Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot...

“…we observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning—signifying renewal, as well as change.” So began, on the steps of the Capitol, in a heavy snow fall, on January 20, 1961, the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy. I will neither refudiate, nor tackle, history’s revisionists. I was there. I remember being in 8^th grade, and watching that speech in the auditorium at Alice Costello Public School; these are my memories.

I remember JFK, sans topcoat and hat, electrifying both the crowd in attendance, and the TV viewing public, with a short (about 1400 words) dynamic speech.

“Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage.”

Even my Dad, a staunch Nixon man, had to admit that maybe the right guy had gotten elected after all. It had been a hell of a campaign; the first really, where TV had played a major role. It pre-dated negative ads. Both candidates endeavored to sell themselves, rather than degrade the other. We choose sides, and debated it in social studies class. My parents (Mom was a Kennedy gal) debated it the dinner table, and we kids were invited join in the discussion.

JFK challenged all us, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” I remember my freshman class taking, on our own, a fifty mile hike, because the President had challenged us to become more physical fit. There was hope; and there was promise.

The Kennedy presidency was dubbed “Camelot”, and a fitting moniker it was. The play was a White House favorite, and the soundtrack was played regularly by Jack and Jackie. Those (roughly) one thousand days in the early 60’s were, for that that one brief shining moment, like living in, and being a part of Camelot. But then suddenly, just like that, on November 22, 1963, Camelot vanished, and the American dream got turned upside down; it is a condition from which we have arguably yet to recover.