How old were you when JFK killed

[Hekate]

155. 16, in the crowded hallway at school. Not a funny joke, I thought. Went into chemistry class...

... Where, at about 9:30 in the morning Hawai'i time, JFK's death was confirmed. School was not canceled, tho some cut class. Very subdued. Stunned. Later in the day, we had full school assembly in the courtyard around the flagpole, where it was made official, and where Steve Cariaga, best trumpeter in the school band, played Taps while the flag was lowered to half staff. Tears.

This was Hawai'i, where needless to say JFK's support of integration was not a subject of controversy. Later on we heard rumors that Someplace in some Southern state cheers were heard in Some school. Rumors -- and who knows what validity, except it is certain that there were those who wanted him dead. And one succeeded.

My dad was not given to emotional displays, but he sat in his chair softly pounding its arm and saying "Damn, damn, damn," over and over. Blue collar, ex-Catholic, Irish -- well, didn't the Kennedys touch us all.

I spent the next 3 days glued to the tv. I kept telling myself, "Remember this, it will never happen in your lifetime again." And then, of course, it did.

They were the shining ones. Don't ever let anyone tell you different. A family of such wealth and privilege, that gave themselves so unstintingly to public service -- no matter the complexities, the shades of gray, the stains that have emerged -- don't, don't forget the good that was done, and was begun to be completed by others. Integration, the Peace Corps, international diplomacy....

Ah, well. You know it's for us to carry on -- now, as it was then.

Hekate
in tears