Braintree To Honor John F. Kennedy On 60th Anniversary Of Death

Update: Due to weather, the entire ceremony will now be held inside Town Hall in the Cahill Auditorium, Braintree officials said on Tuesday.

News release from Town of Braintree.

BRAINTREE, MA — Mayor Charles C. Kokoros has announced that the town of Braintree will mark the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy with a remembrance ceremony in front of Braintree Town Hall on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 9:30am. Remarks will be offered by the Mayor and a wreath will be laid at the entrance to John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive. Members of the Braintree Veterans Council will be present in honor of President Kennedy’s service as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces as well as a naval officer during the second world war.

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1917 the late President is one of four Presidents to have been born in Norfolk County including Braintree’s John Adams and John Quincy Adams. President Kennedy visited Braintree in 1952 and 1958 during his campaigns for the United States Senate including a rally held on the steps of Braintree Town Hall in 1958.

"As we commemorate the solemn 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's tragic assassination, let us reflect on his enduring legacy marked by inspirational leadership during times of great uncertainty.” Said Mayor Kokoros. “It is our solemn duty to remember and honor a leader who left an indelible mark on our nation. Today, we convene not merely to mourn his loss but to celebrate the life and ideals he championed. Standing united in remembrance, we pay homage to the memory of President Kennedy and the unwavering spirit of democracy he passionately defended."

At the conclusion of the ceremony a light breakfast will be served in the Cahill Auditorium during which reflections on President Kennedy’s life and legacy will be offered by former Mayor Joe Sullivan.