JFK PAYS VISIT TO CORK
President John F. Kennedy paid a visit to Cork, Ireland's 2nd largest city today.
JFK was greeted by a crowd estimated to be 100,000.
Speaking in Cork, JFK took pride in introducing "2 or 3 Irishmen" who came along with him from America.
First to be introduced was JFK's Presidential assistant & long-time political & personal confidant, David Powers who, according to Mr. Kennedy, had 7 of his cousins sitting with him on the front row.
The second "Irishman" to be introduced was Larry O'Brien, JFK's legislative aide & the third was Jim Roley, head of the United States Secret Service.
In his address, JFK said that Ireland's mission today...
"is to lead the free world (as it) has done for the last 800 years (in) independence & freedom".
Later, back at Dublin's Arbour Hill, President Kennedy laid a wreath at the grave of Irishmen who took part in the 1916 Easter Uprising.
He also watched the Irish Guards perform impressive drills. (In late November 1963, Mrs. Kennedy arranged for the drill team to perform at JFK's funeral service at Arlington).
Irish Guards at Arlington
November 25, 1963
www.arlingtoncemetery.net
President Kennedy then proceeded to Leinster House to speak to a joint session of the Dail & Seanad (Irish Parliament).
JFK spoke about the heroics of the Irish Brigade at the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862.
The President presented one of the surviving flags of the 69th Regiment of New York volunteers from the battle "to the people of Ireland".
Battle Flag of the 69th Regiment
New York Volunteers
www.sixtyninth.net
JFK said to the Irish Parliament:
"Today this is no longer the country of hunger & famine....nor is it any longer a country of persecution, political or religious. It is a free country & that is why any American feels at home.
This is an extraordinary country. George Bernard Shaw, speaking as an Irishman, summed up an approach to life: 'Other people', he said, 'see things &...say: why? But I dream things that never were & say: why not?"*
*RFK would later use this Shaw quote in his 1968 Presidential campaign with the change...."Some men see things as they are & say why? I dream things that never were & say why not?"
Dail Chamber, Leinster House
Dublin, Ireland
June 28, 2008
Photo by AnCatDubh
Still later, at Dublin Castle, JFK was given honorary law degrees to National University of Ireland & Trinity College. JFK said:
"I want to express....thanks to the people of Dublin. I can imagine nothing more pleasant than continuing day after day to drive through the streets of Dublin & waving & I may come back & do it."
JFK Motorcade in Dublin
June 28, 1963
www.declancashin.com
June 28, 1962
JFK SIGNS MIGRATION & REFUGEE ASSISTANCE ACT
President John F. Kennedy today signed the act sponsored by his administration which will provide crisis assistance to displaced people & refugees across the globe.
The Migration & Refugee Assistance Act was pushed through the Senate by J. William Fulbright of Arkansas (D) & through the House by Francis E. Walter of Pennsylvania (D).
JFK said:
"This government's leadership will be maintained in the great humanitarian endeavor of helping the world's stateless & homeless."
Senator J. William Fulbright
(D) Arkansas
June 28, 1914
ARCHDUKE ASSASSINATED IN SARAJEVO
The heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated today when he was shot along with his wife in an open touring car in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
The Royal couple were on a state visit as well as celebrating their wedding anniversary.
The assassin, a young Serbian named Gavrilo Princip, was taken into custody.*
*The assassination triggers a chain reaction of events which lead Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia & begin the First World War.
Archduke Ferdinand & Wife Are Shot
