Title: Nation Reflects on 60th Anniversary of JFK Assassination and Honors Last Surviving Witnesses
Subtitle: Associated Press reporter Peggy Simpson and former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill share their harrowing experiences
November 22, 2023 – The nation solemnly commemorates the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination today, a tragic event that forever changed American history. To mark this somber occasion, last surviving witnesses Peggy Simpson, an Associated Press reporter, and former U.S. Secret Service Agent Clint Hill, are opening up about their experiences.
Simpson vividly recalls the fateful day, rushing to the scene immediately after the shooting. Determined to gather information, she attached herself to police officers who were closely involved in the investigation. Her eyewitness account provides a unique perspective, underscoring the chaos and confusion that engulfed Dallas that day.
In an effort to preserve these eyewitness testimonies, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza has launched a three-part series called “JFK: One Day in America.” The series merges the recollections of Simpson and other witnesses with colorized archival footage from that ill-fated day. By highlighting these first-hand accounts, the museum aims to ensure that future generations fully understand the impact of Kennedy’s assassination on American culture.
Despite the passage of time, Dealey Plaza continues to draw visitors who wish to pay their respects and reflect on the significance of this historical event. The site stands as a poignant reminder of a nation’s loss and its enduring impact.
Even President Joe Biden, who was a young man when Kennedy was assassinated, remembers the moment vividly. He fondly recalls being “glued to the news” on that fateful day, left speechless by the tragedy that had unfolded. President Biden emphasizes the importance of carrying forward Kennedy’s work and legacy, highlighting the need for continued dedication to public service and unity.
Interestingly, Simpson’s presence near the assassination was purely coincidental. Originally assigned to cover a fundraising dinner for Kennedy in Austin, she found herself drawn to the motorcade and witnessed the ensuing chaos. Later, she was one of the journalists on hand to report the shocking moment when Lee Harvey Oswald was assassinated by Jack Ruby at the county jail. These gripping experiences have solidified Simpson’s place in history.
To ensure that these valuable recollections are not lost, the Sixth Floor Museum diligently collects oral histories from witnesses like Simpson. Curator John Smith has stressed the importance of recording these accounts in order to preserve the collective memory of that tragic day. With each passing year, the number of surviving witnesses dwindles, making these testimonies all the more precious.
As the nation marks the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the stories shared by Peggy Simpson and Clint Hill serve as a poignant reminder of that fateful day. Their accounts, along with the efforts of the Sixth Floor Museum, enable us to honor the past, gain further insight into this historic event, and remind us of the importance of never forgetting.
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