JFK Essay, Research Paper
JFK: His Life and Legacy
On November 22, 1963, while being driven through the streets
of Dallas, Texas, in his open car, President John F. Kennedy was
shot dead, apparently by the lone gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald. The
world had not only lost a common man, but a great leader of men.
>From his heroic actions in World War II to his presidency, making
the decisions to avert possible nuclear conflict with world
superpowers, greatness can be seen. Kennedy also found the time
to author several best-selling novels from his experiences. His
symbolic figure represented all the charm, vigor and optimism of
youth as he led a nation into a new era of prosperity.
From his birth into the powerful and influential Kennedy
clan, much was to be expected of him. Kennedy was born on May
29,1917 in Brookline, Massachusetts. His father, Joe, Sr., was a
successful businessman with many political connections. Appointed
by President Roosevelt, Joe, Sr., was given the chair of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and later the prestigious
position of United States ambassador to Great Britain(Anderson
98). His mother, Rose, was a loving housewife and took young John
on frequent trips around historic Boston learning about American
So 2
revolutionary history. Both parents impressed on their children
that their country had been good to the Kennedys. Whatever
benefits the family received from the country they were told,
must be returned by performing some service for the
country(Anderson 12). The Kennedy clan included Joe, Jr., Bobby,
Ted and their sisters, Eunice, Jean, Patricia, Rosemary, and
Kathleen. Joe, Jr., was a significant figure in young John’s life
as he was the figure for most of John’s admiration. His older
brother was much bigger and stronger than John and took it upon
himself to be John’s coach and protector. John’s childhood was
full of sports, fun and activity. This all ended when John grew
old enough to leave for school.