The Assassination of John F. Kennedy

The death of their father severely impacted the children. John Jr. and Caroline grew up differently than other children; they were not bratty or spoiled like most small children in the United States (Landau 41). Mrs. Kennedy devoted almost all her time to her children. She said, “If you bungle raising your children I don’t think whatever else you do well matters much” (Santow 75). Out of all the children though, John F. Kennedy Jr. was probably affected the most. Tragically, his father’s funeral was on his own birthday (Landau 47). People remember watching JFK Jr. salute his father’s coffin as it passed by (Santow 71). Even though he was able to hold his composure, he showed his true colors when a reporter was taking pictures of him and he looked at the photographer in the eye, with tears in his eyes and said, “What are you taking my picture for? My daddy’s dead” (Landau 50).

Thankfully, through the experience of his father’s death, John Kennedy Jr. grew up to be a very mature young man and treated everyone with the same respect as they did him. During his childhood his uncle, Bobby, kept him active and entertained during the hard times of JFK Jr.’s hard times. Whenever something regarding a father came up at school, like a “father’s day”, Bobby would always step in. Jackie also made it an important part of her time to teach John important facts of life. She never wanted him to forget his heritage, but strongly encouraged him to be his own person. However, like every boy, John like to cause just a little mischief. He delighted in sometimes sneaking away from his CIA guards for a little fun. However, he learned the consequences of slipping away when his expensive Italian-made bike was stolen while he was joy-riding. Even though there were small bumps along the way, John grew up to be a smart, handsome man who made the most out of his life (Landau 49-56).

Out of all the devastating occurrences in the world, the JFK assassination was probably the one that impacted America the most in the 20th century. But, even though America was never the same, some good things, like JFK Jr.’s growth to become the “Prince of Camelot” (Landau 49), came out of the disaster. No matter what may come to pass, the American people will never forget the horrifying terror the country felt, absurd theories that originated, and the sorrow the Kennedy family went through.