Lawmakers reflect on JFK’s legacy

Members of Congress reflected on the late President John F. Kennedy’s life Friday and where they were on the day of his assassination 50 years ago.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) tweeted a photo of a letter he received from Kennedy in 1961 in which he thanked people who helped campaign for him.

This letter I received from #JFK is an honored possession that I keep in my office. I admired him so very much. pic.twitter.com/gshmgsoVa5

— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) November 22, 2013

{mosads}Dallas planned a remembrance ceremony Friday at Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination. Texas Rep. Pete Sessions (R) said he was attending.

Looking forward to attending the City of Dallas’ #JFK50 Remembrance & Reflection Ceremony at Dealey Plaza today. #TX32 @1500Marilla

— Pete Sessions (@PeteSessions) November 22, 2013

President Obama asked for flags at all government buildings to be lowered to half-staff Friday.

PHOTO: Flags @uscapitol lowered to half-staff as nation commemorates life & legacy of President Kennedy #JFK50 pic.twitter.com/cJO9Xdtn1K

— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) November 22, 2013

A number of lawmakers also tweeted they were in school when they heard the news.

50 years ago today I was in kindergarten in Brooklyn, IA when we learned about the assassination of President Kennedy. #NationMourned

— Bruce Braley (@BruceBraley) November 22, 2013

Remembering #JFK today. I remember the principal coming by my classroom to tell everybody what had just happened. #JFK50

— Bob Goodlatte (@RepGoodlatte) November 22, 2013

(2/2)I was standing @ my locker @ school when a classmate told me #JFK had been killed. It was the 1st time I felt like a relative had died.

— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) November 22, 2013

Today we pause to reflect on the life and legacy of JFK. I was in fourth grade and still vividly remember the day. #JFK

— Shelley Moore Capito (@RepShelley) November 22, 2013

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) worked at the State Department at the time and said he was in a taxi when he learned Kennedy was shot. He told The Hill the driver pulled over, and they listened to the news on the radio together.

When I learned that President Kennedy had been shot, I was in a taxi cab in D.C. on my way back to work at the State Department.

— Jay Rockefeller (@SenRockefeller) November 22, 2013

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) tweeted a link to the commencement address Kennedy delivered at her alma mater, Trinity College, in 1958. Pelosi graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1962.

After 50 years, the immortal words of Pres. Kennedy still inspire a nation. His speech at my alma mater in 1958: http://t.co/ZxPuRsRRlP #JFK

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) November 22, 2013

Kennedy spoke about the public’s “disdain” for politics in the speech and encouraged the graduates to consider becoming politicians. 

“I would urge therefore that each of you, regardless of your chosen occupation, consider entering the field of politics at some stage in your career.”

This post was updated at 12:52 p.m.