Rep. Johnson’s statement on the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination

LITHONIA, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement today on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy:

“As I reflect back 50 years ago when I heard the news of President Kennedy’s assassination, I’m struck by the same emotions I felt as a 9-year-old boy growing up in Washington, D.C. That fateful day left an indelible mark on me and certainly left an indelible mark on the country.

“For me, just a few days before, my father, accompanied by my mother, was being celebrated at the White House with President Kennedy as one of the highest ranking African-Americans in the Bureau of Prisons. The zenith of my father’s career would become one of the nadirs in America’s history as President Kennedy was assassinated just a few days later.

“When JFK was struck down on Friday, Nov. 22, 1963, it shattered our psyche as a country. It was unthinkable that such a despicable act took away our vibrant, forward-thinking leader who inspired us to be ever greater.

“The Kennedy presidency was an exciting time, and the Kennedys gave us a sense of hope and optimism. President Kennedy and the first lady made an indelible mark on American life, and made us feel that there was nothing we could not do – that we were a people of limitless possibilities. And through those dark days, we slowly recovered as a nation and in the aftermath of his death we continued to accomplish great things such as the Civil Rights Act, Medicare and fulfilling his promise of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth. While we lost a certain innocence that dark day in 1963, we proved that we could overcome and since then through assassinations, wars and economic uncertainty we have persevered.

“As we look for common ground, even today, we are still inspired by the words of our young, fallen president. ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ Those words, his life and example continue to inspire us 50 years hence. I will never forget the assassination as it marked one of the lowest points in America’s recent history – a time marked by success by this country and a time highlighting some of our tragic failures. This country has come a long way in 50 years, in large part due to the measures begun by President Kennedy before his death. This country owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude.”

###