State Funeral of John F. Kennedy
November 25th, 1963
November 25th, 1963

How Long Ago?
61 years, 3 months, 18 days ago
Location
Washington, D.C., United States
Category
Politics & Government
People
- John F. Kennedy
- Lyndon B. Johnson
- Jacqueline Kennedy
- Robert F. Kennedy
Links & References
- United States Capitol
- Arlington National Cemetery
- State funeral of John F. Kennedy
- Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
Tags
State Funeral of John F. Kennedy
Following a national period of mourning, John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was honored with a state funeral. His casket lay in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda, allowing the public to pay their respects. On the day of the funeral, a solemn Requiem Mass was held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. The service was attended by world leaders, dignitaries, and countless citizens. After the mass, Kennedy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, marking a significant moment in American history.
Kennedy lay in state for 24 hours in the Capitol
Requiem Mass held at St. Matthew's Cathedral
Thousands paid respects during the lying in state
Kennedy was buried with an eternal flame at Arlington
What Happened?
The state funeral of John F. Kennedy was a significant event that drew the attention of millions as the country mourned the loss of its president. JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963, and his death shocked the nation and the world. Following his assassination, his body lay in state at the United States Capitol from November 24 to November 25, allowing citizens to pay their final respects. The solemn atmosphere of the Capitol served as a reflection of the grief felt across the nation.
On the day of the funeral, a Requiem Mass was conducted at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. This Roman Catholic service was characterized by its deep reverence and included numerous prayers for the soul of the deceased. Attendees included prominent figures from both domestic and international spheres, highlighting Kennedy's impact on global relations. During the mass, eulogies were delivered that praised Kennedy’s vision for America and his commitment to public service, with mourners reflecting on the legacy he left behind.
Following the service, a funeral procession made its way to Arlington National Cemetery, where President Kennedy was interred. The grave site, marked by an eternal flame, has since become a place of tribute and remembrance. The event represented not only a farewell to a president but also a moment of national unity in the face of tragedy. It signaled the end of an era known as Camelot and marked a pivotal time in U.S. history, setting the stage for subsequent political changes and developments.
Why Does it Matter?
The state funeral of John F. Kennedy is interesting as it marked a time of national introspection and unity. The event reflected the profound impact JFK had on American politics and culture, symbolizing loss and the fragility of leadership. Furthermore, his passing led to significant shifts in public policy and sentiment during the following decades.
Discover More Historic Events from November 25th
Massive Flooding Strikes Jeddah During Hajj
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, torrential rains caused severe flooding during the Hajj pilgrimage. Thousands of cars were swept away, resulting in significant damage and loss of life, with reports indicating that 122 people were confirmed dead and around 350 others went missing. The city was caught off guard, facing an infrastructure collapse that hampered rescue and relief efforts as heavy rains overwhelmed the drainage systems.
Continue ReadingCyclone Nisha Hits Northern Sri Lanka
Cyclone Nisha brought unprecedented rainfall to northern Sri Lanka, leading to the deaths of 15 individuals and displacing approximately 90,000 residents. This weather phenomenon, classified as one of the most severe in the region in nearly nine decades, caused widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure. Relief efforts were initiated to assist those affected and assess the resulting damages, highlighting the need for better disaster preparedness in vulnerable areas.
Continue ReadingStrongest Earthquake in Baku in 158 Years
A powerful earthquake with a Richter magnitude of 7.0 struck Baku, Azerbaijan, causing extensive damage and claiming the lives of 26 people. This event marked a significant geological occurrence, as it was the strongest earthquake in the region in over a century and a half. The tremors were felt across a wide area, impacting buildings, infrastructure, and the daily lives of residents. The local community faced challenges in both immediate rescue efforts and long-term recovery.
Continue ReadingElián González Rescued at Sea
Elián González, a five-year-old Cuban boy, was discovered by fishermen floating in an inner tube off the coast of Florida. He had survived a perilous journey from Cuba to the United States, attempting to seek refuge in a new land. The fishermen brought him ashore, where he was later taken into protective custody, igniting a fierce custody battle between his relatives in Miami and his father in Cuba. The circumstances surrounding his rescue highlighted the broader issues of immigration and family separation, making Elián a symbol of these contentious debates.
Continue ReadingCzechoslovakia votes for peaceful division
The Federal Assembly of Czechoslovakia voted to split the country into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, effective January 1, 1993. This decision followed a turbulent period of political negotiations and reflected the desires of both Czech and Slovak leaders. Prime Minister Václav Klaus and Slovak Prime Minister Vladimír Mečiar were key figures in advocating for this division, which was seen as a means to address growing national identities and administrative differences between the two regions. The split was largely peaceful and was executed through legislation by the assembly.
Continue ReadingTyphoon Nina Devastates the Philippines
Typhoon Nina struck the Philippines with catastrophic force, characterized by winds reaching 265 km/h (165 mph) and massive storm surges that obliterated entire villages. The intense storm, which developed in the Pacific Ocean, made landfall, causing extensive flooding and infrastructural damage across several islands. The aftermath witnessed widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis, with a significant death toll reported at over a thousand lives lost and many others displaced.
Continue Reading