麻豆约拍

Good morning.

On this day in 1963 president John F Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas Texas.

The footage from Dealey Plaza is imprinted on the minds of those who saw it and even if we weren鈥檛 alive at the time many of us can recall the images instantly.

I鈥檓 told that the whole of Ireland was plunged into mourning on the day of his death. John Kennedy was the great grandson of Irish immigrants who fled to America during the famine and the family never forgot their roots. The shock was deepened perhaps because only 5 months before the tragic day he had made an official visit to Ireland. Apparently my grandfather was part of the ground crew at Dublin airport that welcomed him on his arrival in the country in June 1963, just after delivering his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech in Germany.

My parents, who were not long married, remember the fever pitch of excitement of those brief summer days. Followed 5 months later by a national day of mourning in Ireland on the day of his funeral. Irish army cadets helped form the guard of honour at Arlington National Cemetery where he was buried.

It all seems so far away and long ago, and such a tragic loss. My parents still speak of the optimism and promise of his presidency. Optimism and promise all too sadly brought down on a cold day in Dallas.

Lord God, on this day we remember all those who hold public office. We pray for presidents and prime ministers. For Kings and Queens and Emperors. May they exercise power with justice. And may the peoples of this world live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. Amen