North York Central Library Blog

Photo credit: American Studies at the University of Virginia

This bouncing baby boy was born 97 years ago on May 29, 1917.  He was the second of nine children born into the Kennedy clan.  His father, Joseph Kennedy, Sr., graduated from Harvard, made successful investments in his life, and worked his way up in the world to become the 44th United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom.  

(Left to right: Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr., Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Sr., and John Fitzgerald Kennedy)

Joe Kennedy, Sr. raised his children with high ambitions.  Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr., the eldest child, declared that he wanted to pursue his dream to become the future President of the United States.  Unfortunately, that vision was dashed away in World War II when his airplane exploded from a bomb that was carried on board.  He and another pilot died instantly.  

While the Second World War took the life of Joseph Kennedy, Jr., the war spared the life of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.  JFK wanted to pursue a more modest career in writing or education after the war.  Instead, his father hoped he would take up his older brother's ambition.  JFK accepted his father's request and ran for Congress.  The rest we know is history. 

Sadly, John Fitzgerald Kennedy did not survive beyond the first term as President of the United States.  He was assassinated in the prime of his life on November 22, 1963 in downtown Dallas, Texas.  He was only 46 years old.   

The American National Archives has made available, The (1964) Warren Commission Report of the Assassination of President Kennedy for the public to look through.  

John F. Kennedy did not die in vain.  He achieved many accomplishments in his time and left behind a lasting legacy of hope and inspiration. Below are some titles that reflect the happier moments in JFK's life:

Here is a listing of more titles on the Kennedy clan, on Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Sr., and on the authority he held in shaping his family:

May we remember John F. Kennedy's life, the influences that turned him towards politics, his achievements in office, his personal setbacks, and the tragic end that occurred over 50 years ago.