Braintree to honor anniversary of dark day in American history. Here's what's planned

Fred Hanson, The Patriot Ledger
·2 min read
President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy are greeted by an enthusiastic crowd upon their arrival at Dallas Love Field on Nov. 22, 1963. The president was assassinated a few hours later while riding in an open-top limousine through the city.
President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy are greeted by an enthusiastic crowd upon their arrival at Dallas Love Field on Nov. 22, 1963. The president was assassinated a few hours later while riding in an open-top limousine through the city.
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BRAINTREE – The town will remember President John F. Kennedy on the 60th anniversary of his death with a wreath-laying ceremony Wednesday morning.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. in front of town hall, 1 John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive.

Mayor Charles Kokoros will offer remarks and then lay a wreath at the entrance to John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive. Members of the Braintree Veterans Council will be on hand to honor Kennedy's service as a U.S. Navy officer in World War II and as commander-in-chief of the nation's armed forces as president.

A native of Brookline, Kennedy is one of four presidents born in Norfolk County, along with John Adams and John Quincy Adams, who were born in a part of Braintree that later became Quincy; and George H.W. Bush, of Milton.

Kennedy was shot to death as his motorcade rode through the streets of Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. He was 46 years old.

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The nation's 35th president had ties to Braintree, with visits during his 1952 and 1958 campaigns for U. S. Senate. During his 1958 visit, he spoke at a rally from the steps of town hall.

Kokoros said the anniversary is a time to reflect on Kennedy's legacy and inspirational leadership.

"It is our solemn duty to remember and honor a leader who left an indelible mark on our nation," Kokoros said. "We convene not merely to mourn his loss but to celebrate the life and ideals he championed."

After the ceremony, there will be a light breakfast in the Cahill Auditorium of town hall. Former Mayor Joseph Sullivan will offer his reflections on Kennedy's life and legacy.

What's happening at the JFK Library

The JFK Library will host three musical performances on the 60th anniversary of Kennedy's assassination. Cellist Leland Ko, jazz musician Lumanyano Mzi with a quartet, and the Boston Arts Academy Spiritual Ensemble will perform in the main pavilion from 11 a.m. to noon.

On Wednesday, the JFK Library will be free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Two ceremonies planned in Hyannis

Two public wreath-laying ceremonies are planned in Hyannis on Nov. 22. The first will be at 9 a.m. at the JFK Memorial at 480 Ocean St., overlooking Lewis Bay; and the second at 10 a.m. at the JFK Hyannis Museum at 397 Main St., in the courtyard near the statue David Lewis sculpted of President Kennedy.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: JFK to be remembered in Braintree on 60th anniversary of his death