Corrimal Street,

Wollongong, N.S.W.

Australia

23rd November, 1963

My dear Mrs Kennedy,

I just wanted to tell you that in our household, so many miles away form you, my family and I were horrified and deeply saddened to hear this morning of the death of your husband. It was like a personal loss.

The President and his family took the hearts of the Australian people in a way quite different from any other interest which we have had in the leaders of other countries. It was not only the attraction of a charming couple, who obviously loved each other, and their delightful little family but the president had sincerity, breadth of vision, a young and yet mature approach to problems and the courage to say what he thought and stick to his considered opinion. In fact he was the type of man to inspire confidence not only in his own countrymen but even in the people of other lands. We are going to sadly miss him.

His courageous stand for human rights in your big racial problem over there was very much admired here as indeed was his interest in the human rights of people all over the world and you were obviously a wonderful help to him.

No doubt you will have many messages of condolence from all the leaders of the world but I am writing now because I just want to make sure that at least one Australian mother writes to tell you personally how she and her family feels about your loss and I know that this is the general opinion of people around me.

I cannot believe that God would permit your husband to die for no deeply important reason, even if we cannot see clearly now what that reason is. I assure you that we will pray for the repose of your husband's soul and your won consolation.

Sincerely,

Patricia Hall"

Source: Kennedy Presidential Library 

"Executive Order

Establishing the President's Commission on the status of women:

Whereas prejudices and outmoded customs act as barriers to the full realization of women's basic rights which should be respected and fostered as part of our Nation's commitment to human dignity, freedom, and democracy; and

Whereas measures that contribute to family security and strengthen home life will advance the general welfare; and

Whereas it is the national interest to promote the economy, security, and national defense through the most efficient and effective utilization of the skills of all persons; and

Whereas in every period of national emergency women have served with distinction in widely varied capacities but thereafter have been subject to treatment as a marginal group whose skills have been inadequately utilized; and

Whereas women should be assured the opportunity to develop their capacities and fulfill their aspirations on a continuing basis irrespective of national exigencies; and

Whereas a Governmental Commission should be charged with the responsibility for developing recommendations for overcoming discriminations in government and private employment on the basis of sex and for developing recommendation for services which will enable women to continue their role as wives and mothers while making a maximum contribution to the world around them:

Now, therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and statutes of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

Part III- Remuneration and Expenses

Sec. 301. Members of the Commission, except those receiving other compensation from the United States, shall receive such compensation as the President shall hereafter fix in a manner to be hereafter determined.

The White House,

December 14, 1961"

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Bill Clinton recalls the day he met President John F. Kennedy on July 24, 1963 at the Boys Nation civic training event sponsored by the American Legion. Watch historic footage of the handshake and hear Clinton's friends reminisce about the memorable event.

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Senator Harris Wofford discusses how Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy both felt about an executive civil rights measure and the March on Washington.

Hotel Texas waiter, Marvin Love, who prepared President Kennedy's breakfast, recalls what Kennedy ordered the day he died.

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