Briggs revisits memories of Kennedy inauguration

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Dear Editor:

Memories of an Inaugural from the past to our current Inaugural, both experiencing snow and cold days.

On Jan. 19, 1961, on the eve of Inauguration Day for President John F. Kennedy, a Nor’easter snow storm pushed through the Ohio Valley heading towards the East Coast. The wind and snow blew all night long around my family’s little farm house with the snow filing in all the nooks and crannies of the clapboard keeping us warm. The storm moved out the next morning with clear blue skies and bitter cold temps. With no school due to the storm, it was a perfect day to watch the Inauguration on TV, the first ever televised in color.

I remember President Kennedy in his top hat and wife Jacqueline who looked smart and classy with her fur hat, coat and muff protecting her hands in the bitter cold. I especially remember President Kennedy making his famous statement of, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Anyone who was alive during that era will always remember that statement.

During those campaign months, the election was very evident to all ages throughout our country. My eighth-grade classmates were allowed to write the names of the two candidates, Nixon and Kennedy, on the blackboards in every classroom. Nixon’s percentage win was 98 percent. This election was never mentioned during the time period after the 2020 election chaos. We all knew John F. Kennedy won the election as his father, Joseph Kennedy, bought it for him. It took another day before it was called with the count being held up in Chicago.

With the very low temperature effects in this year’s Inauguration, a wise decision was made to move it into the Capitol Rotunda. This is a room filled with beautiful paintings of the early history of our country and I believe it should be used for every Inauguration thereafter.

And with a final note, First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance looked sharp and classy along with Ivanka Trump in their Inaugural outfits and evening gowns. It is wonderful witnessing class again in the White House.

Mari Briggs
Sheridan