JACKIE KENNEDY THANKS AMERICA FOR CONDOLENCES
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Former 1st Lady Jacqueline Kennedy made her 1st public statement tonight since the death of her husband, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, last November.
Mrs. Kennedy's remarks were video taped in the office of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy at the Justice Department.
The Attorney General was by Mrs. Kennedy's side during the video taping along with Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy.
Mrs. Kennedy acknowledged the receipt of more than 800,000 cards, messages & letters of condolence.
Mrs. Kennedy said:
"It is my greatest wish that all these letters be acknowledged. Each & every letter will be treasured & placed along with President Kennedy's papers."*
*Historian Ellen Fitzpatrick's book "Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation" includes 250 of the total # of 1.5 million letters.
Following is the text of one of these letters:
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
February 14, 1964
Mrs. Kennedy:
I'm just a 73 year old man who lost his wife in 1963. My wife died in my arms as your husband died in your(s)....& when I watched you walked behind that flag draped coffin, I cried my eyes out.
I think you are the most wonderful woman on earth.
May God Always Bless You.
R. R. Louk
Bob, Jackie & Ted Walk
in Funeral Procession
November 25, 1963
Photo by Abbie Rowe
Truman Library Photo
