While the kids were here for Christmas, we thought it would be interesting to see a famous Dallas landmark. Granted visiting where JFK was shot and killed doesn’t sound like a “Christmas” thing to do, but my children are grown and very interested in our history.We went the day after Christmas. There were many people who had the same idea. It was a very sobering experience for the four of us. It was a part of our history that was dark, surrounded by much conspiracy.
Standing on the grassy knoll and looking at the spot where the 1st and 2nd shot came gave us all a moment for pause. We were totally amazed by some of the people there. It was almost like a circus atmosphere. It was disturbing. I mean people stood on the “X” spots in the middle of the street smiling as their picture were taken. Seriously. Where is the respect for our former president and his family? I took pictures of everything I could but not to celebrate but to remember.
We also went to the museum on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository. The exhibits were very interesting and worth the time. It covered everything from the Kennedy family, years in the White House, the assassination and the events that followed. My kids were enthralled and exhibited respect for history. They looked, listened to the videos and then wanted to discuss this period of time with us.
No pictures were allowed inside the museum, but here are some pictures we took outside.
The front of the former Texas School Book Depository. Presently Dallas County Administration Building.
The sixth floor where the sniper's rifle was found.
The grassy knoll.
Close up of fence on grassy knoll.
© 2009 Nadine Zawacki
25 comments:
We were just watching a documentary on that. I was a little too young to remember, but it amazes me how people will tell you exactly where they were at and what they were doing when he was killed. My husband was only about 6 and he remembers. I guess just like 9/11.
I was hear about 12 years ago and it is beautiful, historic, and tragic. Kind of a little eerie too. This is such a beautiful place in the Dallas though.
I remember that day so well. It was so sad. The memories of that day, even though I was about 4 years old, flooded back when 9/11 happened.
Thanks for sharing.
I never thought about that place being a tourist spot. I guess it would be though. Glad you were able to go with your kids!
That was very interesting Nadine!Glad you could go and spend some time on history with the kiddos!
Boy oh boy it was great having both the kids home, it was the best part of Christmas for me!
I love you Babe, you're the best!
Tom
Very sobering indeed and I agree with you about people being disrespectful. It looks like people have taken some of the pickets from the fence as well. I was 5 when that happened.
thanks for sharing this.
What an interesting place! I can't imagine wanting to stand and smile on the X spots...but I wouldn't mind visiting and learning more about that part of our history.
Great photos. I'm glad you got to spend that time with the kids as well.
I was in algebra class, age 16. It ish one of those moments - like 9/11, the Challenger explosion, the bombing in Oklahoma City, Columbine, that are defining moments in your life. People visit the site of the Murrah Building as well. They've done a beautiful memorial in OKC.
We were in Arkansas at a dedication of a new dam that my dad had worked on in October of that year - my dad had worked on the dam years before, so we went back. JFK was the special speaker and guest - we stood on a bridge and watched his motorcade pass on the highway beneath the bridge - his hair was flying in the breeze and you could see Jackie's pillbox hat, as they were in a convertible. I made the statement (though my brother says he said it), that anybody could shoot him. I don't know why I thought about that, because it was the beginning of such horrible incidents in our country, but that thought went through my head. A month later it happened. I didn't care for him as a politician and president, but it was a very sad and traumatic time.
My Dad was there when he had a business trip to Dallas several years ago, and he never mentioned people acting like that. Guess it just shows how our morals and respect has gone down hill over the years.
We visited there a number of years ago. We found the Museumn very interesting and yes, it is a very sobering site. I was in my early 20's and remember it well. It was like 9/11.... The World stood still.
The Muira Building in Oklahoma City, which Tim McVay bombed is a truly awesome site, too.
Susan
Very interesting. Sounds like you've been spending some time out of the snow!
I guess I never stopped to think that the area might be a tourist destination now. The lack of reverence saddens me - but unfortunately doesn't surprise me. Been to a football game lately? The lack of respect during the presentation of colors and the national anthem is apalling. There have been a few times I'd have like to smack a few people on the back of the head.
In a Christ-like manner, of course! Ha!
Glad you had an enjoyable time with your hubby and kiddos over the holidays. Nothing better! My parents are still here and I'm loving it. I'm already dreading their departure even though they're here for a few more weeks yet!
Blessings!
Hi Nadine!
Happy New Year!! What an interesting post ~ I'm sure you had quite an interesting time seeing Dealy Plaza and the book depository. It would give me chills if I were to visit there, knowing that was the place JFK was shot. All I can think of is Jackie in that pink dress...still a very sobering image and a traumatic time in history. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Lots of hugs, Bebe :)
Wonderful that you were able to do this.
I wish you a happy new year with many blessings.
What an amazing opportunity to be apart of that history for a moment, to remember to show your respect.
Oh wow- I've never been. I can imagine it would be sobering.
Steph
I bet it was all vey interesting. I was in Dallas once on business but didn't get a chance to go there.
thanks for sharing. Interesting to know what's happening there, sometimes we don't get the extra tid bits up north here.
That is so cool that you got to see and remember. I was fairly young but I do remember and the pictures are the same. In my book I refer to this event and describe alot of what you saw in the story. It is always good to remember and to respect the family and rememberances.
Thanks for visiting and giving me a thumbs up. I really do feel much better and plan to get back to my book again soon.
reva
I've never been there but would like to go. It would be interesting.
Have a good weekend, Nadine. Thinking of you.
What incredible photos, Nadine. Chills went through my body as I read your post and studied the photos. It brought back that November day for me... I was in 5th grade in a New Hampshire school room, and our teacher, Miss Dudley (I remember each detail all too clearly), walked into our room with tears in her eyes and told us that the buses were coming to take us home. Of course, we were very confused... but the school administration had made the decision to allow parents to discuss this tragedy with their children (no instant information in those days). The next days were ones glued to our black and white television with so many tears and so much spiritual pain. My mom comes from Boston, so the pain of Bostonians was particularly acute. My brothers and I were watching tv LIVE when Lee Harvey Oswald was shot. I will never forget those moments. Never.
You have inspired me to take a journey to Dallas. I have toured every Kennedy "thing" in New England... Boston, Newport, RI and Martha's Vineyard...
Thanks for this remembrance. I am so very happy that your family had such a wonderful and historic day.
We just saw something on t.v. about the that, it so interesting.
It's amazing like you said the people who come out to see it.
Glad you had time with your children over the Holiday Season.
Amy
Sounds interesting...and poignant...
Kind of like when my husband and I were living in the east and toured Gettysburg...so fascinating but so, so sad.
How nice that your family came for a visit!
I never knew the place John Kennedy was shot had become such a destination.
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