November 21, 1963
KENNEDYS BEGIN WHIRLWIND TEXAS TOUR
Houston, Texas (JFK+50) President & Mrs. John F. Kennedy's whirlwind tour of Texas began this morning as they arrived in San Antonio.
JFK & Jackie Arrive in Texas
San Antonio International Airport
November 21, 1963
Photo by Cecil Stoughton
JFK Library Photo
JFK has scheduled a 2 day, 5 city tour to attract voters for his 1964 re-election bid & to raise money for the 1964 campaign.
At the Brooks Air Force Base, the President helped dedicate the Aerospace Medical Health Center.
JFK spoke about America's effort in space:
"A country as rich & powerful as this....should be second to none. This nation has tossed its cap over the wall of space & we have no choice but to follow."
The President is accompanied by his wife, Jacqueline, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson & his wife Lady Bird.
Other dignitaries traveling across Texas with JFK include Texas Governor John B. Connally & Texas Senator Ralph Yarborough.
The Connallys & Kennedys
Texas Tour
November 21, 1963
Continuing to Houston, JFK stopped at the Rice Hotel where he spoke to a meeting of the League of Latin American Citizens.
Mrs. Kennedy also spoke to the group, but in their native Spanish language.
This evening the President will deliver a speech at a dinner honoring Texas Representative Albert Thomas.
Rice Hotel
Houston, Texas
November 21, 1963
JFK DECLARES WAR ON POVERTY
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Economic advisers at the White House today were informed that President Kennedy intends to make poverty a top priority of his legislative agenda in 1964.
The administration's War on Poverty program most likely will be directed through the Department of Health, Education & Welfare.
War on Poverty will include social programs such as medical assistance for senior citizens & improvement in the nation's educational system.
As JFK said in his inaugural address of January 20, 1961:
"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich."