"AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD"

PRESIDENT HARDING LAYS WREATH AT TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On Armistice Day*, November 11, 1922, President Warren G. Harding "paid tribute" by placing a wreath** on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier*** at Arlington National Cemetery.

Flanking the commander-in-chief during the ceremony were the Secretaries of War and Navy.

The tomb bears the inscription...

 "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God."

In a message to the Nation sent out the previous evening, the President said Armistice Day marks...

"the victorious culmination of our nation's most impressive participation in the affairs of the world."

*Armistice Day marks the signing of the armistice between the Allies & Germany on November 11, 1918.  The armistice would go into effect "on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month.  Today, it is known as Veterans Day in the United States.

**The wreath included American beauties & great, white chrysanthemums.

***The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the final resting place of one of America's unidentified WWI servicemen as well as unknowns from later wars.  The tomb is a white marble sarcophagus standing on a hill overlooking the Nation's Capital.

SOURCES

"President Leads Nation's Tribute To Soldier Dead," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 11, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," Arlington National Cemetery, www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/

 

 

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Arlington National Cemetery

Photo by John White

April 25, 2016

"UNDER THE SOMBER SKIES OF FEATHERLIKE CLOUDS"

AMERICA'S UNKNOWN SOLDIER LAID TO REST AT ARLINGTON

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On Armistice Day, November 11, 1921, "under the somber skies of featherlike clouds" the remains of America's Unknown Soldier were "escorted (from the Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue to Arlington) by the Chief Executive of the nation, the only two living former Presidents (William Howard Taft & Woodrow Wilson) and the leaders of the country."*

The caisson bearing the casket was pulled by six jet black horses flanked by an honor guard.

The Unknown Soldier, representing all Americans who gave their lives in the world war, was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery where President Warren G. Harding said...

"This Armistice Day shall mark the beginning of a new, lasting peace." 

*At the Capitol, several dignitaries were honored including Representative B. Carroll Reece** of Tennessee who 'wore the distinguished service cross, distinguished service medal & Croix de Guerre.'

**Brazilla Carroll Reece (1889-1961) was born in Butler, TN & educated at Carson-Newman & New York University.  BCR was a lawyer, banker & publisher headquartered in Johnson City, TN.  He served as East Tennessee's 1st District representative in the U.S. House of Representatives all but 6 years between 1921 & 1961.

SOURCE

"Peace, President Harding's Pledge To World Over Grave of War Hero Burial As U.S. Mourns," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 11, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

   

 

Tomb of America's Unknown Soldier

Arlington National Cemetery

Photo by John White (2016)

I COULD STAY UP HERE FOREVER

JFK PAYS HONOR TO VETERANS 

Arlington, Virginia (JFK+50) Fifty-one years ago this morning, November 11, 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited the National Cemetery to pay respects to the veterans of the military forces of the United States.

The President was accompanied by General David M. Shoup, Commander of the United States Marine Corps, the Honorable John S. Gleason, Jr, Administrator of Veterans Affairs, and his son, John F. Kennedy, Jr.

While JFK attended the ceremonies held at the Ampitheater and laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, young John waited in the car.

JFK at Veterans Day Ceremonies

Arlington, Virginia (11-11-63)

Photo by Cecil W. Stoughton

JFK Library Image

Thurston Clarke describes the scene...

"It was an ideal day for a military pageant, with bright sunshine and a brisk wind snapping the flags."

Clarke says that the President changed his mind about leaving his son alone in the car and told a Secret Service agent.. "I think he'll be lonely out there."

JFK at Arlington

Veterans Day 1963

Photo by Cecil Stoughton

JFK Library Image

Soon John John appeared.  According to novemberdays1963...

"(John John) marched up to his Dad...imitating him by walking with his hands clasped behind his back." 

John Jr. and JFK

November 11, 1963

Photo by Cecil Stoughton

JFK Library Image

Thurston Clarke writes that later as JFK strolled down the rows of white tombstones with Hale Boggs, Representative from Louisiana, he said...

"This is one of the really beautiful places on earth.  I could stay up here forever."

Just two weeks later, on Monday, November 25, 1963, the 35th President of the United States would be laid to rest "forever" at that "really beautiful place."

Military Honor Guard

November 25, 1963

Photo by Cecil Stoughton

JFK Library Image

SOURCES

JFK's Last Hundred Days:  The Transformation of a Man and the Emergence of a Great President, by Thurston Clarke, The Penguin Press, New York, 2013.

johnjohnkennedy.tumblr.com

novemberdays1963.tumblr.com

www.jfklibrary.org

Follow the link below to the JFK Library website to view a film about the events at Arlington on 11-11-63.

http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/Archives/USG-14-B.aspx

FIRST WORLD WAR ENDED 96 YEARS AGO 

Paris, France (JFK+50) Ninety-six years ago today, November 11, 1918, the First World War ended following the signing of an armistice at 5 a.m. Peace came precisely on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 a.m. local time.

The armistice was signed in the railroad car of Allied Supreme Commander Ferdinand Foch located in Compiegne Forest north of Paris.  The terms required Germany to evacuate the occupied territories of Belgium, France, Alsace-Lorraine and Luxemborg.

Allied forces would occupy the left bank of the Rhine while the right bank would be a neutral zone.  In addition, Germany was required to give up tons of military equipment including their submarine fleet.

The armistice period would last 30 days at which time it would be renewed monthly until the final peace treaty was signed.

Armistice Day Celebration

King and Bay Streets
   Toronto, Canada

MEMORIAL DAY 2011

May 30, 2011


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