Today I’m going historic with this one. There are few dates that I can remember each year – my anniversary and Kelly’s birthday are just about it. But for some reason I remember every November 22nd that it’s the day of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. My infatuation with JFK lasted about a year – I was in fifth grade. After finding out that my parents sort of named me after JFK (they wanted so bad to have an “F” middle name but didn’t like the options), I decided to make it my project to discover who this guy was. As a fifth grader, I was less concerned with his political stance or agenda as I was in the more interesting aspects of his life. It might have been Kevin Costner who really sold me on JFK after his marvelous work in the movie JFK.
I would like to share my tribute to our 35th President – one that I scripted sixteen years ago.
I was born in Massachusetts many years ago, my name is one that we all know.
I moved to New York in 1926, nothing to do but pick up sticks.
I went on to Princeton University, had to leave ‘cause an injury.
At age 19 I entered Harvard, when then a trip to Europe I heard.
Why England Slept, a book I wrote, was published and I got a good note.
I was Commander of a PT boat, which sunk but I stayed afloat.
I became Senator in 1952, like my mom always said it was all for you.
I married Jacqueline in 1953, when at last I had a honey.
Profiles in Courage, my second book, I finally sold to my lovely cook.
And then I left to Washington D.C. where I had a daughter – Caroline.
In 1960 I had a TV debate, with Richard Nixon who I soon would hate.
I was elected 35th President of my country; then John Jr. was born he was quite hungry.
The Cuban Missile Crisis had started, but in 12 days it was departed.
I took some trips outside the U.S. and then I had a son he was no success.
And to Dallas in November, 1963, I died right by my family.
John once said, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. This one’s for you John.
