Readers Remember

I was privileged to co-chair a Democratic women’s breakfast in Los Angeles, honoring President John F. Kennedy in June 1963.

During breakfast, we discussed the motorcade in San Diego earlier in the week, in which we both rode. The president rode in his customary open automobile, stopping occasionally to get out and shake hands with spectators and especially the schoolchildren. I asked him if he didn’t worry about snipers and he replied, “I can’t worry. There’s no safe place if someone wants to get you.”

TRUDY OWENS

Palos Verdes Estates

November 1963 was a very difficult time for me. My only brother Henry died. He had been born in September, and I remember the joy in his birth. Henry was born with a heart defect and died before scheduled surgery could take place.

I returned to my Catholic school toward the end of November. One thing I enjoyed, though just a third-grader, was current events--especially knowing that John F. Kennedy was the first Roman Catholic president.

Then came that day. Our principal, Sister Mary Timothea, came into the classroom crying.

‘President Kennedy has died today,” said Sister Mary.

During the televised funeral, I believe that I subconsciously adopted John John as my kid brother. So his death earlier this year brought me tears--the loss of another brother.

And I still think of Henry, almost every day.

LOUIS JACINTO

Los Angeles

In 200 words or less, send us your memories, comments or eyewitness accounts of the 20th century. Write to Century, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or e-mail century@latimes.com. Letters may be edited for space.