US HONORS THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE
In his inaugural address of January 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy called upon his fellow Americans to "ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."
While there are many ways Americans can serve their country, there can be no greater service than the sacrificing of one's life in the process.
Today, we honor the dead of all American wars.
This day was proclaimed a Federal holiday in 1971 to be held on the last Monday in May.
The day actually originated as "Decoration Day", a day to decorate the graves of those who died in the Civil War.
During the 1st celebration, President James A. Garfield spoke at Arlington National Cemetery.
In 1966, LBJ proclaimed the town of Waterloo, New York as the official birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo held its 1st celebration in 1866 & it became an annual event.
*We pay honor to all those Americans who gave their lives to keep us free. May we be worthy of your sacrifice.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
Memorial Day
May 30, 1963
JFK ATTENDS MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY AT ARLINGTON
President John F. Kennedy, accompanied by his young son, John-John, attended a Memorial Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery today.
JFK laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers & paid his respects at the grave of the 1st Secretary of Defense, James Forrestal.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers include graves of Americans who died in WWI, WWII & Korea.
The main tomb has the following inscription:
"Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God."
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Arlington National Cemetery
May 30, 1963
LESLEY GORE SINGS ON AMERICAN BANDSTAND
17 year old Lesley Gore appeared on the television show "American Bandstand" today & sang her new song "Its My Party".*
*Lesley Gore was signed by Mercury Records' Quincy Jones who saw her perform in a Manhattan night club. Just 6 weeks later, "Its My Party" was recorded.
One week after her appearance on Bandstand, "Its My Party" climbed to #1 on the pop charts.
Lesley Gore
May 30, 1961
JFK MEETS WITH ISRAEL PM
President John F. Kennedy met with Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion of Israel today. They discussed world & Middle Eastern issues.
Later, JFK attended a dinner hosted by the American Cancer Society.
Other guest speakers at the dinner included James Roosevelt, Bob Hope & Mayor Robert Wagner of New York.
After the dinner, President & Ms. Kennedy departed on Air Force I for France.
May 30, 1961
TRUJILLO IS ASSASSINATED IN THE DOMINCAN
Rafael Trujillo, known as "El Jefe" or "The Chief, was shot dead today on Avenida George Washington in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Trujillo, who has ruled as dictator of the Caribbean nation since 1930, was the victim of an ambush.*
He is to be buried in his hometown of San Cristobal.
*There has been some discussion that the American C.I.A. was involved.
Rafael Trujillo
latinamericanstudies.org
May 30, 1951
JFK SPEAKS ON MEMORIAL DAY
Congressman John F. Kennedy of the 11th District of Massachusetts spoke today at Memorial Day observances.
In both addresses, the Congressman called on the United States to "rebuild its strength" while UN forces fight in Korea.
JFK spoke at the Boston Lodge of Elks in Dorchester & at the American Legion Post in Mattapan.
May 30, 1806
ANDREW JACKSON KILLS CHARLES DICKINSON
Former Tennessee representative & senator, Andrew Jackson, killed lawyer Charles Dickinson in a duel today.
The challenge was made by Jackson who took offense to charges made by Dickinson that Jackson's wife, Rachel, was already married when she married Jackson.
Dickinson said that Rachel Donelson Jackson was a "bigamist" or "adulteress".*
*Rachel incorrectly assumed a divorce from her 1st husband, Lewis Robards, had been granted. When the Jacksons found out it had not, another divorce was filed, granted & a 2nd wedding ceremony conducted.
Since dueling is illegal in the state of Tennessee, the duel was fought across the state line in Logan County, Kentucky.
The two adversaries stood 24 feet apart (by rule) & Dickinson took the 1st shot which hit Jackson in the chest.
Mr. Jackson did not fall, however, & again by rule Dickinson had to stand & wait for Jackson's return volley.
Taking careful aim, Andrew Jackson shot & killed Mr. Dickinson.**
**The bullet which hit Jackson was lodged near the heart. Doctors did not attempt to remove it & Jackson carried it in his body the rest of his life. It caused him considerable pain & the "spitting up" of blood.
A Duel in Kentucky
