As the fiftieth anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination draws near, the events of that fateful day will undoubtedly be on the minds of many throughout the world. Here Dean Owen curates a fascinating collection of interviews and thought-provoking commentaries from notable men and women connected to that notorious Friday afternoon. Those who worked closely with the president, civil rights leaders, celebrities, prominent journalists, and political allies are among the nearly one hundred voices asked to share their reflections on the significance of that day and the legacy left behind by John F. Kennedy. A few of the names include:
Tom Brokaw, a young reporter in Omaha in 1963
Andy Rooney, veteran television and radio newscaster
Letitia Baldrige, former Chief of Staff to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy
Congressman John Lewis, sole survivor of the “Big Six” black leaders who met the president after the March on Washington in August of 1963
Cliff Robertson, Academy Award–winning actor who portrayed JFK in PT 109
Rev. Billy Graham, evangelist
With a compelling foreword from renowned author and journalist Helen Thomas, November 22, 1963 investigates not only where we were that day nearly fifty years ago, but where we have come since. A commemorative and insightful read, this book will unite generations.
This book gives readers a real-world glimpse into this extraordinary man, John Kennedy, and the truly great president he was. --Martin Sheen
Dean Owen reminds us of a loss that was painful and a legacy that endures. --John Seigenthaler, Sr., Journalist, Author, First Amendment Historian
A fascinating project that will resonate deeply with all of us who remember JFK, and will provide an enlightening service for those too young for personal recollection. --Michael Medved, Syndicated Radio Host
Dean Owen did what a lot of reporters seem to have forgotten how to do these days, he asked the people who were there that awful day what they saw and how they felt. This is a must-read for anyone who wants a better understanding of what happened on the weekend that America lost its innocence. A terrific read. --Bob Schieffer, CBS News
John Kennedy helped us believe in ourselves and Dean Owen brings to life the man who inspired us, and an inspiration we so desperately need today. --Roger Wilkins, Civil Rights Leader, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist
A mostly reverential compendium of voices touched by the promise and spirit of John F. Kennedy's presidency--and the shock of his death. . . . All walks of life are represented in this immense cross section of Americans' grief and groping for comprehension. --Kirkus Reviews