I couldn’t complete my tour of Dallas without mentioning the JFK Assassination. 50 years ago on a day much like the day I took the photos, JFK was assassinated while riding through downtown Dallas in a motorcade. Despite all the conspiracies surrounding this episode in US history and while I was not alive when it happened, I image the feeling on that morning was similar to other tragic mornings such as the Challenger explosion, 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina. All these episodes tested the human spirit, but it says more about us as when you look at how we respond to such tragedies.
“Captain, I’ve been researching them for several weeks now and I am a bit confused.” He needed more direction. These findings couldn’t be right. He suspected the assignment was meant to broaden his mind and make him understand something, but even after all his research he was still confused. What lessons was he supposed to learn from the seemingly primitive society?
“Lieutenant, what seems to be your issue?” Captain wasn’t surprised by my confusion.
“Time and time again, in their history, every positive and productive episode would be cut short by a moment of tragedy. Is this meant to test their spirit?”
“Well, how do they respond?”
“They endure.” But, endure didn’t quite explain it, “Not just endure, they are are continually hopeful. How could that be?
“Son,” Captain said. “What’s the alternative?”
Then it hit him. While it may be easier to give up and give in, it takes a stronger spirit to endure. That truly was the human spirit.
Captain smiled seeing the recognition on the young man’s face, “We can learn much from them, don’t you think?”
Lieutenant smiled and nodded. “Yes Sir, we can.”
Grassy KnollJFK MemorialMotorcade routeJFK MemorialElm Street & Grassy KnollSchool Book Depository – 6th floor museum
What times in history best define the human spirit in your eyes?
I was in Dallas for the first time over last summer and we drove by this. Unfortunately it was more of a drinking trip, than sight seeing. I want to come back and check it all out. Really loved it. My best friend lives out there.
I have heard of the grassy knoll, who has not? But I’ve never seen it.
I really liked the line:
“While it may be easier to give up and give in, it takes a stronger spirit to endure.”
Very nice.
I was in Dallas about, gosh, 15 years ago and I had a day to myself so I wandered around downtown and it was spooky/mystical to walk along the grassy knoll and be where history was made. People strolled by, some oblivious to the fact that a president was assassinated a few feet away, and others in a kind of daze like myself. It’s one of those moments in time that we may never know the absolute truth of and always wonder ‘what if’, which as you know, if mana to a writer’s imagination. Did I really type ‘gosh’ up there? I’m losing my edge.
I was alive when Kennedy got assassinated and like anyone else then I remember where I was and what I was doing when I got the news.
I’ve been to the book depository museum about 25 years ago. Last year my wife and I drove around the area, but didn’t get out. We were in kind of a hurry to get to Houston, but she wanted to go see where it all happened.
I couldn’t complete my tour of Dallas without mentioning the JFK Assassination. 50 years ago on a day much like the day I took the photos, JFK was assassinated while riding through downtown Dallas in a motorcade. Despite all the conspiracies surrounding this episode in US history and while I was not alive when it happened, I image the feeling on that morning was similar to other tragic mornings such as the Challenger explosion, 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina. All these episodes tested the human spirit, but it says more about us as when you look at how we respond to such tragedies.
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 
I was in Dallas for the first time over last summer and we drove by this. Unfortunately it was more of a drinking trip, than sight seeing. I want to come back and check it all out. Really loved it. My best friend lives out there.
Very fitting! We endure because we have hope.
Thanks Alex.
I have heard of the grassy knoll, who has not? But I’ve never seen it.
I really liked the line:
“While it may be easier to give up and give in, it takes a stronger spirit to endure.”
Very nice.
Thanks Jai. That’s one of those sentences that reminds me why I’m a writer. I’m in awe of how the written word can evoke emotion.
Lovely conclusion! I love that you’re weaving a futuristic tale on these events!
Thanks. I’m trying to expands my own horizons.
I was in Dallas about, gosh, 15 years ago and I had a day to myself so I wandered around downtown and it was spooky/mystical to walk along the grassy knoll and be where history was made. People strolled by, some oblivious to the fact that a president was assassinated a few feet away, and others in a kind of daze like myself. It’s one of those moments in time that we may never know the absolute truth of and always wonder ‘what if’, which as you know, if mana to a writer’s imagination. Did I really type ‘gosh’ up there? I’m losing my edge.
Your classic Tameri. I was a little overwhelmed by the setting as well.
I was alive when Kennedy got assassinated and like anyone else then I remember where I was and what I was doing when I got the news.
I’ve been to the book depository museum about 25 years ago. Last year my wife and I drove around the area, but didn’t get out. We were in kind of a hurry to get to Houston, but she wanted to go see where it all happened.