Sixty years ago, on November 22, 1963, tragedy struck the nation when John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was assassinated on his 1,036th day in office. His death in Dallas sent shockwaves across the globe, serving as a stark and violent reminder of the fragility of the strongest established democracies, particularly from within.

President Kennedy’s trip to Texas was part of a mission to unite the Democratic Party in preparation for the upcoming 1964 presidential elections. The Texas Democratic Party was challenged by internal strife that could potentially cost the president the state in the next presidential elections. President Kennedy was confident he could bring Democrats together to secure the necessary votes for his reelection.

John F. Kennedy never had the chance to deliver his planned Trade Mart speech. While en route in a motorcade to his intended destination, he was fatally struck by two bullets, altering the course of history. Despite valiant attempts to revive him, President Kennedy was declared dead at 1 PM at the Parkland Memorial Hospital.

Reflecting on my recent visit to the Boston Library, I had the privilege to peruse the JFK archives. It was a poignant experience to read the very speech that fate, in its tragic turn, prevented him from delivering at the Trade Mart.

In enduring remembrance of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.