Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, a woman known for her exceptional discipline and organization, meticulously documented the lives of her children. For her second born, she simply noted:
John Fitzgerald Kennedy Born Brookline, Mass. (83 Beals Street) May 29, 1917
The Kennedy children, from left to right: Jean Kennedy Smith, Robert F. Kennedy, Patricia Kennedy Lawford, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, John F. Kennedy (Jack), and Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., pictured in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, circa 1928.
Rose Kennedy would eventually raise nine children, four sons and five daughters, each chronicled on individual notecards. These cards were filled with details ranging from routine doctor visits to shoe sizes, meticulously recorded throughout their childhood. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, named in honor of his maternal grandfather John Francis Fitzgerald – the charismatic Mayor of Boston known as “Honey Fitz” – was quickly nicknamed “Jack” by family and friends. Even as a baby, Jack’s health was a concern, and Rose’s notecards documented a series of childhood illnesses: “whooping cough, measles, chicken pox,” painting a picture of a delicate early life.
In February 1920, before his third birthday, John Fitzgerald Kennedy contracted scarlet fever. This highly contagious disease was a serious threat at the time, and his father, Joseph Patrick Kennedy, feared for his young son’s life. Joseph Kennedy visited the hospital daily, a testament to his concern. After a month of worry, Jack’s condition improved, and he recovered. However, his health remained fragile throughout his life. His susceptibility to illness became a family joke, with quips about the perilous fate of any mosquito daring enough to bite him, suggesting its demise from his weakened blood.
When John Fitzgerald Kennedy was three years old, the family relocated to a larger, twelve-room house just blocks from their original Brookline home. The new house boasted turreted windows and a spacious porch, reflecting the family’s growing prosperity. Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., driven by ambition and energy, was diligently building his business empire. Haunted by his own experiences of social exclusion as an Irish Catholic at Harvard, he had vowed to become a millionaire by age 35. Despite the prevalent prejudice against Irish Catholics in Boston, Joseph Kennedy was determined to succeed, drawing inspiration from his Irish immigrant great-grandparents who had overcome hardship and his grandfathers who had risen to prominence in Boston politics. This family legacy afforded John Fitzgerald Kennedy a life of privilege and comfort, far removed from the struggles of his ancestors.
By the time John Fitzgerald Kennedy reached the age of eight, the Kennedy household was bustling with seven children. He had an older brother, Joe Jr., and four sisters: Rosemary, Kathleen, Eunice, and Patricia, as well as a younger brother, Robert. Jean and Edward “Teddy” Kennedy would join the family later. A team of nannies and housekeepers helped Rose manage the large and lively household.
Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. is pictured with his sons, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. and John F. Kennedy, in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1931.
Summers were spent at the Kennedy family’s retreat in Hyannis Port on Cape Cod. Here, the children reveled in swimming, sailing, and spirited games of touch football. Competition was a central theme of their upbringing, encouraged by Joseph Sr., particularly among his sons. He instilled in them a relentless drive to win, both in sports and in life, often quoting, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” However, this competitive spirit sometimes crossed into recklessness. One bicycle race between Joe Jr. and John Fitzgerald Kennedy ended in a head-on collision, leaving Joe unscathed while Jack required twenty-eight stitches, a stark illustration of the sometimes-fierce rivalry between the brothers. Joe, being two years older and physically stronger, often dominated their interactions, yet John Fitzgerald Kennedy was seen as the only sibling who truly challenged Joe’s position as the eldest son and perceived leader.
At Choate, a prestigious boarding school in Connecticut, John Fitzgerald Kennedy thrived socially and athletically. He was popular and cultivated many friendships. He participated in tennis, basketball, football, and golf, and also developed a love for reading. His friend Lem Billings recalled John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s unusual habit of subscribing to the New York Times daily, demonstrating an early intellectual curiosity. While not the most diligent student, his Head Master recognized his “clever, individualist mind,” noting his exceptional performance in history and English, his favorite subjects.
Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. was keenly aware of John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s potential, writing to him in a letter, “Now Jack, I don’t want to give the impression that I am a nagger…and I also feel that you know if I didn’t really feel you had the goods I would be most charitable in my attitude toward your failings. After long experience in sizing up people I definitely know you have the goods and you can go a long way…It is very difficult to make up fundamentals that you have neglected when you were very young, and that is why I am urging you to do the best you can. I am not expecting too much, and I will not be disappointed if you don’t turn out to be a real genius, but I think you can be a really worthwhile citizen with good judgment and understanding.” This letter reveals a father’s high expectations tempered with realistic encouragement, recognizing his son’s inherent capabilities and urging him to apply himself.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy followed Joe Jr. to Harvard University in 1936. Like his older brother, he joined the football team, displaying determination despite not possessing Joe’s natural athleticism. Unfortunately, a spinal disk rupture during a football game led to chronic back pain that would plague him for the rest of his life.
Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. held great aspirations for both his eldest sons, viewing them as intelligent and charismatic young men. Joe Jr. had long declared his ambition to become the first Catholic President of the United States, a goal that seemed within his reach. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, however, appeared less overtly ambitious, though he was actively involved in student groups and sports and excelled in history and government courses, even if his overall grades were merely average.
In late 1937, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. was appointed United States Ambassador to England, and the family, except for Joe Jr. and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who were at Harvard, relocated to London. This move profoundly influenced John Fitzgerald Kennedy, sparking a deep interest in European politics and international affairs. A summer trip to England and continental Europe further solidified this interest, and he returned to Harvard with a renewed focus on history, government, and current events.
Letters from their father in England frequently reached Joe Jr. and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, filled with updates on the escalating tensions in Europe and the growing threat of war. Adolf Hitler’s Germany and Benito Mussolini’s Italy were aggressively expanding their territories, and the world held its breath. On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, igniting World War II.
By this time, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was in his senior year at Harvard. He chose to write his senior thesis on Great Britain’s lack of preparedness for war with Germany. This thesis was later published as a book, Why England Slept, achieving surprising success. In June 1940, John Fitzgerald Kennedy graduated from Harvard. His father sent a congratulatory cablegram from London: “TWO THINGS I ALWAYS KNEW ABOUT YOU ONE THAT YOU ARE SMART TWO THAT YOU ARE A SWELL GUY LOVE DAD.”
World War II Service and the Path to Politics for John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Soon after graduation, both Joe Jr. and John Fitzgerald Kennedy enlisted in the Navy. Joe Jr. became a pilot and was deployed to Europe, while John Fitzgerald Kennedy was commissioned as a Lieutenant (Lt.) and assigned to the South Pacific as commander of a patrol torpedo boat, PT-109.
Lieutenant (j.g.) John F. Kennedy is seen in a portrait from 1942. Photo credit: Frank Turgeon.
Lt. John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his crew of twelve men were tasked with disrupting Japanese supply lines. On the night of August 2, 1943, while patrolling for enemy vessels, a Japanese destroyer materialized suddenly from the darkness. Traveling at high speed, it headed directly for PT-109. Lt. Kennedy, at the helm, attempted to steer clear, but the much larger warship collided with PT-109, splitting it in half and killing two crew members. The survivors, including Lt. Kennedy, were thrown into the burning water. Lt. Kennedy was violently thrown against the cockpit, exacerbating his existing back injury. Among the survivors was Patrick McMahon, suffering from severe burns. In the chaos and darkness, Lt. Kennedy located McMahon and brought him back to the wreckage where the remaining crew clung to a floating section of the boat. At dawn, despite his own pain and injuries, Lt. Kennedy led his men to a small island several miles away, towing the badly burned McMahon by a life jacket strap clenched in his teeth. Six days later, two native islanders discovered them and facilitated their rescue, carrying a message inscribed by John Fitzgerald Kennedy on a coconut shell. The PT-109 crew was saved, but tragedy struck the Kennedy family again a year later when Joe Jr. was killed when his plane exploded during a perilous mission in Europe.
Upon his return home, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroism and leadership during the PT-109 incident. With the war drawing to a close, he faced a pivotal career decision. He had considered careers in teaching or writing, but Joe Jr.’s death dramatically altered his path. After discussions with his father, Joseph Kennedy Sr. convinced John Fitzgerald Kennedy to enter politics. He successfully ran for Congress in Massachusetts’ eleventh congressional district in 1946, marking the commencement of his political career. John Fitzgerald Kennedy served three terms in the House of Representatives and was elected to the US Senate in 1952.
Shortly after becoming a senator, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, at the age of 36, married Jacqueline Bouvier, a 24-year-old writer for the Washington Times-Herald. Early in their marriage, Senator Kennedy’s back problems resurfaced, requiring two major surgeries. During his convalescence, he wrote Profiles in Courage, a book profiling US Senators who had demonstrated great courage by taking principled stands, even at personal risk. The book received the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1957, further enhancing his public profile. That same year, the Kennedys welcomed their first child, Caroline.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s popularity as a politician was rapidly rising. In 1956, he was a strong contender for the vice-presidential nomination. Although he ultimately did not secure it, Kennedy set his sights on the presidency in the next election cycle. He embarked on a grueling campaign schedule, traveling across the United States. On July 13, 1960, the Democratic Party nominated him as their presidential candidate. Kennedy chose Lyndon B. Johnson, a senator from Texas, as his running mate. In the closely contested general election on November 8, 1960, John Fitzgerald Kennedy defeated Republican Vice President Richard M. Nixon. At 43, he became the youngest man ever elected president and the first Catholic to hold the office. Just before his inauguration, his second child, John Jr., affectionately nicknamed “John-John” by his father, was born.
John F. Kennedy’s Presidency: The New Frontier and Enduring Legacy
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States on January 20, 1961. His inaugural address resonated deeply with the nation, emphasizing civic engagement and global cooperation. His iconic line, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” became a rallying cry for a generation. He also called upon nations worldwide to unite against “the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.” President Kennedy, along with his wife Jacqueline and their two young children, brought a sense of youthful dynamism and optimism to the White House. They envisioned the White House as a center for American culture and achievement, inviting artists, writers, scientists, poets, musicians, actors, and athletes to visit. Jacqueline Kennedy shared her husband’s passion for American history and spearheaded a comprehensive restoration of the White House, filling its rooms with historically significant American art and furniture, transforming it into a showcase of American heritage and artistry. Her efforts were widely praised and admired.
The presence of Caroline and John-John also infused the White House with a sense of warmth and normalcy. A pre-school, a swimming pool, and a treehouse were added to the White House grounds. Despite the immense pressures of the presidency, John Fitzgerald Kennedy made time to engage with his children, demonstrating a commitment to family life amidst his demanding responsibilities.
However, the shadow of the Cold War and the threat of nuclear annihilation loomed large over John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s presidency. He grappled with the constant tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, a rivalry defined by ideological conflict and a terrifying arms race. The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and the Berlin Crisis were just two instances that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
President Kennedy maintained a demanding schedule, starting his day early and working late into the night. He consumed six newspapers during breakfast, held meetings with advisors and world leaders throughout the day, and meticulously reviewed reports. His commitment to informed decision-making was unwavering. He introduced the concept of the “New Frontier,” not as a geographical place, but as a call to action, urging Americans to embrace progress in science, education, employment, and other crucial areas. He championed the expansion of democracy and freedom globally.
One of President Kennedy’s early initiatives was the creation of the Peace Corps. This program, still active today, allows Americans to volunteer their skills and services in developing countries worldwide, contributing to education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. The Peace Corps became a symbol of American idealism and goodwill, earning international respect.
President Kennedy also prioritized American leadership in space exploration. Recognizing the Soviet Union’s early lead in the space race, he committed the nation to landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade. He secured congressional approval for the ambitious Project Apollo, investing billions of dollars in this groundbreaking endeavor.
Domestically, John Fitzgerald Kennedy faced the deeply entrenched issue of racial discrimination. Despite the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling against segregation in public schools, many states, particularly in the South, resisted desegregation. Racial segregation persisted in various public spaces. The Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, with activists peacefully protesting racial injustice. While leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. initially felt President Kennedy’s support was insufficient, Kennedy believed that public protests could provoke resistance and hinder legislative progress on civil rights. However, by June 1963, recognizing the urgency of the situation, President Kennedy publicly endorsed the Civil Rights Movement and proposed a comprehensive Civil Rights Bill to Congress. In a televised address, he appealed to the nation’s conscience, urging Americans to end racism and fulfill the promise of equality for all, regardless of skin color. He declared that the nation, founded on the principle of equality, must ensure a good and happy life for all its citizens.
Tragedy in Dallas: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy
On November 21, 1963, President Kennedy traveled to Texas for a series of political appearances. The following day, November 22, as his motorcade proceeded through cheering crowds in Dallas, shots rang out. President Kennedy was gravely wounded and died shortly thereafter. Within hours, Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested and charged with the assassination. Tragically, on November 24, Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald, silencing the only individual who could have provided further insight into the assassination. The Warren Commission was established to investigate the events and address the many unanswered questions surrounding the tragedy.
The Enduring Legacy of John Fitzgerald Kennedy
President Kennedy’s assassination plunged the nation into profound mourning. For many, the memory of where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news remains vivid. Hundreds of thousands gathered in Washington for his funeral, and millions around the world watched on television, a testament to his global impact.
Decades later, John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s presidency, though tragically short, continues to hold a significant place in American memory. His leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis, his inspiring rhetoric, and his commitment to social programs resonate deeply. While, like all leaders, he made mistakes, his optimism and belief in the power of collective action and national unity endure as key aspects of his legacy. He remains a figure of inspiration, remembered for his vision of a more just and progressive America and a more peaceful world.
