We the people, elect leaders not to rule but to serve.
Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.
Photo by Irina Anastasiu on Pexels.com
Today marks the 56th anniversary of the assassination of American President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Being seven years old at the time, my mind will forever hold onto memories of the entire series of events seen on numerous television news bulletins.
At the same time, the moments captured on film and in print showed a nation resolute in its purpose to march forward. Little did we know what would lie ahead for America with the challenges of civil rights, Vietnam, and much more.
In January, 2019, I wrote about my personal memories as I watched a fallen President’s funeral procession solemnly marching down Pennsylvania Avenue. The entire nation paused in mourning for its youthful leader.
Here is the link to the poem . . . A Nation Mourns
Photo by Sharefaith on Pexels.com
A deliberate drum cadence
Solemn . . .
Leading a mournful nation
Under sunny autumn skies
Horses . . .
Pulling an army caisson
There is a definite quietness
Prayful . . .
Adding to the moment’s stillness
A deliberate drum cadence
Solemn . . .
Leading a mournful nation
A moment in time standing still
Unforgettable . . .
Viewing a flag-draped coffin
A horse follows behind
Riderless . . .
Reversing the boots in stirrups
A deliberate drum cadence
Solemn . . .
Leading a mournful nation
The military honor guard
Respectfully . . .
Walking ahead of the procession
Thousands line the wide, empty avenue
Faces . . .
Looking humbled and heartbroken
A deliberate drum cadence
Solemn . . .
Leading a mournful nation
Across the nation in a city
Awestruck . . .
Sitting with second grade classmates
A black and white television
Borrowed . . .
Broadcasting this emotional event
A deliberate drum cadence
Solemn . . .
Leading a mournful nation
A seven-year old boy sits quietly
Uncertain . . .
Struggling to understand
A nation’s innocence
Shattered . . .
Changing lives forever
A deliberate drum cadence
Solemn . . .
Leading a mournful nation
Memories will be engraved
Forever . . .
Remembering our fallen President
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Big Sky Buckeye 