I always remember this date, as I do the first moon landing, July 20, 1969. But, I've always wondered why JFK's birthday is never remembered? And most of the time its never, even, mentioned.

I always remember this date, as I do the first moon landing, July 20, 1969. But, I've always wondered why JFK's birthday is never remembered? And most of the time its never, even, mentioned.

John F. Kennedy inspired many Americans in all walks of life, and, in, one way or another, continues to inspire. He is the founder of the Peace Corp, the author of "Profiles In Courage," where he talks about acts of bravery and integrity by eight United States Senators from throughout the Senate's history.

*Those eight Senators are:

1. John Quincy Adams a Senator (1803-1808) (later a congressman and president) from Massachusetts, for breaking away from the Federalist Party. http://www.answers.com/topic/john-quincy-adams

2. Daniel Webster also from Massachusetts, for speaking in favor of the Compromise of 1850. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compromise_of_1850

3. Thomas Hart Benton from Missouri, for staying in the Democratic Party despite his opposition to the extension of slavery in the territories. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Hart_Benton_(senator)

4. Sam Houston from Texas, for speaking against the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. Sam Houston was also profiled for opposing Texas' secession from the Union, for which he was deposed from the office of Governor. http://maude.tsl.state.tx.us/exhibits/civilwar/documents/before/sam-houston-feb15-1854-1.html

5. Edmund G. Ross from Kansas, for voting for acquittal in the Andrew Johnson impeachment trial. As a result of Ross's vote, along with those of six other Republicans, Johnson's presidency was saved, and the stature of the office was preserved. http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/archives/1918ks/bior/rosseg.html

6. Lucius Lamar from Mississippi, for eulogizing Charles Sumner on the Senate Floor and other efforts to mend ties between the North and South during Reconstruction, and for his principled opposition to the Bland-Allison Act to permit free coinage of silver. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucius_Quintus_Cincinnatus_Lamar_(II)

7. George Norris from Nebraska, for opposing Joseph Gurney Cannon's autocratic power as Speaker of the House, for speaking out against arming U.S. merchant ships during the United States' neutral period in World War I, and for supporting the Presidential Campaign of Democrat Al Smith.
http://www.foodandsocietyfellows.org/publications.cfm?refID=79236

8. Robert A. Taft from Ohio, for criticizing the Nuremberg Trials for trying Nazi war criminals under what Taft considered ex post facto laws.
http://www.answers.com/topic/robert-a-taft

The Kennedy (Memorial) Half Dollar
First minted in 1964
(1964, is the only year the coin was minted for general circulation in 90% silver, 1965 - 1970, in 40% silver, and beginning in 1971, in copper-nickel.)

Yes, the half dollar is nice, but, it doesn't circulate. I've always wondered why no National holiday, or, recognition-day?

It was John F. Kennedy who reminded Americans the torch was being passed from one generation to another. He was our first President born in the 20th Century, the youngest ever elected at age 43. He called on a new generation of Americans to serve their country in these immortal words; “...ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

It was a little over 48 years ago those words were spoken and they hold truth to this very day.

Stand up for change!

Happy Birthday President Kennedy on your 92nd. I will always remember you...
____________________
Bibliography

* information supplied by Wikipedia
http://www.wikipedia.com

(1) All the following pictures, and associated text are from:
http://www.historyplace.com

There are many more pictures and stories about JFK at the above link.
___________________

Inaugural Address. Friday, January 20, 1961

Putting A Man On The Moon - JFK Speech - 25 May 1961

JFK age 11

College Graduation 1935

1937 at The Hague

1941 - sworn in as an Ensign, U.S. Navy

PT 109 - at the controls - “In the South Pacific, Lt. John F. Kennedy at the controls of PT 109. Jack had volunteered in 1942 for PT boat duty while attending officer training in Chicago, then underwent PT boat training in Rhode Island. But his bad back temporarily kept him from getting the combat assignment he wanted. Jack complained he had been 'shafted' and was promptly given the nickname "Shafty.(1)”

“July, 1943 - The crew of PT 109 with their skipper Jack Kennedy (far right). His motorized torpedo (PT) boat was an 80 foot long plywood vessel powered by 3 engines capable of 40 knots. But the PT boats and the torpedoes were prone to mechanical problems. It was tough, dangerous duty that attracted Ivy league men like Jack with sailing experience, who wanted to command their own small boats.(1)”

After WWII

Politics

“In Washington, the new U.S. Congressman from the 11th Congressional District, 29 year old John Fitzgerald Kennedy of Massachusetts. Jack was easily reelected to the seat in 1948 and 1950.(1)”

“In Washington, the new junior Senator from Massachusetts. During the successful campaign, run by his brother Bobby, Jack shook 750,000 hands. On election night, Kennedy supporters sweated as the first disappointing election returns came in and it wasn't until 5 a.m. the next morning when they knew Jack had pulled off the upset.(1)”

President John F. Kennedy

The Oath of Office

“John Fitzgerald Kennedy takes the oath of office and becomes the 35th President of the United States of America, January 20, 1961. At age 43, he is the youngest man and the first Roman Catholic ever elected, winning by one of the smallest margins of victory, only 115,000 popular votes. Lyndon B. Johnson, 51, is his Vice-president.(1)”

“Just five days after taking office, the President holds his first news conference, televised live from the State Department auditorium. His easy going style and quick wit instantly endear him to many reporters and to the American people watching at home.(1)”

The First Family

Berlin
“In Berlin, the President speaks to the enormous crowd of Germans, telling them, 'All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words Ich bin ein Berliner.' (I am a Berliner).(1)"

Dallas - 22 November 1963

I wrote this piece to celebrate the life of President Kennedy. My photo selections end here, as, did, his life.

______________________________________________________
This article was written by Joseph E. Howard and the written material only is:
Copyright 2009 Pink Taxi Communications - XCM Inc.

(1) picture captions belong to pictures, HistoryPlace.com
All videos via YouTube
All pictures are via HistoryPlace.com
______________________________________________________
Inaugural Address - Full Text
http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/jfk-inaug.htm

JFK Quotes:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/john_f_kennedy.html

The 40th Moon Day: Remembering Apollo 11 (and Apollo 1)

Creating A World That Works For All - the Common Way Institute (Portland, OR)
http://www.commonway.org

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