Janis Salley-Dunbar of Butler has vivid memories of meeting John F. Kennedy during a campaign stop in Indiana, Pa. His assassination was one of the saddest days of her life.

The Butler Eagle asked Butler County residents to recall their memories of where they were when they learned of President John F. Kennedy’s death 50 years ago on Friday.Additional articles by residents will be published on Friday and Sunday.

John F. Kennedy's assassination was definitely one of the most shocking and saddest days of my life.I'd be remiss if I didn't elaborate. I was a teenager from a small coal mining town called Heilwood, Pa. I and another girl were chosen to represent our township to be “Kennedy Girls.”Kennedy was making a campaign stop in Indiana, Pa. We were adorned in hats, banners and campaign buttons and told to pass out pamphlets to those witnessing this event. I recall the (Republican candidate) Nixon headquarters blaring out a pro-Nixon song over a loudspeaker.The big moment came and Kennedy spoke on a flat-bed truck in front of the courthouse. I remember how envious I was when he removed a “poppy” from his lapel and handed it to a girl up front.Unable to get closer, my cohort suggested we go to the back of the courthouse where the big, shiny red convertible was parked for Kennedy's departure. She and I sat on the hood of said car and waited.Governor Lawrence came out first and spoke kindly to us. Then came the photogs and “our hero.”A polite officer lifted me from the convertible but my friend resisted. The crowd pushed me until I was flat up against his back.Being a young person, I was saddened to see that each tip of Kennedy's auburn hair was gray. As I reached down for the car door, Kennedy grasped and squeezed my hand. My friend grabbed his finger from the windshield he was holding and waving with the other.He laughed and was amused. I will never forget that moment as long as I live.Still amazes me how the young people loved him. We actually looked forward to press conferences. He had such a profound impact on everyone.On that dreadful day I was working at Sears in Indiana and my attention was called to a news report on TV. Walter Cronkite looked so bereft, disheveled with tears in his eyes.Everyone who entered the store that day was crying.For the next three to four days the world stood still. We sat, as a family, and were glued to the television. I remember my father cheering when (Lee Harvey) Oswald was shot and sobbing uncontrollably when taps was played at Kennedy's funeral.In the years that followed, there are those whose goal is to defame JFK's memory and his family name. I am certain of a conspiracy and no one will ever convince me otherwise.The dream of Camelot is forever gone.<i>Janis K. Salley-Dunbar,Butler</i>