I was twelve years old and in the seventh grade. I was in band practice when someone from the office came in and told Mr. Wiggenbottom (always giggled behind his back about his name, I remember him as a really nice man)...but, he was told, and then we all went back to our rooms. Sat at our desks....wasn’t too long til usual bell. Then I walked home.
I remember my mom crying. Our family was military and definitely Republican, but he was OUR president, and we cried. Then, for several days, a haze of tv....lying on the floor and watching tv. That’s when I became a news junkie, I think, during those days and weeks after Kennedy was murdered. So long ago....and I still remember all the details.
pattyjo
I was in eighth grade Introductory to Algebra. Coach Ward was working a problem in the chalk board. (He was not only a great football, baseball and track coach, he was one of the best teachers of science and math I ever had.) The electronic buzz in the intercom snapped everyone to attention. It was different on that day. Our principal, Mr. B.K. Johnson, made the announcement.
It was a moment I will never forget. I too watched the news for several days after. I’ve been hooked on events and trying to connect the dots ever since.
I know a president I wouldn’t cry for.....
You know.. I never thought about it that way... but, I think the same was true for me. I was only 4/12... but, I vividly remember watching (in B&W) the horse drawn casket and hearing the drums.
I don't remember where I was when I heard about it... I guess, the news didn't make that big an impression on me at first. But, several days of seeing all the reactions did. I remember a LOT of time looking at LIFE magazine photos of the funeral.
In hindsight, I'd have to say that is what made me a news junkie too. I was 13 and in the eighth grade. Four solid days of assassination news, LIVE on every channel, no commercials of any kind, just the ongoing report and funeral, including watching Oswald shot dead, on live TV.