I'll never forget that day and how I feltI was a 10-year-old fifth grader in Catholic grammar school on Staten Island, N.Y., the day JFK was assassinated. I was wearing my Cub Scout uniform to class as we had a monthly pack meeting that evening.I remember standing as I believe we were saying the pledge of allegiance when our principal interrupted class and asked our teacher, Mrs. Manco, to come into the hall.When she returned, Mrs. Manco said “I don't know if this is a Communist plot, but President Kennedy has been shot.”We were all shocked, and considering the Cold War was raging at the time (the Cuban Missile Crisis was the previous year), Mrs. Manco's statement was believable.I was sad and apprehensive as I didn't know how this incident would change my life. I'll never forget that day and how I felt.

Andrew Procopio,Connoquenessing Township

I was at St. Pauls SchoolI remember JFK's death, and remember what happened that day every November.I was at St. Pauls School. Monsignor William Spiegel told us over the speaker that President Kennedy was shot. Father Spiegel led us in prayers.When father stopped, Monsignor Spiegel told us President Kennedy had died. Monsignor then asked us to pray for President Kennedy's soul.

Gloria Rodgers,Butler

Enjoy each other and live for todayYou asked do you remember where you were when President JFK was shot?Sure I do, along with my ex, Ken Malinak. We were living in the center of Texas, in Temple, while he was stationed at Fort Hood. He was in the Army.When I heard JFK was going to be in Dallas that day, a group of us housewives decided to go see any goings on. Our husbands talked us out of our trip, and I am so glad that they did. It was such a sad day. One a lot of us will never forget.So many of us sat around with long faces that day. We all felt for (his wife) Jackie and the children.How had it changed me? I don't take life for granted. Enjoy each other and live for today. I will never forget.

Karol Houk,Butler

We all knew our young hero was goneFriday, Nov. 22, 1963, was a bright, sunny day here in Western Pennsylvania as it was in Dallas.I was a freshman at Indiana State Teachers College, now IUP, having graduated from Butler High School the previous spring.That November weekend, I decided to go home using the poor college student's favorite means of transportation, the thumb. My ride was provided by an older man who talked to me instead of playing the radio. He asked about my future plans and, prophetically, suggested the Peace Corps.He dropped me off on North Main Street, a short way from my home. Walking those last few blocks, I heard snatches of a few conversations about the stunning events unfolding in Texas.I had seen JFK at the Butler Court House when he was campaigning back in 1960, and, like many, had found his youth and vigor appealing. When I arrived home, my grandmother was glued to the TV and we sat, spellbound, while Walter Cronkite attempted to describe the tragic event.It was a madhouse in Dallas, and at first there was hope that President Kennedy might survive. But later in the day, we all knew our young hero was gone.Much has been said over the years about the effectiveness of the Kennedy administration. He had a scant two and one half years in the White House, and although his actual accomplishments might be dwarfed by others who had more time, he put a dynamic charge into the ideal of public service.I never joined the Peace Corps as my ride had suggested that fateful day, but I did end up teaching 20th Century American history for over 30 years. JFK's presidency was one topic I took a special interest in.Amazingly, even 40 years after that heartbreaking day in Dallas, I found teenagers still were fascinated with the life and death of our youngest elected president.

William Rice,Butler

You could have heard a pin dropIt seems just like yesterday when I was in the 6th grade at Summit Township Elementary School.The air-raid alarm sounded, and I thought it was just another drill. All of the students lined up against the wall and waited.After a couple of minutes, our principal announced that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. You could have heard a pin drop after the announcement. I'd never known the school could be so silent.JFK was, in my opinion, the best president I'd ever known and still is in my time.I was inspired to buy a book named, “Profiles in Courage” by John F. Kennedy. This book is comprised of short biographies which detail the acts of bravery and integrity of eight United States senators.

John J. Thompson,Hilliards