John F. Kennedy: The 35th President

Written by: Anna Pafenberg

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States can be remembered for many things. For one, he was one of the youngest Presidents sworn into office, as well as the first Catholic President. Along with this, Kennedy was full of surprises beyond that of his age and religion.

John was born on May 29, 1917 in Brookline, Massachusetts. He had eight other siblings! He was named after his mothers father, the mayor of Boston! The child took on the nickname Jack in early childhood. Jack was a very unhealthy baby, suffering measles, whooping cough, and many others! When he was three years old, he developed Scarlett fever, a highly deadly and contagious disease. Despite this, Jack recovered, but was riddled with diseases his entire childhood and beyond. The Kennedys lived a very wealthy and comfortable life despite their Roman Catholic religion. Jack’s father went to Harvard, and became very successful in business. The family had many great politicians in the Boston area which set the family up for success. When Jack graduated boarding school, he also attended Harvard. 

After graduating college, Kennedy and his brother joined the armed forces to assist in World War II. Jack was a Lieutenant in the Navy. The two of them had some close calls in their time of war. Jack’s brother Joe died in service, but Jack won a Navy and Marine Corps Medal. After the death of his brother, Jack needed a distraction and decided to run for Congress in Massachusetts and won! He served in the House of Representatives for six years and then was appointed to the Senate in 1952. This was the beginning of the Political career of President Kennedy. When he was 24, he married Jaqueline Bouvier, a 24 year old writer for the Washington Times Herald. 

While recovering from back surgery from injuries earlier in his life of war, Jack wrote a book called Profiles of Courage, a book about US senators risking their lives. He won a Pulitzer Prize for it in 1957. In that year, his first child Caroline was born. The Democratic party then nominated him to run for President, and he won at 43 years old with Lyndon B. Johnson as his Vice President. The Kennedys were a unique family to be in the White House because they were so young. They had preschool aged children who laughed and played on the White House Lawn. However, the threat of nuclear war with Russia along with the Cuban Missile Crisis were huge crises that the President had to deal with. Being the President was not as fun as it looked. 

While Kennedy was in office, he was determined to help fight racial discrimination, explore space, and create the Peace Corps. However, on November 21st, 1961, President Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. His perpetrator was caught, but it was too late for the President. Overall, Kennedy had a unique upbringing, that paved the way for a one of a kind Presidency that has made a lasting impact on many generations.