Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of American President, John F. Kennedy. On this day in 1963, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, just one hour after his flight had touched down.
In the summer of 1963, JFK visited Ireland, a momentous occasion for many. The June trip, dubbed ‘the homecoming’, was famous for many reasons.
In a personal handwritten letter, Jackie Kennedy wrote to De Valera in January of 1964, to express her gratitude to the Irish welcome John had received on his Presidential visit just a few short months before his death.
An excerpt from the letter reads: “I am only grateful for one thing in these sad days – that he did have the chance to return to Ireland as President of the United States last summer. That trip meant more to him than any other in his life.”
Here are some amazing images from that ‘homecoming’ trip.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy arrives in Dublin.
The Kennedy cavalcade along the Quays.
Kennedy addressing the crowd at Dáil Éireann.
Dublin at a stand still.
A crowd gathers at College Green.
Dame Street, Dublin.
Kennedy cavalcade from Life magazine.
Passing over Capel Bridge.
Kennedy departing from Dublin Castle.
Kennedy gazing up at the crowd.
JFK with Sean Lemass walking in Arbour Hill.
A crowd gathers as Kennedy passes through Cork.
This touching video posted at the beginning of the summer to mark the President’s visit, remembers his empowering and emotional speech which he gave on that
Familiar faces such as, Sharon Corr, Ryan Tubridy, Robert Sheehan and Roddy Doyle, recall JFK’s famous words on that momentous occasion.
“George Bernard Shaw, speaking as an Irishman, summed up an approach to life: “Other peoples,” he said, “see things and say: `Why?’ … But I dream things that never were – and I say: `Why not?””
Image of Jackie Kennedy’s letter via Joe Duffy and RTÉ Radio One.
All other images are courtesy of @PhotosOfDublin on Twitter.
Video via Youtube/JFKHomecoming
