Both President Obama and George W. Bush paid tribute to J.F Kennedy fifty years from his assassination along with millions of other Americans.
In describing JFK in a video created and released by his administration on Twitter, President Obama said, “Fifty years later, John F. Kennedy stands for posterity as he did in life – young, and bold, and daring. And he stays with us in our imagination not because he left us too soon, but because he embodied the character of the people he led. And in his idealism — his sober, square-jawed idealism — we are reminded that the power to change this country is ours.”
The President also pointed out the nature of JFK in saying that he was resilient, resolute and fearless yet fun-loving as well. But most of all, he will be remembered for his determination to “make the world anew” in not settling for what was but for what might be.
The occasion during which Obama made these comments was during a dinner that was for recipients of the Medal of Honor – an award created by J.F Kennedy 50 years ago.
President George W. Bush, Obama’s predescessor, also released a written statement which read, “John F. Kennedy dedicated himself to public service, and his example moved Americans to do more for our country. He believed in the greatness of the United States and the righteousness of liberty, and he defended them. On this solemn anniversary, Laura and I join our fellow citizens in honoring our 35th President.”