John F. Kennedy, Regarded as a modern-day Camelot, John F. Kennedy is still revered today as one of the most well-loved presidents of our time. Admired for his dashing good looks, political ideals and all-around good-naturedness, Kennedy’s life was filled with glitz and glamour, ending ultimately in a tragedy that will never be forgotten. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination, we’re taking a look back at the iconic president's life and the legacy he left behind.
His early years
Kennedy, the second oldest of nine children , spent much of his childhood in New England and New York . Following in his older brother's footsteps, he attended this renowned boarding high school, regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world. He graduated in 1935.
His time in the Navy
In 1941, Kennedy was turned away by the Army due to medical disqualification. He instead joined the U.S. Navy in 1941, where he earned an esteemed rank while commanding a PT boat during this war. Kennedy was honorably discharged in 1945.
His marriage to Jackie
In 1953, Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier publicly announced their engagement, a year after he had won this elected position. Considered the social event of the season, their wedding reception took place at this historic estate with more than 1,200 guests in attendance.
His presidential campaign
Kennedy gave this famous speech at the Democratic Convention in January 1960 upon being nominated as the presidential candidate. Jackie, pregnant with their second child, helped by writing a syndicated newspaper column to appeal to female voters. In November 1960, Kennedy beat his well-known Republican opponent in one of the closest elections of the 20th century, becoming the youngest man ever to be elected president .
His inauguration
On Jan. 20, 1961, Kennedy was sworn in by Chief Justice Earl Warren as the 35th president of the United States. This well-known American poet read "The Gift Outright" and Kennedy gave his famous inaugural address, modeled from another past president's celebrated speech. Although it was one of the shortest speeches in American history, it's still revered as one of the best.
His brotherly bond
Soon after being elected, Kennedy appointed his younger brother and best friend Robert F. Kennedy as attorney general and White House adviser. Commonly known as "Bobby," Robert is remembered for his advocacy in the Civil Rights Movement and his crusade against this infamous, underground society. While running for president in 1968, Sen. Robert Kennedy was assassinated at a Los Angeles hotel.
Major events during his presidency
During his short presidency, Kennedy was confronted with a quickly changing political landscape and many conflicts, including this flawed mission that cost American lives and millions of dollars. Kennedy was also faced with the Cuban missile crisis, the beginning stages of this long, drawn-out war and extremely turbulent times regarding racial discrimination and Jim Crow law supporters.
His infamous affairs
In her last significant public appearance, Marilyn Monroe sang her well-known version of "Happy Birthday" to Kennedy in this New York City venue. The two were rumored to have been lovers, reportedly rendezvousing at this famous singer's hideaway home. In addition to the starlet, Kennedy is said to have snuggled up to a variety of women during his presidency, including a White House intern and numerous celebrities.
His role in the Civil Rights Movement
JFK played a major role in what later became the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Six months before his death, Kennedy gave his famous Civil Rights Address, launching his initiatives on access for all to public schools and other facilities, and greater protection of voting rights . He was the first U.S. president to publicly denounce racism as morally wrong.
The day he was assassinated
On Nov. 22, 1963, Kennedy was shot by a sniper while traveling through a busy area of Dallas with Texas Gov. John Connally and their wives. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Two hours later, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn into office with Jackie Kennedy at his side on board Air Force One.
Lee Harvey Oswald & Jack Ruby
Police arrested Lee Harvey Oswald, who was caught hiding in a nearby business just after JFK's assassination . While Oswald was being transferred to the county jail two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby stepped out of the crowd and fatally shot Oswald in the chest before he could be indicted or tried. The two men were widely believed to be part of a larger conspiracy to kill the president.
Conspiracy theories around his death
Referred to as the "biggest cover-up in American history," Kennedy's assassination has triggered many conspiracy theories due to flawed evidence , conflicting eyewitness accounts, Oswald's past ties to the CIA and potential tampering with Kennedy's body. The Warren Commission stands by its "single-bullet theory," but many critics look toward notorious adversaries including the Mafia, Cuba, the Soviet Union and this secret society, which the Kennedys are said to have been linked to.
His iconic state funeral
Kennedy served just over 1,000 days in office before his death, and his funeral included a Requiem Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on Nov. 25, 1963. Not since this royal's death had there been such a large gathering of presidents, prime ministers and royalty at a state funeral. Kennedy was buried in this landmark cemetery, becoming one of only two presidents to reside there.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Sworn in as the 36th president after Kennedy’s death, Lyndon B. Johnson was elected for a second term, beating this Republican opponent in 1964. Though Johnson had a notoriously strained relationship with both JFK and RFK, he promised the American public that he would carry out Kennedy's plans and programs, which first came to fruition with this historical law. Known as a powerful majority leader and for his modern liberal ideals, Johnson died at age 64 on Jan. 22, 1973.
JFK's legacy
Remembered by many as one of the most beloved U.S. presidents, Kennedy took office during one of the most turbulent eras in history. Since his death, there have been a variety of books and films on his life, as well as buildings named in his honor, including this Florida launch site. One of his biggest accomplishments while in office, this special forces team, is still in use today.
Jackie’s life after JFK
Five years after Kennedy's death, Jackie Kennedy wed this Greek shipping magnate. Celebrated as a fashion icon and widely loved for her elegance and grace until her 1994 death , Jackie worked in the literary world for the final two decades of her life. In 2011, private interviews with Jackie discussing her thoughts surrounding JFK's death were made public, though they were not supposed to be released until 50 years after her death.
John F. Kennedy Jr.
Born only 17 days after Kennedy’s presidential election, John F. Kennedy Jr. was in the media spotlight until his untimely death in 1999 with wife Carolyn Bessette . Earning a Juris Doctor degree from this prestigious school, JFK Jr. was known as an American socialite, lawyer, journalist and magazine publisher during his short life.
Caroline Kennedy
Caroline Kennedy is the sole survivor of Kennedy's immediate family. Married to American designer Edwin Schlossberg , Kennedy is known for her extensive charity work and career as an American author and attorney. On Oct. 16, 2013, Kennedy followed her father's footsteps into politics, becoming the first woman in this position.
