November 22nd – 52 Years Ago

I remember exactly where I was when I heard John F Kennedy had been assassinated [at home with my Mum, and my father came home from Boys’ Brigade and told us] I was just eight at the time, but i realised this was a major world event.

One wonders how things would have gone if he had lived longer, and had more years serving as the President. He and Jackie were truly the ‘golden couple’ who brought Camelot to the White House.

He was certainly a powerful orator – and I have chosen a few thought-provoking quotes – which still challenge us today, half a century later.

• As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
• Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind
• My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
• If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
• If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.
• Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.