Thread by @shandipace

November 22, 1963: Riding in his motorcade through the streets of Dallas, Texas, John F. Kennedy is shot and ultimately killed by an assassin’s bullet. The president and first lady were visiting Texas to rally for JFK’s re-election in 1964. #JFKassassination

The short film “The Last Two Days” by White House photographers Tom Atkins and Robert Knudsen encompasses clips and details about the last two days of John F. Kennedy’s life. The rest of this thread will include short videos about the president’s final days in Texas. (1/8)

November 21, 1963: President Kennedy speaks to the League of United Latin American Citizens. Jackie translates his speech to the crowd afterwards. (2/8)

The morning of November 22, 1963: President Kennedy speaks to a crowd in the downtown area of Fort Worth, Texas. He meets with onlookers before heading to speak to members of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. (3/8)

His final speech. President Kennedy’s final words were reflecting on his hopes and dreams for the future of the United States, a future he would never get to see. (4/8)

After flying from Fort Worth, Air Force One lands in Dallas, Texas. JFK and Jackie are greeted by onlookers.

“..They gave me the yellow roses of Texas. But in Dallas they gave me red roses. I thought how funny, red roses - so all the seat was full of blood and red roses.” (5/8)

Disaster strikes. At 12:30PM CST, as the President is minutes away from the Dallas Trade Mart where he’s set to deliver a speech, he’s shot twice.

Confusion strikes both the crowd and the reporters who witnessed the scene. (6/8)

After being rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital, it’s already too late. At 1:00PM CST, President John F. Kennedy is pronounced dead. The crowd of people that had gathered outside of the hospital break down after they hear the news. (7/8)

Kennedy’s body was then brought back to Love Field and placed on Air Force One. Once the late president and those onboard arrive back in Washington, D.C., Kennedy is taken to Bethesda Naval Hospital for an autopsy. From there, he is brought back to the White House. (8/8)

Jack’s legacy continues to live on today. He inspired a nation to move towards the future, strive for positive change in countries all around the world & to always focus on peace. It’s unfortunate he was never able to live his full life but I’m thankful for the time he did have.

Stories don’t always have happy endings. The story of the Kennedy Administration is no exception. It’s consumed by tragedy. Losing JFK felt like an extreme blow to the country. There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding civil rights, the Vietnam War, the space program, etc.

Jack, you deserved a better ending. Everyday I’m inspired by your words and I choose to live my life with a more optimistic outlook because of you. Although you weren’t around during my lifetime, the words still mean the same. #JFKassassination

Over the last few years, I've spent hours researching and learning about the life and death of John F. Kennedy. This includes all the good and bad surrounding his name. Everyday, I'm continuously fascinated by him and his family. #JFKassassination

Check out my YouTube playlist of Kennedy video essays, which dive deeper into the highs, lows, assassinations and legacy of the Kennedy family. #JFKassassination

youtube.com/playlist?list=…