“…ask what you can do for your country.”
I was asked to use that line in a short speech I gave at my middle school Honor Society Induction Ceremony ~ oh, nearly 30 years ago now. I knew it had been spoken by John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address, and that he was the young president who had been assassinated in Dallas, TX, but that was about it. Now, after living in New England for nearly 12 years, having had Ted Kennedy as a senator, and taking a few trips to Cape Cod, I’ve learned a few more things about the whole Kennedy family. Well, yesterday topped it all with a trip to the JFK library in Boston.
We had been invited to go by our friends from the history co-op group we used to participate in before we started Classical Conversations, and I felt it was something we should definitely take advantage of. Upon entering the library and museum, we were greeted by the sound of beautiful voices. As we peered over the railing into the atrium, we could see a high school choir singing. I really don’t think I can describe the way this sounded due to the acoustics of the 3-story glass atrium, but heaven kept coming to mind. It was simply amazing. They were a group from a high school in Wisconsin.
Our tour guide did a fabulous job engaging the kids. Each one got to be a biographer, and with prepared booklet in hand, explored each exhibit looking for answers to the question “Who was John F. Kennedy?” They had to sketch campaign posters and buttons, record vote tallies, locate Peace Corp workers, and find models of spacecraft. We got to see a 20 minute movie on the life of JFK, and even his Harvard grade reports were on display.
Kayla chose the inaugural gown of Jacqueline Kennedy as an artifact to focus on, and I got a kick out of the menu for the inaugural luncheon.
“Cream of Tomato Soup with Crushed Popcorn” ??? That is so funny to me ~ must have been a 1960’s delicacy! And of course there were “Prime Texas Ribs of Beef,” which was surely included for Vice-President Lyndon Banes Johnson who was from Texas. I had to remind my kids that they have also been to the LBJ library in Austin, TX. It is located on the campus of the University of Texas, and we visited there several years ago when the Miniature White House was on display. Choosing a Texan for the ticket may have been just the thing that won the election for old Jack!
I loved this photo! In it, Jackie is leaning over and talking to Robert Frost, and JFK is chatting with Pearl S. Buck.
From the atrium which sits right on Boston Harbor, you get a great view of the city. That’s the Prudential Building to the far left, where it seems we’ve taken countless visitors for a wonderful 360 degree view of the city and audio tour.
It was one of my favorite field trips so far, and despite my current political leanings, I have much respect for JFK’s emphasis on personal responsibility and contribution. That is a message that seems to be lacking in the politics of today. I also enjoyed hearing about how his father both exhorted him and encouraged him as a growing boy and young man. The letters he wrote to his son are so touching, and I can’t help believe that affection gave him the confidence to become the “great citizen” he was.
Melanie, this brings back memories of my childhood in McLean, Va. We lived there when Kennedy was elected President…and his brother Robert lived near us. I even went to kindergarten with JFK's nephew. I like Kayla's choice of focus…that was quite a dress. Jackie really influenced the fashion trend. Glad you got to take the kids and enjoy the heavenly music! Love, K&J