FUTURE POTUS SHAKES JFK'S HAND
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 24, 1963, William Jefferson Clinton, the future 42nd POTUS, shook hands with the 35th POTUS John F. Kennedy. Bill Clinton was a representative of his home state of Arkansas at Boys Nation.
When asked many years later how he managed to get in a position to shake JFK's hand and get his picture made with him, Mr. Clinton said he was in front because Arkansas was positioned there alphabetically, and also because he was "the biggest kid" there.
Bill's mother said when he returned to Arkansas, he was so excited about meeting the President and she felt that's when his ambition to government service was sparked. Bill was not the only young person so influenced by JFK, but he was most likely the only one who became President of the United States as a result.
*Boys Nation includes 2 representatives from each of 49 states (Hawaii does not participate). The boys are rising seniors in high school. They come to Washington to gain "an appreciation for and understanding of the United States system of government."
The 98 boys become "senators" who represent their home states. They are given tours of the Congress, Pentagon, State Department, Supreme Court & White House.
SOURCE
"Boys Nation class of 2015 arrives in D.C.-Friday," The American Legion, July 14, 2015, www.legion.org/
Bill Clinton Meets JFK
White House Rose Garden
July 24, 1963
