More Rambling thoughts as I approach 70 years old

[nightwing1240]

A big thank you to all that read my previous post and the encouragement to continue. You are all very kind and I appreciate you

After the death and funeral for President Kennedy even at that age I knew things had really changed. My parents and grandparents were not very pleased to have LBJ as President at the time. Since he was from Texas and JFK had been murdered in Dallas, they were somewhat angered by him. But thankfully they despised Goldwater and happily voted in 1964 for LBJ. Once civil rights legislation passed along with his plans for The Great Society, they were more accepting of LBJ. That lasted a few years but with the ongoing carnage in Viet Nam it was short lived.

Both mom and dad were excited when Bobby Kennedy decided to run in 1968 and President Johnson deciding he would not seek another term as President. With Bobby, the magic returned. It was much happier even at school with teachers and friends. It was a Catholic school that had been so proud of President John Kennedy and hope had returned at the thought of his brother Bobby perhaps being elected. Then, all hell broke loose.

April 4 1968

My family and I were tuned in to the Dean Martin show on NBC when the news broke that the Reverend King had been murdered in Memphis. Mom cried and dad was furious. I recall them saying to one another that they could not understand how a man of God and peace could be killed in such a manner. Their hope was that RFK would be elected President and fix what was wrong with our country. Racism, Viet Nam, all of it.

For myself, I was going on 14 at the time and still had my paper route. I remember when I collected different customers that were quite shaken brought me into their homes to just talk. I felt quite helpless in listening not quite knowing what to say but they thanked me just the same. I do remember telling them let's hope Bobby wins and is able to change things for the better. Each of them agreed and said he had their vote.

And then, BOOM!

June 5, 1968

It was the last day of school and we had awoken to a good breakfast made by mom as she got us off to school. We were unaware of what had happened. My brothers and I walked there happily awaiting the start of summer vacation. As I made my way to our upstairs classroom, several friends were talking and quite animated. I asked what was wrong and they were surprised I had not heard the news. Bobby Kennedy was dead. I remember the feeling and yelling out, you have GOT to be kidding me! Bobby? Shot? Like his brother?? I was so upset I felt nauseous and wanted to go home.

At school, rather than anything in the classroom, we went across the street to a memorial mass put together quickly by our parrish priest. Needless to say, there was a lot of crying there that day. Students, nuns, teachers and a few adults in attendance. By the time my brothers and I got home mom was drying her eyes and we could see she was not her normal happy self. Dad was not much happier when he got home from work and we had a very quiet evening.

I remember thinking now what? Where do we go from here? Who will lead us now? It was a very confusing, uncertain world.

I will leave it at these two life changing events today. They still sadden me still after all this time.

Thank you for reading.

[calimary]

2. Man, that really takes me back.

You made me think back to Sister Dorothy at my Catholic school on that November day. Such a weird day. And then, a few years later, Martin Luther King Jr. and then Bobby Kennedy. At the Ambassador Hotel near downtown L.A. The night went from exuberant and triumphant and hopeful - to a stone cold dark stop. It was all snatched away, and so swiftly. Just like that.

[Vinca]

3. I just turned 74 a few days ago and I remember those things like they were yesterday.

In my head, I can still hear the drums in the procession carrying JFK through Washington. Some things you just can't forget.

[John1956PA]

4. For those of us who were old enough to be aware of those tragedies as they occurred . . .

. . . it brings on deep sadness to recall them. It must have been painful for you to write your poignant recollections.

[nightwing1240]

7. Thank you and it was

I had to leave it there for now, it still, well wow

[ProudMNDemocrat]

5. Approaching 71 in May.

I remember both events clearly. I was in high school as I was approaching 16.

The day MLK was assassinated in Memphis, I was at an after school Pool Party at the High School I was a student at. The announcement on the loud speaker said it all. I raced home as quick as I could to see my mother glued to the TV news replaying the event.

In June with a week yet to go in school, my Social Studies teacher and Counselor, Mr. Connelly, took a handful of his best students out to St. James Park in San Jose to hear Bobby Kennedy give a speech. The California Primary was the next day. I was able to get a good view of him and hung on his every word. The next night after winning the Primary, he was gone. I felt as though a member of the family had died. Wednesday morning was tough going to school. That Friday, school was cancelled. That Saturday, I watched the funeral from St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC and then the train procession to Arlington. I recall the people from all walks of life, along the train route with their hands over their hearts and holding flags. It was then I knew I was a Democrat.

P.S. It was in September of 1960 at a Catholic School in Cleveland, Ohio, JFK stopped at the school I was attending and gave an unscheduled speech on the importance of Education. How we kids would be the future leaders of the country going into the next millennium. I wrote him a letter that night, with my mother's help. The last sentence of the letter read..."Be a wise and good President." December 4, 1960, I received a typewritten reply that he typed during the transition. I still have that letter and envelop with the US Senate letterhead.

[Karma13612]

6. I remember JFK's

Assassination - I was 9. I was so scared. My impression was that Kennedy was the “father figure” for the whole country. I wasn’t sure how we could go on without our father.

It was scary. And today, all I seem to feel is fear. Over everything. And sad. I am sad that our country has deteriorated so much. Anger, embarrassment, anxiety, pain, confusion, great sadness.

Fear, sadness, anxiety.

And no other country will have me. Too old, not wealthy enuf. Unfortunately I’m smart enuf to know things are bad and not going to get better in my lifetime.

I understand your OP completely.

Make each day count, no matter how trivial the act.