Kennedy Assassination, Nov. 22, 1963, by Jeannine
From MemoryArchive
Who: Jeannine What: Kennedy Assassination When: Nov. 22, 1963 Where: Illinois
I grew up in a very Republican household in which politics were often discussed. I learned that, although there may be some Democratic people who were nice, overall the Democratic Party was evil and would lead to the downfall of our government as we knew it. When Nixon was running against Kennedy in 1960, I recall as a six-year-old jumping up and down in the driveway chanting: “Nixon, Nixon, he’s our man, let’s put Kennedy in the garbage can!” Needless to say, my parents were disappointed in the outcome of that election.
In 1963, I was in fourth grade in the Chicago suburbs. Our school had a long lunch break from 11:45 to 1:00 to allow students time to walk home and eat lunch. So it was on November 22. When I returned to school after the lunch break, students were talking excitedly. Some students had heard the announcements on television that President Kennedy had been shot. We were 9 years old; I don’t recall anyone crying or upset at that point. There wasn’t an adult in the room at this point. I remember that I, along with several others, were almost gleeful; after all, our parents didn’t like this president! When our teacher Mrs. Fager walked into the room, her serious demeanor caused everyone to stop talking. She solemnly explained the tragic news to the class, putting it into context for children. I immediately felt ashamed of my reaction. Of course, my parents, even though they hadn’t liked Kennedy as a politician, were shocked and saddened by the assassination. I didn’t tell anyone for many years what my first reaction to one of the biggest world events in my life was. As an adult, I have taught fourth and fifth grade. I understand that a nine or ten year old child may react in a way that seems uncaring or almost unresponsive. My own memory of this event comes back to me when it may seem that students “should” be feeling a particular way. It is important that a caring adult be able to explain important world events in a way that children can understand.
