Why everyone is talking about JFK today

The world is talking about former US president John F Kennedy today.

And it all comes down to the fact that today marks his 100th birthday.

While it’s a feat he never got to achieve, the legacy of JFK lives on to this today.

Many of us would remember the tragic day he was assassinated in Dallas Texas on November 22 1963. It was a scene that’s stayed with many to this day.

On his 100th birthday, JFK’s daughter Caroline Kennedy has reflected on her father and admitted she has “thought about him and missed him every day”.

Her father was assassinated just days before her 6th birthday.

In a video released by JFK Library in Boston, Caroline talks about growing up in the White House and how she got through her life without her father.

“Growing up without him was made easier thanks to all the people who kept him in their hearts, who told me he inspired them to work and fight and believe in a better world, to give something back to this country that has given so much to so many,” she said.

“I remember hiding underneath my father’s Oval Office desk when I was little, and sitting on his lap on the Honey Fitz. He would point out the white shark and the purple shark who always followed the boat, although I could never quite see them.

“President Kennedy inspired a generation that transformed America. They marched for justice, they served in the Peace Corps, in the inner cities, in outer space. His brothers carried on that work, fighting against poverty, violence and war, championing human rights, health care and immigration.”

She goes on to talk about her father’s infamous inauguration address in which he said, “this work will not be done in our lifetime”.

Caroline says its up to us to pass JFK’s values onto our children and grandchildren.

The video goes on with comments from Caroline’s children, including her daughter Tatiana who describes her relationship with her later grandfather as “one of the most defining” in her life.

“It’s a little odd to be connected to someone you don’t know, especially when everyone else has access to much of the same information as you do,” she said.

The video ends on a touching note, encouraging Americans to “look at challenges in their own corner of the world”.

“As his family, we’re so proud of what my father stood for during his life, and how powerful those values remain today,” Caroline said.

What do you remember about JFK?