John Kennedy was the first elected official that I ever worked really hard to elect. I became a volunteer at the Democratic Headquarters in Stephenville that election and did my best to help Betty Grant, an early Kennedy supporter work for the party and its candidates.

Betty’s son, Peter, and my son, Tommy who were children at time, took the whole campaign seriously as well and once we had to recall the "Vote for Kennedy" bumper stickers that they had plastered on every available bumper around the courthouse. They didn’t know to ask permission from the car owners first.

Kennedy’s victory in November was so slim that I felt my own importance in his election, creating special interest in his administration. I can still feel the chills when the Cuban missile crisis came up. Bill Nix, superintendent of Huckabay Schools, ordered all students outside and we assembled around the flagpole while he led us in prayer for the safety of our country. As we raised the stars and stripes,

even the smallest children knew this was a crisis. It was indeed a hot time in the Cold War and this country was a bundle of nerves. We relaxed some as our young president stood firm and mighty Russia backed down.

John F. Kennedy had shown courage and kept our nation secure. His popularity soared for a time. Later his policies and the direction he wanted the country to go, met opposition. Some came from Texans and their politicians so that he felt he needed to come to Texas to mend fences. Most of the population of Dallas seem to be forever upset about something resulting in negative billboards, name calling and shin kicking. That was the climate in that city in November of ‘63. There was a general feeling of hostility toward the President with full page ads in the newspapers and giant billboards critical of his administration.

President Kennedy decided against the advice of those, including his secretary, who told him to stay out of Dallas. He made plans to visit several cities including Dallas and Fort Worth.

When we learned that the President was coming to Fort Worth, my husband and I felt that seeing the President of the United States was important enough to take the children out of school to see him. There was a light drizzle that day which we thought might keep the crowd small but when we meshed with the crowd in front of the Hotel Texas, it looked like half the population of Fort Worth had gathered. President Kennedy was receiving a rousing reception in this city. We wondered how it would be in Dallas.

A photograph, taken during that speech, captures the young and vigorous President, dark suit, white shirt, token handkerchief peeping from a breast pocket, as he standing before a mic. He carries himself like a leader, like royalty, like a prince. And if he is a prince, his beautiful wife is certainly a princess. And if the Kennedys are royalty, then this is Camelot.

The country was hungry for heroes and John Kennedy fit the bill with his outstanding war record and his leadership qualities. Our spirits soared as we pushed to the front of the crowd and listened to that Boston flavored voice speaking to the hundreds gathered in the slight rain.

Others on the stage with Kennedy, several secret service men, Senator Ralph Yarborough, Texas Governor John Connally, Vice-president Lyndon Johnson, all wore raincoats but not our prince! John Kennedy stuffed his hands in his pockets, a nervous habit of his, opened his mouth and spoke from his heart directly to the people. I don’t remember what he said, I only remember that voice and the power it had to lift, encourage and lead those who listened. I only remember that my family was there and that we heard that magic voice that asked us to consider what we could do for our country rather what our country could do for us.

He had claimed an election victory by a slim margin. His Catholic faith had been a stumbling block for many Protestants voters. Out of concern for this issue, I

had written a letter to the presidential candidate. The signed letter that I got back is in my safe deposit box today. It seems incredible that he would take the time to answer a letter from a single voter.

Before the Hotel Texas, we stood there excited that we could get so close and see and hear the President of the United States. Policemen and secret servicemen were visible in the crowd and atop the buildings. I drew my children close and whispered, "See all those men? Nobody will ever be able to assassinate another President!"