15 moments that shook the planet
THE ASSASSINATION/FUNERAL OF JOHN F. KENNEDY (1963)
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, shocked the world and left a deep scar on the American psyche. President Kennedy was riding in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, when shots rang out, striking him fatally. The tragic event unfolded in front of horrified onlookers and was captured on film, forever etched in the collective memory of the nation. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested as the prime suspect, but before the full truth could be uncovered, he himself was shot and killed by Jack Ruby, adding another layer of mystery to the tragedy.
The funeral of John F. Kennedy, held in Washington, D.C., on November 25, 1963, was a somber and dignified affair that brought the nation together in mourning. Millions of Americans watched on television as the president’s casket was carried on a horse-drawn caisson through the streets of Washington to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda. World leaders and dignitaries from around the globe attended the funeral, paying their respects to the fallen leader. The image of John F. Kennedy’s young son, John Jr., saluting his father’s casket remains one of the most poignant and unforgettable moments of the ceremony.
The assassination and funeral of John F. Kennedy marked the end of an era of optimism and promise in American politics, known as the “Camelot” era. President Kennedy’s death left a void in the nation’s leadership and left many questions unanswered. The events surrounding his assassination continue to be the subject of speculation, controversy, and conspiracy theories. However, the legacy of John F. Kennedy lives on, inspiring future generations with his vision of a better and more just world, and reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of leadership and unity in times of crisis.
