JFK message of ‘humanity’ recalled at birthday bash
The 100th anniversary of the birth of President John F. Kennedy drew thousands to his library and museum in Dorchester yesterday, on a day that drew extra resonance from Memorial Day.
“The connection between John F. Kennedy and Memorial Day could not be any more clear,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, noting that one of Kennedy’s first acts as a congressman — and a World War II veteran — from Massachusetts was to advocate for veterans’ housing. “Let us look, as President Kennedy did, to the sacrifice of our fallen heroes as a guiding light for our own service to our country and humanity.”
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library hosted the birthday party as it put on exhibit 100 artifacts of Kennedy’s life, including 40 that had never been previously displayed.
Walsh said Kennedy was his childhood hero and his political inspiration.
“The hope and prosperity he talked about and pushed — I think part of that is who I am as a mayor. I try to emulate some of the things he did as president,” Walsh said.
Kennedy’s assassination cut his life short at 46, but much in his brief life still speaks to people today, said acting library director James Roth.
“I think the positive message that he sent has a tendency to resonate ... how well-spoken he was, that his speeches were quite wellknown and stand the test of time,” Roth said.
Mike Dion of Watertown, agreed. “His speeches even today just grab you,” Dion said. Walsh quoted Kennedy’s letter to his parents after his brother Joseph Kennedy Jr. was killed in World War II.
“‘His promise may have been cut short, but his life had the completeness of perfection. The way he lived, the way he died, could not have been improved upon,’ ” Walsh read. “I think I know what President Kennedy meant by perfection — living a life of complete purpose is all anyone can ever hope for.”