad, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, remained a figure of unrelenting determination to keep the fire of American leadership burning as he stamped its mark in the world stage as that "shining city on the hill". His patriotic inclinations and desire to shield America from the clutches of wars that demanded the highest price of life and resources was unpopular among the global elites who profited from the chaos antithesis to peace. He was young - the youngest of American presidents - and his youth was, in many ways, considered by the more experienced in world affairs as synonymous to lack of strength and wisdom. So his political enemies tested his resolve in policies that did not align with their own. They attacked and blocked legislations and foreign policy matters that they thought did not support their own agenda. But time and again, they underestimated him. Though there were some unfortunate decisions that almost crushed him, such as the Bay of Pigs debacle in the early part of his ascension into office, he learned from the experience. More than that, he showed he understood what true leadership entailed: he owned the mistake, though it was not necessarily his alone. The previous administration seemed to have failed, purposely or otherwise, to brief and give him all the vital information about the mission. But he made no excuses and spoke to the American people with the fortitude and grit only a true leader could muster. With decisiveness and candor, he faced the harsh backlash that was sure to come. But his loyal supporters knew there was more to this young and handsome leader than met the eye - and they were on point. He had proven himself to be that inspiring and strong president America, at that time needed, a true leader that would establish American dominance in the world stage.
Then came "The Missiles of October" in 1962, that unfathomable threat of nuclear Armageddon not only to America, but to a world that valued peace regardless of its fragility and impermanence. The Soviet Union, through Nikita Khrushchev's leadership, tried to build a nuclear missile base in Cuba, a country only 90 miles away from mainland United States. In a 13-day negotiations, when a nuclear war seemed imminent, JFK didn't blink. As the world held its collective breath, a compromise was finally reached and the threat of a nuclear war was averted. JFK's courageous and astute handling of the crisis earned him, understandably, the gratitude and respect of those who underestimated him before. The Cuban missile crisis was the litmus test of backbone and fortitude that put him securely on the pages of world history. But his glory days as a leader was not meant to last.
Friday, November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas started out with an overcast sky and a light rain. As the hours ticked away, the weather improved and the sun started to shine through the gloom. Thinking the nice weather would hold, JFK and his entourage decided to forego the protective plexiglass bubble top of his convertible so he could wave to the crowd along the motorcade route. But at Dealey Plaza, unbeknownst to everybody, his journey would end, once and for all. At 12:30 pm, shots rang amid the crowd's enthusiastic greetings to the leader of the free world. He slumped forward, spilling blood and brain matter on the car floor, with that smile he was ready to give to the crowd lining the sidewalk completely erased before it even bloomed on his handsome face. Cries of anguish from his dear wife, blended with his Secret Service detail's swift action to protect, rent the mid-day air. But he was gone, gone, as a shocked and stunned world watched on their TV screens that black day in America in a state of horror and disbelief. Like a shooting star that swiftly came and left, John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his momentous presidency will remain etched in the hearts of those who lived those glorious - then darkened - years.
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