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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.

On 50th Anniversary Of JFK’s Death, A Day Of Tributes

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Friday marks the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination in downtown Dallas.

Five stories that have North Texas talking: A special JFK edition. Today, both Dallas and Fort Worth honor President John F. Kennedy on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Boston will, too.

In Fort Worth: Fifty years ago this morning, President Kennedy woke up in Fort Worth and gave two speeches. At 6:15 a.m. today, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price placed a wreath at the downtown JFK Tribute, an illuminated exhibit with an 8-foot bronze sculpture of Kennedy. This morning, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce marks the 50th anniversary of JFK’s Fort Worth visit with an honorary breakfast at the Hilton Hotel. Kennedy spent his last night at the Hilton, then called Hotel Texas, where he delivered one of his final two speeches. Today's breakfast speaker: Former Secret Service agent Clint Hill, who was assigned to Jackie Kennedy and was in the presidential motorcade as it moved through downtown Dallas.

Here’s footage of President Kennedy speaking in Fort Worth:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVHGekDVRQ0

  • At Parkland: At 12:38 p.m. on Nov. 22, 1963, President Kennedy entered Trauma Room One at Dallas’ Parkland Hospital, throwing the medical center into the world spotlight. At 8 this morning, Parkland will host a brief observance at the flagpole in front of its entrance. The flag will be lowered to half-staff and a letter that was issued to Parkland employees soon after the assassination will be read. Parkland's new hospital will include the President John F. Kennedy Memorial Garden, which will “memorialize the president’s life, while offering a place of hope, healing and history for patients and the community.”

  • In Dallas: The 50th: Honoring the Memory of President John F. Kennedy starts at 11:30 a.m. in Dealey Plaza. There will be patriotic music, prayers, a flyover salute and remarks by Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and historian David McCullough. Bells will toll throughout Dallas. A moment of silence takes place at 12:30 p.m. About 5,000 people are expected to attend. Tickets were handed out during a lottery – those without tickets won’t be able to get in. KERA 90.1 FM and KERANews.org will air the ceremony live.Several roads in and around Dealey Plaza are closed. The public is invited to watch the ceremony on large television screens at three locations around downtown: AT&T Plaza, Annette Strauss Square and the JFK Memorial plaza.

  • In Boston: The John F. Kennedy Library is hosting a live webcast of a musical tribute honoring the late president. It starts at 12:30 p.m. Dallas time. A moment of silence will be held at 1 p.m. – the time his death was announced. Performers include James Taylor and saxophonist Paul Winter – Jackie Kennedy had invited Winter's sextet to be the first jazz ensemble to perform at the White House. The U.S. Naval Academy Women’s Glee Club will perform two musical selections that were performed at the president’s funeral. Several people will read parts of Kennedy’s most historic speeches, including a girl who goes to the same school that the president attended when he was a child.

  • In Dallas: Later, at 6 p.m., the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Police Association will hold a vigil at the Dallas Police Association building, 1412 Griffin St. The vigil will honor Dallas officer J.D. Tippit, who was killed by Lee Harvey Oswald in Oak Cliff at the intersection of 10th and Patton streets. Tippit’s widow, Marie, will speak, as will Dallas police chief David Brown. The ceremony will include the police honor guard and choir, and honor guards from across the state.

Eric Aasen is KERA’s managing editor. He helps lead the station's news department, including radio and digital reporters, producers and newscasters. He also oversees keranews.org, the station’s news website, and manages the station's digital news projects. He reports and writes stories for the website and contributes pieces to KERA radio. He's discussed breaking news live on various public radio programs, including The Takeaway, Here & Now and Texas Standard, as well as radio and TV programs in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.