EIGHT

1963

Friends/Family:
Mom and Dad, Brother

As most of us do (if you were around) we remember where we were when Kennedy got shot. I was in class and there was an announcement over the PA system. I remember a lot of us starting to cry. We all went to our lockers in the back of the room and got our books and bags and went home. I don't recall that evening much. But, I do remember watching TV, the news from the hospital, Johnson being sworn in and the newscasters, visibly shaken, reporting the story. I also vividly remember sitting in front of the TV in the little pink house on Freesoil Road watching the funeral. I was engrossed. I sat there as long as it lasted. I don't know where the rest of my family was. It felt like I was alone and I sat there all day. Much like "To Kill a Mockingbird", I remember details: The casket being pulled down the street, Jackie in her black veil, Little John John saluting, Jackie kissing the casket and President Kennedy's brothers escorting her. I was very moved by this day. I cried.


That Christmas, we had an aluminum tree and one of those multi-colored rotating lights. It was so cool. I loved that ugly tree. It was so beautiful. I remember lying on the floor at night with all the lights off and watching the light spin around on the tree and ceiling.
This is the year I found out there was not a Santa Claus.
In history, this happened: 1963
http://www.infoplease.com/year/1963.html