Assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in 1963 while making an appearance in Dallas, Kennedy’s death was devastating to the country that he had imbued with such grand hopes for the future. But he had at least succeeded in laying the foundation for his promises to be realized.
When he spoke to students at the University of Michigan in 1960, imploring them to consider a new volunteer program that would become known as the Peace Corps, he said, “There is certainly a greater purpose, and I’m sure you recognize it…I come here tonight asking your support for this country over the next decade.” And more than just one decade later, Kennedy’s legacy is still remembered fondly, illuminated by the optimistic spirit of his Camelot.
