My Own Special Memorial Day

My Own Very Special Memorial Day In the 1960s and for many years before that, there was a parade every Memorial Day and every able bodied citizen of the community attended it. Early in the 60s, the year John Fitzgerald Kennedy was candidating to become the Democratic nominee for the office of president, his motorcade came through our small Pennsylvania community. Because the main street was undergoing some repairs, JFK and his entourage was diverted to our residential street. When we heard he would be driving by, the whole neighborhood turned out to see him. My best friend Joan Mary was still wearing her band uniform from marching in the parade. When the future president saw her, he stopped his vehicle and shook hands with her -- and with me! He was amazingly gracious to two kids who weren't yet old enough to vote. And we couldn't help noticing that he was BEAUTIFUL! The sun in his hair made it shine in all its auburn glory and his blue eyes were gorgeous with his golden tan. You may be sure that two girls were awestruck as we went home -- and if we had been old enough to vote, that we would certainly have voted for him. To this day, I cannot view any mention of what happened on November 22 without weeping.