Dear Mrs. Kennedy-
Enclosed is a copy of a letter written by our son, Larry Jackson.
I believe that it is self-explanatory; an expression of grief from one young American.
May I offer our personal salute to you, Mrs. Kennedy, for your singular courage and quiet fortitude during these dark days? You are a splendid example to us all.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Whitley Ray.
Saint Mary's College
California
November 22, 1963
Dear Mom and Dad,
Why?
He towered above them all.
He exuded greatness, overshadowing opposition
He had vitality, drive, ambition, charm
He had wisdom, control, maturity; decisiveness
He had love, for God and men
He took over the helm of the nation
He challenged the people for their responsibility
He led them all in accepting it
He stood for justice, truth, and liberty
He resisted ignorance, hate, and apathy
He astounded with patience and courage
He spoke and was heard
He commanded and was obeyed
He loved and was loved
He did what he knew was right
He was hailed by a hopeful world shouting cries of "Kennedy! Kennedy!"
His life was precious to all
And so they shot him.
Again, why? The whole thing is too horrible and shocking to believe. I'm not angry - I'm sick. I don't want blood - I want an answer. I don't want to kill - I just want to cry.
This is my hope. That Kennedy, like Christ, is love struck down by hate; and that, in a way like Christ, he will rise again from the coldness of death to which the forces of hate seem to have damned him. His spirit will live on with his followers to defeat these enemies of humanity, tearing them down from their pedestal of petty triumph and hate and injustice, but I hope that this great sacrifice succeeds in somehow lessening their effects on us. We cannot make him into a martyr because that's just what he is. Bewilderedly, we ask the question "Why?" Let's hope that there is an answer. Let's hope he did not die without cause. Such thought is unbearable.
College students are not with feelings. Their interests were pretty apparent today. One hour after the news of his death, the chapel was packed with an unprecedented amount of students for noon Mass. Stunned silence reigned over the campus and people walked around with glazed looks. Red eyes were not infrequent. The flag flew at half-mast while the SMC on the hillside was reverently changed to the letters JFK. The announcement at an unusually quiet lunch that classes were cancelled for the rest of the day drew no cheers. This was not an empty sentimentality, it was really deep feeling.
I am looking forward to coming home and seeing you all, hoping that these expectations will clear away the depressed mood I'm in. It's raining now; I know that it's silly and it's been raining on and off for the past few weeks, but I can't help feeling the world is crying.
Love,
Larry.
