The Lexington advertiser. [volume] (Lexington, Miss.) 1904-1985, 1963-11-28
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
(1917-I963

We weep, Mr.. President.
Our heads are bowed low in grief and remorse, gu whole being numb
still with shock, almost despair. #.a
And our heart is broken, Mr. President, for what our country has
done to you.
Yes, we weep, Mr.: President for you as a great man, a wonderful,
warm human being with nothing but love in your heart for all people
and a deep desire to serve. with devotion the people Of this great nation,
helping it fulfill itsdestiny IS word leader in bringing about peace and
understanding among all people. So
You have been our most faricuIate president, yet the least under
stood because too many minds have been closed, too many eyes have not
wanted to see. ~s14a #sffrr
without which everything becomes nothing. It "a a risk you gladly took
and the supreme sacrifice you made. ~ #~M&4 sH-e
Now W weep for you, your brave, beautiful Jacquehne and your
precious Caroline and JohnJohn. They, too, have been robbed OF their
birthright.
We weep for your wonderful mother and father, who have done o
much for their country, for the loyal, devoted brothers and sisters in the
Kennedy family, who eptomize the very best in American family ira
diton.
But most of all, Mr.. President, selfish people that we are, We weep
for ourselves, the irreparabe loss we have sustained in your DEATH, a loss
which the unlnowmg do not yet fully comprehend.
Perhaps the tears we are O shedding will be redempive in the
dawning realization we have failed you and or country, that we in fact
triggered the assassns gun out of the clouds of hate, Illustration and
misunderstanding which we have created here in our own Mississippi
and the South.
We shall go on, of course. That is our way, the strength of the
American character and system. This is what you would have us dc.
But we shall never be- the same.
A part of us is contained in that new grave on the gentle slopes Of
Arlington.
Rest well, MI. President, among the great heroes Of all times, in the
sure knowledge that you have given your best, your all for mankind.
No good, Godfearing man has ever been lore abused in life.
Now we honor you properly in death.
The outpouring of love and affection, universal respect and mourn
ing throughout this country and the world has been a balm to u own
personal feeling of loss and hurt. 1t has helped only a little to restore q
wavering faith in u states basic character, a condition evolving out
of too many years of hate. Perhaps " e have begun to think
But this is not enough, Mr.. President, and we know it.
Now, W pray, the eternal flame from your grave may inspire a torn
world and troubled people to do u duty as God would have us
do it - including Mississippi
Now W must pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor
to bind up the wounds suffered by all men, to span the chasms and dill
ferences which divide u with love, unity, and understanding at home and
abroad.
America, this beautiful and beloved land, this most favored nation
under Cod. must fulfill her destiny as the hope of the world.
PERHAPS YOU, Mr.. President, in death will accomplish what you sought
so arnestlv in life and mankind will survive OF the face of the earth
AS God sent one son into a sincursed world to make mi holy, per-
haps in His infinite wisdom you were destined to make men free and
If history proves this true, MI. President, your tremendous sacrifice will
nt have been in vain. HBS