Speaker Ronald Sandford - JFK: Centenary of his Birth

President Elect John Fernie welcomed Ronald Sandford, the guest speaker for the evening.

Ronald went on to give an intriguing glimpse into the life of the late US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

His interest had been prompted by a holiday in the USA. In New York on May 29, 2017. He spotted a magazine for sale and its front cover stated that this particular day marked the anniversary of the birth of JFK on May 29, 1917, in Massachusetts.

JFK, said Ronald, was a true American icon. In fact the Kennedys were generally considered American Royalty when they took residence in the White House in 1961.

His career was carefully planned by the Kennedy patriarch – Joe – who put all his energy and a huge portion of his cash into the education and promotion of the political career of his son.

The image of the President-to-be was enhanced remarkably by his naval service. He joined the US Navy in 1942 a mere two months before the Pearl Harbour attack.

In 1943 he was given command of PT109, a fast patrol boat which eventually was destroyed in a collision. However, JFK had gone beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of his crew and a year later was awarded a number of medals for valour, which included the highest award, The Purple Heart.

The year after World War 2 ended, JFK entered the world of politics when he became a congressman at the age of 29 and six years later graduated to senator.

The following year he married Jacqueline Bouvier and the couple’s vitality and elegance soon captivated the American public.

Jackie proved something of a rock in the marriage as she protected Jack’s image as a fit, healthy individual despite his chronic back problems. And also endured his philandering, which mirrored his father’s conduct years before.

1960 was a pivotal year as JFK had won the Democratic nomination for the Presidency election. He opposed Richard Nixon in the first-ever televised candidates’ debate and wiped the floor with him.

It became the closest election in US history but Jack prevailed and in January 1961 at the age of 43 became the youngest – and first Roman Catholic – President of the USA.

The rest, as Ronald said, is history. Cut short by the “shots that shook the world” in Dallas, Texas.

Proposing a vote of thanks, Wilda McKinnon posed the question which had been asked by a number of the club members – “Would JFK have been an even greater President had he lived for a second term?”