Reply #31: I was in Philadelphia, PA.... [View All]

[ancient_nomad]

and had just finished a morning exam before beginning Thanksgiving break. We had walked to a small restaurant, just down from the Penn Diner, where many of the students from University City had gathered to eat before heading home. As we entered, it came across the radio that President Kennedy had been shot. Everyone gasped. Then silence. We took a seat, ordered something to eat, and waited to hear further news reports. Shortly thereafter, the news reported President Kennedy was dead. Everyone was in tears, except for an older guy, sitting at the fountain bar. Speaking loudly, he said "Good, the SOB is dead. Someone finally killed him". Students started yelling to shut the F up. He continued on with his tirade, a tussle broke out, and in walked the police who picked him up by both his arms and escorted him out. I'll always remember that guy and the hatred that spewed from his mouth.

We picked up our luggage and took the trolley downtown. People were silent and weeping, even grown men. We walked into a Catholic Church to pray and lit candles. It was packed with people. Everyone had tears. The city moved in slow motion. No horns blew. Cars stopped to let people cross the street. We made our way to the bus station, and headed home. When I arrived, Air Force One had just landed and Jackie and Bobby were standing in the plane.

That day a cloud fell across our country. It has never lifted. I have tears in my eyes.