John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy's father, Joseph P. Kennedy, was born. He would later become an enormously successful businessman and hold high government posts, including ambassador to Great Britain.

John F. Kennedy, of Irish descent, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29, 1917. He later became the 35th President of the United States.

John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917.

In February 1920, Jack, who was not yet three years old, fell ill with scarlet fever, a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. His father, Joseph Patrick Kennedy, was deeply concerned about his son's well-being and visited him daily in the hospital. After about a month, Jack's condition improved and he recovered, but he continued to suffer from various health issues.

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was born on May 29, 1917.

In September 1927, the Kennedy family moved to Riverdale, N.Y.

John F. Kennedy, born on May 29, 1917, was the 35th President of the United States. He was known for his charisma and leadership during a critical period in American history.

In June 1935, John F. Kennedy graduates from Choate, ranking 64th in a class of 112, marking an important milestone in his academic journey.

While playing football, Jack Kennedy suffered a ruptured disk in his spine, which continued to bother him for the rest of his life. This injury had a significant impact on his physical well-being.

Jack's thesis on why Great Britain was unprepared for war with Germany was published as a book called 'Why England Slept.'

In July 1940, JFK's thesis titled Why England Slept was published.

In the fall of 1941, John F. Kennedy joined the U.S. Navy and was later sent to the South Pacific during World War II.

The sinking of PT-109, a patrol torpedo boat commanded by Lieutenant Kennedy during World War II, leading to his heroism and survival.

On August 2, 1943, John F. Kennedy's PT boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer in the South Pacific, and under his leadership, most of the crew was eventually rescued, leading to JFK receiving the Purple Heart for his heroics.

John F. Kennedy is discharged from the Navy in March 1944 after being admitted to Boston's Chelsea Naval Hospital with a lower back condition.

In June 17, 1946, John F. Kennedy achieves victory in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts' Eleventh Congressional District.

In November 1946, John F. Kennedy is elected to the House of Representatives.

In the fall of 1948, John F. Kennedy is elected to a second term in the House of Representatives. During a trip to England, he is diagnosed with Addison's Disease, which is kept secret from the public.

In November 1950, John F. Kennedy was elected to a third term in the House of Representatives.

In the fall of 1951, John F. Kennedy set his sights on a seat in the U.S. Senate, marking a significant step in his political career.

In November 1952, John F. Kennedy defeated Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. to win the election to the United States Senate.

On September 12, 1953, Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy got married in Newport, Rhode Island, less than a year after JFK was elected senator from Massachusetts. They met two years prior when Jacqueline was working as a photographer and journalist for the Washington Times-Herald.

In 1955, while recovering from a back operation, John F. Kennedy wrote Profiles in Courage, which went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in history. This book showcased his literary and intellectual abilities.

In 1956, John F. Kennedy was nearly nominated as the vice presidential candidate by the Democratic party, which significantly boosted his public profile.

Caroline Bouvier Kennedy, daughter of JFK, is born on this date.

John F. Kennedy wins re-election to the Senate with a comfortable margin.

John F. Kennedy was elected as the 35th President of the United States in 1960, becoming the youngest president at that time.

On January 2, 1960, Senator Kennedy announces his candidacy for President of the United States, marking the beginning of his campaign for the presidency.

On July 13, 1960, the Democratic party nominated John F. Kennedy as its candidate for president. This marked a significant milestone in Kennedy's political career.

John F. Kennedy accepts the Democratic Party Nomination for President at the Convention in Los Angeles.

On September 12, 1960, John F. Kennedy made history by becoming the first Catholic President of the United States. His election broke barriers and highlighted the acceptance of Catholics in American politics.

On November 8, 1960, John F. Kennedy won the presidential election, defeating Richard Nixon and assuming the presidency.

John F. Kennedy, Jr. was born on November 25, 1960.

On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the President of the United States.

John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States. His inaugural address included the famous line 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.'

John F. Kennedy delivers his first State of the Union message, focusing on the Cold War and the missile program, addressing the challenges and priorities of his presidency.

President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson met with legislative leaders on February 7, 1961. This meeting was part of Kennedy's efforts to reenergize the foreign policy establishment and assemble a team of young advisers.

In March 1961, fulfilling a campaign pledge, Kennedy issues an executive order creating a temporary Peace Corps and asks Congress to authorize the program permanently. He appoints Sargent Shriver to head the organization.

Executive Order 10924 directs the Secretary of State to establish the Peace Corps, and a statement and message are issued to Congress to make the program permanent.

On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space, marking a significant event during John F. Kennedy's presidency.

B-26 bombers from Nicaragua initiated an attack on Cuba, destroying some of Castro's air force but ultimately warning him of further assaults. The invasion on April 17 failed as Castro's forces trapped the exiles on the beach, leading to criticism of President Kennedy's administration.

In April 17, 1961, a brigade of Cuban exiles landed at Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) in an attempt to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro. The invasion, funded and supplied by the United States, ended in failure with casualties and many exiles captured by Castro's army.

The Bay of Pigs invasion was a failed military operation by the CIA to overthrow Fidel Castro's Cuban government. It was a significant event during the early presidency of John F. Kennedy and had lasting implications on US-Cuban relations.

The United States sponsors an invasion of Cuba with anti-Castro Cuban exiles trained by the CIA. President Kennedy decides not to authorize US air strikes to reduce the explicit linkage with US military assistance. However, the invasion fails spectacularly.

The United States sends a message to Chairman Khrushchev concerning the events in Cuba. The message emphasizes that the people of the United States admire Cuban patriots who wish to see a democratic system in an independent Cuba and that the United States government can take no action to stifle the spirit of liberty.

President addresses the Cuban fiasco and rejects Mr. Castro's attempts to blame the nation for the repression. He emphasizes the need to understand the new struggle and the urgency to combat it, whether in Cuba or South Viet-Nam.

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy addressed Congress, urging the nation to commit to the goal of landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade. He emphasized the importance of space exploration in the context of the Cold War and the need to surpass the Soviet Union in the space race. Kennedy sought additional funds from Congress to support the nation's space program, despite recognizing the military implications of space technology.

The speaker delivered a speech to the Congress emphasizing the need to confront adversaries of freedom and called for increased defense spending and civil defense. The speech concluded with a call to land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth before the end of the decade.

The speaker made remarks upon signing legislation that funded the Alliance for Progress.

The speaker met with Khrushchev during the European trip in Vienna.

Kennedy meets with Soviet premier Nikita S. Khrushchev in Vienna to discuss the conflict over the status of Berlin, but the conference fails to resolve the issue.

President Kennedy made remarks and participated in a question and answer period at the press luncheon in Paris. He humorously mentioned his accompaniment of Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris.

On June 10, 1963, President Kennedy made a commitment to civil rights, a pivotal moment during his presidency.

President Kennedy concluded two days of talks with Chairman Khrushchev of the Soviet Union. They failed to reach an agreement about the ongoing situation in Berlin.

On July 25, 1961, President Kennedy addressed the American people regarding the Soviet threat to West Berlin. He emphasized the commitment of the United States to protect the city and called for sacrifices to win the conflict. Kennedy also announced further increases in military spending and left open the possibility of negotiation without claiming the eastern sections of Berlin.

In response to the construction of the Berlin Wall, President Kennedy sent General Lucius Clay and Vice President Lyndon Johnson as his personal ambassadors to Berlin to demonstrate the strength of Washington's commitment. He also sent a force of 1,500 troops across East Germany into West Berlin, symbolizing the United States' commitment to supporting West Berlin.

President Kennedy decided to send Vice President Johnson to visit Berlin.

Vice President Johnson's visit to Berlin was decided by President Kennedy.

The tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, a pivotal moment in American history.

Astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth aboard the Mercury craft Friendship 7, completing three orbits in a five-hour flight and landing safely in the Atlantic Ocean. His space flight was celebrated by President John Kennedy and the American people, marking a significant milestone in the space race.

Following the Geneva Tariff Conference, Kennedy reports to Congress that import duties will be reduced in order to promote trade with the EEC.

In a News Conference, Kennedy criticizes a proposed increase in steel prices, leading to what became known as 'jawboning.' A few days later, the steel companies reversed course.

President Kennedy's discussion with Crown Prince Faysal on October 5, 1962.

The Cuban Missile Crisis began with the discovery of missile launch sites in Cuba that posed a nuclear threat to the United States. President Kennedy was informed of this discovery on October 16, leading to the formation of the Executive Committee of the National Security Council (ExComm) to address the crisis.

President Kennedy was informed about the presence of Soviet missile installations in Cuba, leading to the initiation of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

On October 22, 1962, President John Kennedy announced in a nationally televised address the discovery of Soviet offensive missile sites in Cuba. He warned of the nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere and declared the imposition of a naval blockade around Cuba with the support of the Organization of American States.

In October 1962, President Kennedy successfully negotiated with Premier Nikita Khrushchev to dismantle the missile sites in Cuba, averting a potential nuclear exchange and achieving a peaceful resolution to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The assassination of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, took place in Dallas, Texas.

The US will resume the Peace Corps program in Palau as part of its efforts to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ed Dwight, the first Black astronaut, is finally getting recognition at the age of 90.

A Super Bowl ad for RFK Jr. stirs Democratic and family tension over his independent White House bid.

In his speech at American University, Kennedy emphasized the need for a nuclear test ban treaty and called for genuine peace, expressing sympathy for the Soviets and advocating for complete disarmament to end the arms race.

In an impromptu address to the nation, President Kennedy made a strong statement on civil rights, arguing for equal rights for all Americans after Governor George Wallace's attempt to block desegregation at the University of Alabama.

A treaty was signed and took effect, creating a direct communications link between the United States and the Soviet Union. This 'hot-line' system was designed to be used in the event of a military crisis.

President Kennedy expresses his support for West Berlin by declaring "Ich bin ein Berliner" during his speech in the city. This demonstrates his solidarity with the people of Berlin.

Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, the infant son of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, passed away shortly after his birth. His death deeply affected the Kennedy family.

President Kennedy signed a limited nuclear test-ban treaty with the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom.

President Kennedy is assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas. Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson assumes the presidency and continues Kennedy's efforts in enacting significant civil rights legislation.

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, a tragic event that shocked the nation and led to conspiracy theories.

Two days after the assassination of President Kennedy, Jack Ruby, a Dallas businessman, fatally shot Lee Harvey Oswald in the basement of the Dallas police station, raising doubts about the true perpetrator of the assassination.

President Kennedy is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery following a period of lying in state at the Capitol and a funeral at St. Matthew’s Cathedral.

The state funeral of John F. Kennedy took place in Washington, D.C. and was attended by dignitaries from around the world. It was a somber and historic event.

The Warren Commission was organized to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy and to address the many questions surrounding the tragic event.

The Warren Commission, led by Chief Justice Earl Warren, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone, was responsible for the assassination of President Kennedy, although many Americans remained skeptical of this explanation.

In 1968, the Soviet Union led Warsaw Pact troops in an invasion of Czechoslovakia, testing détente and creating a major crisis. Both the Soviet Union and the United States avoided confrontation despite the crackdown.

Following the election of Republican Richard M. Nixon, Lyndon B. Johnson left office on January 20, 1969.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum was opened in 1979. It is dedicated to the memory of the thirty-fifth president of the United States and serves as a tribute to those who strive for positive change through politics.

The Friends of the Hemingway Collection is a support group for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library's Ernest Hemingway Collection, which includes the author's personal papers and manuscripts.

The New Frontier Network is a group affiliated with the JFK Library Foundation that aims to continue President Kennedy's legacy by promoting public service and civic engagement.

The Profile in Courage Award is an award presented by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation to public servants who have shown exceptional political courage.

The Profile in Courage Award Gala is an annual event that celebrates the recipients of the Profile in Courage Award and raises funds for the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

Robert Dallek's book 'An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963' was published in 2003. It provides insights into the life of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, up until his tragic assassination in 1963.

The exhibition 'The Making of a President' provided insights into the journey and attributes that define a president, possibly featuring John F. Kennedy's legacy.

On May 26, 2017, the Kennedy Library opened a new exhibition titled “JFK 100—Milestones and Mementos.” The exhibition showcased 100 items, many of which had never been displayed before, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s birth.

On the centennial anniversary of his birth, many of JFK's personal items are displayed for the first time, offering a more private glimpse of JFK as a husband and father.

The page was last reviewed on July 13, 2023.

An annual award presented by the JFK Library to individuals who have shown exceptional political courage.