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JFK
President John F. Kennedy's assassination is an unforgettable part of Dallas' history.Nearly 54 years later, scholars and enthusiasts alike are still processing details from that fateful drive through Dealey Plaza now that the remaining investigation files have been unsealed. For the 50th anniversary in 2013, KERA produced special stories and reports from the commemoration:The 50th: Remembering John F. Kennedy was KERA's live, two-hour special covering the official commemoration event at Dealey Plaza in Dallas on Nov. 22, 2013. Hosted by Krys Boyd and Shelley Kofler, the special includes reports from KERA reporters before the ceremony begins. Listen to the special here.Bells tolled across the city, and the event featured historian David McCullough, who read from Kennedy’s presidential speeches; Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings; religious leaders; the U.S. Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club; and a moment of silence. Read highlights from the event from KERA's live blog from that day.Throughout the month, KERA posted an online series called 22 Days In November, which takes a closer look at that fateful day, what it meant to the country and how it affected Dallas.We shared stories and memories in a series called “JFK Voices.” Explore our archives below.

JFK Voices: One Family's Exchange With The King And Queen Of Camelot

kennedy-photos.blogspot.com
The Silwoods were among the crowd who came early to see Air Force One arrive at Love Field on Nov. 22, 1963.

 As a child in London, 93-year-old Daphne Silwood was taken to see royalty whenever the public was invited. So as a supporter of President John F. Kennedy, she didn't think twice about taking her two kids out of school to see the First Couple at Love Field. What happened at the fence would stay with her for 50 years.

Interview Highlights

On seeing John F. Kennedy and the First Lady in person:

I’ve never forgotten how beautiful they both looked. They looked absolutely, stunningly handsome and beautiful. And they both came down smiling and they looked so youthful. They were young people in the prime of their lives. And they were happy, and it was just wonderful to see them – it uplifted everybody and everybody was so excited.

On her exchange with Kennedy:

He headed straight over for us.  We were all – we couldn’t say a word. We were dumbfounded with delight… And all I could say was, “God bless you Mr. President.”… And afterwards, I realized, you know, that was probably the last time anybody said that to him.

We want to hear your stories, too. Send an email to jfk@kera.org or Tweet with #JFKVoices.

Lyndsay Knecht is assistant producer for Think.