Remembering John F. Kennedy

As the world remembers the assassination of President John F. Kennedy 50 years ago, many reflect on the words from his inaugural speech made less than three years before his tragic death.

On the 50th anniversary of that inaugural speech, the Order underwrote the restoration of the lettering at the gravesite of President Kennedy in Arlington Cemetery.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said that the Knights of Columbus “is proud and honored to be able to make this contribution to honoring the memory of President Kennedy. His words inspired an entire generation, not just in America but throughout the world. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Arlington National Cemetery in helping to ensure that those words will continue to inspire all who visit his final resting place.”

In recognition of that anniversary and the historic speech, the Knights of Columbus sponsored an essay contest for Catholic high school students, the winner of which was honored at the 129th Supreme Convention. Additionally, a poll was conducted by the Order on President Kennedy's legacy.

Also in celebration of Kennedy's inaugural speech, Supreme Knight Anderson made a speech titled "Making God's Work Our Own" at Faneuil Hall in Boston on April, 7, 2011.

President Kennedy, the first Catholic U.S. president, joined the Knights of Columbus soon after returning from service in the Navy during World War II and remained an active member for nearly 20 years, until his assassination in 1963. His inaugural address is one of the most famous in American history.