Joe Manchin: “50 years after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, America still mourns his loss. For those of us who were inspired by…”

“50 years after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, America still mourns his loss. For those of us who were inspired by his Presidency, it is easy to understand why. In a time of indifference, he reawakened this Nation to the finest meaning of citizenship--placing public service ahead of private interest. That is why a half a century later, he remains a powerful symbol of a time of soaring idealism in America, when our people believed our country could do anything--even go to the moon. John Kennedy also inspires Americans who know him only from history books or from the stories their parents and grandparents tell of that all-too-brief shining moment that was his Presidency. John Kennedy was in the White House for only 1,000 days, not even 3 years. But his achievements exceeded his years. It's easy to dismiss his Presidency as one of rhetoric more than results. But to do so ignores the New Frontier he pioneered--a new era of economic growth, space exploration, civil rights advancements, conservation of natural resources, nuclear disarmament and generations of Americans who have made public service a way of life. John Kennedy's immortal words, especially those of his Inaugural Address, still call us to action--to think beyond our own self- interests, and to do what is best for our country and the people of the world.…”