Friday, November 22, 2013

Haiku My Heart: November 22, 1963



Fifty years now since
That fateful day in Dallas
That changed everything.

John F. Kennedy is shown. | Reuters
Photo: Reuters
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For my generation, it is the tragic events of 9/11/01 but for my parents' generation, it was 11/22/63 - this November day, fifty years ago, that became their "where were you?" defining moment.

I don't remember John F. Kennedy's assignation in 1963.  I was just six days shy of my 2nd birthday when it happened.  I've heard my parents talk about that day several times since then, how they didn't own a TV at the time and spent several days watching the news coverage across the street at a neighbour's house.  It's hard to imagine those simpler times, before this advanced technological age when reams of information, whether true or not, is available instantaneously just by typing a few words into your keyboard.  Back then, there was a black and white TV screen with the latest report being handed to the on air presenter on a piece of paper, as happened with Walter Cronkite's famous delivery of the shocking news of the shooting and death of the President, the moment that ended that magical time known as Camelot.
 

We're still feeling the shock waves of that terrible day all these years later, like ripples that continue to travel across the water long after the stone has dropped to the bottom of the pond.  Still asking each other, "who did it?", "why did they do it?", "how could it have happened?", "when will it happen again?" and "where were you when it happened?"

Haiku My Heart hosted by recuerda mi corazon.

10 comments:

Reading Pleasure said...

For us in Africa, me mother told me that she remembers the day very clearly. The whole country stood still and in shock. JFK was that much loved, even here!

Laura said...

it happened two years before I was born, still it part of my childhood memories… how could it not be.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

As Reading Pleasure suggests, those shots were heard 'round the world.

Miracle of Manna

Spadoman said...

I have always wondered what changes the world would have seen had JFK not been assassinated. Thank you for the remembrance.

Peace

WabiSabi said...

It certainly did...not the least o which was the destruction of our innocence! Thank you for sharing this!

Annie Jeffries said...

Like many, I have wondered what the world would have been like if he had not died so prematurely.

Anonymous said...

Lovely haiku to memories ~ and great post ~ carol, xxx

A Bit of the Blarney said...

So many things have changed!

rebecca said...

such a profound loss felt round the world.

on a brighter note i love that you are apart of haiku my heart. so lovely seeing you here each friday!

foxysue said...

Thank you for visiting me, haiku is a wonderful way for kindred spirits to connect, welcome...x