Letters to Jackie (7 page)

BELLE HARBOR, L I.
N.Y.
NOV. 25TH 1963

Dear Mrs. Kennedy,

May God bless you today and always. My family joins me in a prayer for your well being at this sad time. I feel compelled to write to you and try to express my sorrow at the incalculable loss suffered by us all. Life’s tragedies leave their ineffable marks on every human being, but the loss of our beloved President brought such deep, profound sorrow, we shall never forget. Words cannot express my emotions. I am frustrated and at a loss to convey to you the depths of my feelings.

The news came blasting at me from a woman with a transistor radio clutched to her ear, while shopping at Bloomingdales in New York City. Suddenly, strangers were strangers no longer. We turned to one another unbelieving and shocked. We shook our heads—this could not be! A crowd of us ran to the radio department and the world stopped still. The
salespeople gathered with the customers, about the floor in trance like clusters—some sitting or down on their knees—all straining to catch every word. When what we dreaded came true, we were all crushed, defeated. I was reduced to an automaton—a sleep walker hoping to awaken soon from a horrible nightmare. Plans for shopping put aside, my walk down to the subway was unreal. The man who took my change for tokens; the news vendor; the conductor; the people young and old of all races, suddenly became united by the heavy burden we carried in our hearts. I saw groups of school children with bewildered grief written on their faces. Men and women wept openly and unashamedly. The same scenes prevailed on the bus I took to get to Belle Harbor. There was much silent meditation and prayers and those who spoke did so in hushed whispers—of your husband’s goodness, his great leadership, his intellectual prowess his youth and his accomplishments.

At home, I found my children at the television set with tears in their eyes. We clung to one another for some one near and dear to us had passed on. We prayed for you and your family—for America—and for the world.

May God give you strength and many years. May your children and my children grow up unafraid and brave—in a better America because of your husband and the inspiring heritage he left us all. Amen

Mrs. Shirley Golub

DENVER, COLORADO

JANUARY 12, 1964

Mrs. John F. Kennedy:

Please
allow me, a cab driver, to offer my condolences to you & your children.

The day this
terrible thing
happened—I think about 90% of the people of Denver cried a little bit—Everyone who got in my cab—People on the street—In the stores—patrons—clerks—cops—I saw people just standing on the corner—Just—Just unbelieving.

Well, I guess we can
all
shed tears—Mrs. Kennedy.

I might add—Since this tragic day I have heard so many comments on
how well Mrs. Kennedy stood up under it all.

You have more strength than most of us American People! You are
admired
for this.

All I can say is—May God Bless you, “John John” & “Carolyn”

My heart goes out to you all—!

Why! Why! I’m still asking myself
why
—!

God Bless You & Yours!
Miller A. Alley

SATURDAY, NOV. 23, 1963

Dear Mrs. Kennedy;

Please forgive me for this intrusion during your mourning period of your very recent bereavement. It is with deep regret that I must write this letter, but in order to regain peace in mind, I feel that I am compelled to do so. As you read on, I hope that you will understand why.

First, I wish to introduce myself in a rather blunt way. My name, Leonard C. Rice, age 45,—occupation mail carrier,—military service, W.W. II, Korean & USN retired,—local community standing, plain ordinary citizen,—political ambition none,—other ambitions, to raise my family & to live & let live in peace.

Yesterday morning Friday Nov 22, as I was carrying my route, one of my patrons told me the tragic news that the President met with a tragedy. It came as a stunning shock to me, but as brutal as it may sound, not as a complete surprise.

After recovering from the feeling of nausea, my mind flashed back to a short time after Mr. Kennedy had become president-elect. My mother in law, mother & father & I were were discussing the pros
pects of our future president, who we helped elect in our humble way by casting our ballots for him. In our conversation, we agreed that Mr Kennedy would have a very difficult time with his new administration duties in these very trying times, and that he would be under fire during most of the time that he is in office. Also, in the conversation, I made the predictions that I now wish that I had kept my mouth shut & let well enough alone. I predicted that a strong attempt would be made to have Mr Kennedy impeached, or he would be a victim or attempted victim of an assassin. I then made the augury that if Mr Kennedy should survive these attempts through his term or terms in office, that he would go down in American history as one of the greatest presidents that our nation has ever had.

I now return to the time of yesterday, as the reports poured in from the people on my route (almost from house to house) on the Presidents condition, a prayer was on my lips as with millions of other Americans for his recovery. My prayer continued up to & beyond the time of the even more tragic news of his death, that he would survive recuperate & carry on his term of office, thus fulfilling the last part of prophecy.

After returning home & listening to the news reports & then spending a restless night still clinging to the hope it was all a nightmare, I was confronted with the blazing headlines of the morning paper, only then was I fully aware of the awful tragedy.

I know now that my prayers were not in vain. for Mr. Kennedy was a very great man and as truly a great president. I am proud, just as millions of other Americans must be, to have served under a president with courage beyond compare.

Respectfully yours,
Leonard C. Rice

POMONA, CALIFORNIA

FEBRUARY 4, 1964

Dear Mrs. Kennedy,

I feel a great need to express to you the shock, dismay and grief that I, my family and everyone I know, felt at your husband’s tragic death. Even now, months later, it is impossible to view his name or his picture without a lump coming into my throat. An old Peter Lawford motion picture on television will remind me of your husband, and I cannot bear to watch.

My husband and I had looked forward to November 22 for almost a year. We had gone through all the red tape of adopting a wonderful little boy from the Los Angeles County Bureau of Adoptions, and the final steps to make him our legal son were to be taken on November 22. All our thoughts and efforts that week were directed to our morning in court which was to be a cause for celebration.

We were not even aware of the President’s trip to Texas. Sitting in court in our best clothes, waiting to be called into the judge’s chambers we heard the first report of the shooting from a late arriving lawyer. We were shocked and though we took our turn in the judge’s chambers and our son became our heir, our thoughts were on the President and you.

In our lawyer’s office as we directed him regarding the drawing up of our wills, we heard the unconfirmed news of the President’s death. We hurriedly finished our business with the lawyer and dashed home where we learned the final truth from the television.

My husband is normally an undemonstrative man. He was on the verge of tears.

We lived in a vacuum that week end. Watching television, unable to escape one minute from the tragedy, it was worse than a family death for us. And many have said publicly, your dignity and self control were majestic. We were very proud of you and of your children, the sight of whom broke our hearts.

When your official year of mourning is over, I hope that you will return to some facet of public life. You are qualified to enter so many fields—art, journalism, government, fashion, etc. You truly have become
a symbol and a goal for American womanhood with your sense of beauty, dignity and grace.

This letter is most inadequate, but it is my only way to express my deep concerns for you and your family.

Sincerely,
Janeen Ostby

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS

Dear Mrs. Kennedy:

I have never seen our football players cry…but today, they did.

Martin Rosenberg ’65
U of Mass

CUSTER, MICHIGAN

NOVEMBER 23, 1963

Most Gracious Lady, Jackie and children,

May I, one of the millions of little people dedicated to serving under our President, and a clerk in a small third class office of the Postal Department extend my deepest sympathy to you and yours at this time.

At the announcement of the tragedy my associate and I immediately began a silent prayer that our beloved leader would live. When the announcement of his death came it was my duty to lower our flag to half mast.

I can not explain the emotion I felt and the saddness in my heart at our loss as I lowered the Flag. Never even with the loss of several of my family have I been more deeply touched than with the loss of President Kennedy.

I only pray that this life taken so unjustly has not gone in vain and our nation survive the loss.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Frances Nash

NOVEMBER 22, 1963
ST. LUKE’S MISSION
SHAGELUK, ALASKA

Dear Mrs. Kennedy:

I want to convey to you my own personal grief at the news of the death of the President. The news came as an unbelievable shock and brought me to my knees with a prayer for your husband and you and your children.

This evening at seven our parish hall was full as we prayed and celebrated a Requiem Eucharist for the President. During the day I visited most of the homes in our small Indian village and everywhere I went I could see the deep sorrow and concern everyone feels at this time. Several people walked over two miles at ten degrees below zero to attend the Requiem. Your husband is loved and respected by the people of Shageluk.

Please know that you and your children shall be constantly in our prayers in the days to come.

God bless you.

Faithfully in our Lord,
The Rev. David Keller
Priest-in-charge

NOVEMBER 23, 1963

Dear Mrs J. F. Kennedy & family

We send our most sincere sympathy. It seems as though a part of us all has died and I believe most others feel the same.

We have four girls (Lisa Marie 41/2, Monique 31/2, Michelle 21/2, Je’Neanne 1 and one expected January 19th). The evening of Friday November 22nd and in a May Co. window our oldest stopped fast—there were a group of people standing in front of a picture of President J. F. Kennedy with his birth and death dates. She pressed her face up
against the window and looked at the picture for what seemed like a very long time. She turned and looked at us. (I hadn’t realized at the time that she had been paying attention to the T.V. announcements during the day but apparently she had). I believe our little one expressed the thoughts of millions although only 41/2 she came out with a child’s sincere thoughts that we will never forget and am sure all those present won’t either.

“Mama, look at his face—he’s so good—maybe God didn’t think we loved him enough. Why did someone shoot and hurt him?”

By the time she had finished, tear stained faces turned our way—she looked for an answer—I was so taken with her thoughts that I just shook my head and said “I don’t know” and tried holding back the tears. One lady stepped up in front of us and said “How old is she?” I told her 41/2. “If a child of 41/2 can feel that way—then how much more should we grown ups really think and feel responsible for the horrible thing that has happened in our country.”

He tried to do so much for so many—“maybe God didn’t think we loved him enough”

May the sympathy of your friends help you throughout your sorrow. May God give you hope and courage to meet each new tomorrow.

With our most sincere sympathy,
Mr & Mrs. Roland A. Fiola
Lisa, Monique, Michelle and Je’Neanne
Fiola

(My husband was born in Fall River, Mass) and we know how the people of that area must feel. May God bless you and yours through both tradgies suffered this year.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
NOV. 29, 1963

Dear Mrs. Kennedy—

Enclosed is a copy of a letter written by our son, Larry Jackson.

I believe that it is self-explanatory; an expression of grief from one young American.

May I offer our personal salute to you, Mrs. Kennedy, for your singular courage and quiet fortitude during these dark days? You are a splendid example to us all.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Whitley Ray

Saint Mary’s College
California
November 22, 1963

Dear Mom and Dad,

Why?

He towered above them all

He exuded greatness, overshadowing opposition

He had vitality, drive, ambition, charm

He had wisdom, control, maturity, decisiveness

He had love, for God and men

He took over the helm of the nation

He challenged the people for their responsibility

He led them all in accepting it

He stood for justice, truth, and liberty

He resisted ignorance, hate, and apathy

He astounded with patience and courage

He spoke and was heard

He commanded and was obeyed

He loved and was loved

He did what he knew was right

He was hailed by a hopeful world shouting cries of “Kennedy! Kennedy!”

His life was precious to all

And so they shot him.

Again, why? The whole thing is too horrible and shock
ing to believe. I’m not angry—I’m sick. I don’t want blood—I want an answer. I don’t want to kill—I just want to cry.

This is my hope. That Kennedy, like Christ, is love struck down by hate; and that, in a way like Christ, he will rise again from the coldness of death to which the forces of hate seem to have damned him. His spirit will live on with his followers to defeat these enemies of humanity, tearing them down from their pedestal of petty triumph and hate and injustice, but I hope that this great sacrifice succeeds in somehow lessening their effects on us. We cannot make him into a martyr because that’s just what he is. Bewilderedly, we ask the question “Why?” Let’s hope that there is an answer. Let’s hope he did not die without cause. Such a thought is unbearable.

College students are not without feelings. Their interests were pretty apparent today. One hour after the news of his death, the chapel was packed with an unprecedented amount of students for noon Mass. Stunned silence reigned over the campus and people walked around with glazed looks. Red eyes were not infrequent. The flag flew at half-mast while the SMC on the hillside was reverently changed to the letters JFK. The announcement at an unusually quiet lunch that classes were cancelled for the rest of the day drew no cheers. This was not empty sentimentality, it was really deep feeling.

I am looking forward to coming home and seeing you all, hoping that these expectations will clear away the depressed mood I’m in. It’s raining now; I know that it’s silly and it’s been raining on and off for the past few weeks, but I can’t help feeling the world is crying.

Love,
Larry