Barbara Bush Gives Commencement Speech at Wellesley College

Barbara Bush

Pol Light Moment #158 occurred on June 1, 1990, when Barbara Bush gave the Commencement Speech at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Barbara Bush served as First Lady from 1989-1993, when her husband George H.W. Bush was President of the United States. Prior to that she was the Second Lady of the United States from 1981-1989. She is also the mother of former President George W. Bush.

The following is a video of Barbara Bush giving the Commencement Speech at Wellesley College on June 1, 1990. Bush's Commencement speech was placed by American Rhetoric in their collection of Top 100 Speeches and you can read the entire text of the speech on the American Rhetoric website.



In this ten minute speech Barbara Bush gave an inspirational message on embracing the diversity of life and putting family first. Her words included this poignant priority:

At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend, or a parent (Barbara Bush, American Rhetoric Top 100 Speeches).

Barbara Bush has appeared on other moments on Pol Light. If you would like to see other posts by Barbara Bush on Pol Light search with the label Barbara Bush.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Barbara Bush is in the Public Domain.

Barbara Bush Forms Family Literacy Foundation

Barbara Bush

Pol Light Moment #150 occurred in 1989, when Barbara Bush formed the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Barbara Bush served as First Lady from 1989-1993, when her husband George H.W. Bush was President of the United States. Prior to that she was the Second Lady of the United States from 1981-1989. She is also the mother of former President George W. Bush.

The focus of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is together to provide early childhood education for preschoolers and to help their parents to read through adult literacy programs. The Fact Sheet of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy says, "Our founder and former First Lady Barbara Bush believes that family literacy is key to solving today's most critical challenges: social and economic mobility, quality of life, and global competitiveness (BBF Fact Sheet)."

The following is a video showing some of the many accomplishments over the years of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy led by Barbara Bush's dedication to this great cause.

Barbara Bush has appeared on other moments on Pol Light. If you would like to see other posts by Barbara Bush on Pol Light search with the label Barbara Bush.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Barbara Bush is in the Public Domain. 

Jacqueline Kennedy Gives First Television Interview

Jacqueline Kennedy

Pol Light Moment #147 occurred on March 24, 1961, when Jacqueline Kennedy gave her first television interview after becoming the First Lady. The interview was done with Sander Vanocur of NBC News. Jacqueline Kennedy was the First Lady of the United States from 1961-1963.

During the interview Jacqueline Kennedy discussed her plans to bring a sense of history back to the White House. The interview also spent time focusing on how Jacqueline Kennedy would raise two young children in the White House. It had been many years since their had been young children in the White House.

The following is a video of this interview with Jacqueline Kennedy and Sander Vanocur.

Jacqueline Kennedy has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search with the label Jacqueline Kennedy. For more information on Jacqueline Kennedy visit her page on the website of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Jacqueline Kennedy is in the Public Domain.

Michelle Obama's Final Speech as First Lady

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #146 happened on January 6, 2017, when Michelle Obama gave her final speech as First Lady of the United States at an event at the White House honoring the 2017 school counselor of the year recipient, Terri Tchorzynski. Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
In her speech she said, "I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. So don't be afraid. You hear me, young people? Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourself with a good education. Then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope; never fear (CNN.com, Kevin Liptak, January 6, 2017)."
The following is a video from ABC News of the remarks Michelle Obama made on January 6, 2017. 

In her speech Michelle Obama also thanked her family and staff who have helped her in the eight years she was in her role as First Lady (Your Story, Press Trust of India, January 11, 2017).

Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

Michelle Obama Opens Special Olympics

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #138 happened on July 25, 2015, when Michelle Obama opened the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
Michelle Obama said these words to the approximately 6,500 athletes from 165 countries were at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the World Games on July 25, 2015.

"To all of our athletes, I just want you to know that all those people won't just be cheering for you, they're going to be learning from you," the first lady told the cheering crowd during the opening ceremony. "You're filling us with so much hope. And you're uniting us in a way that nothing else can (Michelle Obama, CNN.Com, Kristen Holmes, Michelle Obama Kicks off Special Olympics, July 26, 2015)."

Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries Formed

Laura Bush

Pol Light Moment #132 occurred in 2002, when Laura Bush founded the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries. Laura Bush was the First Lady of the United States while her husband George W. Bush served as the President of the United States from 2001-2009.

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries was started in 2002 as a fund of The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region in Washington DC.  In 2014 the Foundation moved to Dallas, Texas and became part of the George W. Bush Foundation.

Here is a video of Laura Bush distributing grants to school libraries in 2015.

Laura Bush was a school librarian from 1972-1977 (National First Ladies Library).  In keeping with her background, her foundation has helped pass on a love of reading to young people in needy communities. The following is the mission today of The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries:

The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries provides funds to our Nation's neediest schools so that they can extend, update, and diversify the book and print collections in their libraries with the goal of encouraging students to develop a love of reading and learning (Laura Bush Foundation/About).

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Laura Bush is in the Public Domain.

Lady Bird Johnson Establishes the National Wildflower Research Center

Lady Bird Johnson/1987

Pol Light Moment #131 occurred on December 22, 1982, when Lady Bird Johnson co-founded the National Wildflower Research Center on her 70th birthday. Claudia Alta Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson (1912-2007) was the First Lady of the United States while her husband Lyndon B. Johnson served as the President of the United States from 1963-1969. She was the second lady when Lyndon B. Johnson was the Vice-President from 1961-1963.

Lady Bird Johnson co-founded the National Wildflower Research Center along with actress Helen Hayes in 1982.  The National First Ladies Library states on their website that, "She made a personal donation of sixty acres of land near Austin, and $125,000; matching gifts flooded in, establishing a $700,000 endowment and the center opened the following year (National First Ladies Library: Biography of Lady Bird Johnson)."

The center was renamed it's present name of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in December 1997 in honor of Johnson's 85th birthday. The center became a part of the research program of the University of Texas at Austin in 2006 (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center).

More information about Lady Bird Johnson and her appreciation of wildflowers can be found at these websites.

• LBJ Library: Lady Bird Johnson
• National First Lady Library: Biography of Lady Bird Johnson
• Austin Woman Magazine, Lady Bird's Blooming Legacy, April 2003

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Lady Bird Johnson is in the Public Domain.

Bill and Hillary Clinton Share About Marriage Counseling

Pol Light Moment #119 is when Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton shared about going through marriage counseling to save their marriage. While both had written briefly about their marriage counseling, Bill Clinton personally discussed it on the Ophrah Winfrey Show that aired on June 22, 2004. Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States and served from 1993-2001. He also served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1983-1992. Hillary Clinton served as a U.S. Senator from New York from 2001-2009 and Secretary of State from 2009-2013.

Below is the portion of the Oprah Winfrey Show where Bill Clinton discussed the fact that marriage counseling with Hillary Clinton was helpful to him. In the interview Bill Clinton said, "I'm not only not ashamed for having done this counseling, I'm very proud of it. And it was helpful to me. And if it hadn't worked out for us, I would still be glad I did it (Oprah Winfrey Show, June 22, 2004)."

Books: Bill Clinton first shared about his marriage counseling in his book called My Life that was published in June 2004. Hillary Clinton also shared about her marriage counseling in her book called Living History that was first published in June 2003.

Bill and Hillary Clinton have been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the Bill Clinton Label or the Hillary Clinton Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Bill and Hillary Clinton is in the Public Domain.

Hillary Clinton Comforts Military Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones

Pol Light Moment #75 took place on October 1, 2014, when Hillary Clinton spoke in New York at an event for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) and comforted military families who had lost loved ones. Hillary Clinton was speaking at the event because she received the Lifetime Service Award from the group. Hillary Clinton served as the First Lady from 1993-2001, when her husband Bill Clinton was President. She has also served as a U.S. Senator from New York and Secretary of State.

Hillary Clinton had the opportunity to listen to the stories of the surviving family members of United States military and during her speech she said,

At a time when sometimes we seem divided and people seem to be arguing all the time we really have to take stock of how blessed we are and grateful for the men and women who serve us and be thankful that we have through all of our ups and downs and our challenges continues to stand for the values that unite us: freedom and democracy and opportunity and by supporting you all who will serve in the future--Hillary Clinton (ABC News, October 1, 2014).

More Information: You can read more information about Hillary Clinton comforting military families who have lost loved ones at these links.

• Hillary Clinton Comforts Military Families Who've Lost Loved Ones
• Hillary Clinton "emotional" at event for families of fallen military
• Military kin support group honors Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the Hillary Clinton Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Hillary Clinton is in the Public Domain.

Betty Ford Discloses Her Breast Cancer

A Pol Light Encore for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Original Post: February 17, 2012

Pol Light Moment #3 occurred in September, 1974, when Betty Ford shared about her diagnosis of breast cancer. Betty Ford (1918-2011) was the First Lady of the United States while her husband Gerald Ford served as the 38th President of the United States from August 9, 1974-January 20, 1977.

On September 28, 1974 (just a few weeks after becoming First Lady), Betty Ford had a mastectomy for breast cancer. She decided to go public with her health condition in order to raise public awareness of breast cancer. It should be noted that in the 1970's it was less common for political leaders to share this type of personal information. This event led the United States to greater public awareness of this cancer and the critical prevention screening.

Betty Ford lived into her 90's and became a 37 year survivor of breast cancer. Jody MacGready said, "By her mere survival, she showed that early detection keeps you alive and to pay attention to your own body (Breast Cancer Survivors Embrace Betty Ford's Legacy of Courage, Hope, MLive)."

Here is a video showing how Betty Ford's disclosure that she had breast cancer had a lasting influence on the medical treatment of the disease and specifically touched the life of Jane Boomstra who was one of the very first patients to use the Betty Ford Breast Cancer Services Center that is part of Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We apologize but this video is not available on mobile phones.

For more information on Betty Ford's survival and advocacy over breast cancer see a CNN article called Betty Ford Brought Breast Cancer Out Into the Open, that was written on July 12, 2011, around the time of Betty Ford's death.  

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo in this post is in the Wikipedia Commons and is not copyrighted because it is an official photograph of a White House official.

Hillary Clinton Supports Child Survival in Congo

Pol Light Moment #49 took place on June 14, 2012, when Hillary Clinton supported a fundraiser for Ben Affleck's Eastern Congo Initiative. The charity event was held at Georgetown University and was called 'Call to Action: Child Survival'. Hillary Clinton served as the First Lady from 1993-2001, when her husband Bill Clinton was President. She has also served as a U.S. Senator from New York and Secretary of State under President Barack Obama.

The Eastern Congo Initiative has as it's goal to assure that all children are able to live until their 5th birthday (Source).  Here is a video from the 'Call to Action: Child Survival' event on June 14, 2012.


Hillary Clinton said at the event as noted in the above video, "This year more than 7 million children will die from preventable causes before they reach their 5th birthday. Saving children's lives can not be just a job for governments. So we are all here today with one vision to make sure every child everywhere lives to see his or her 5th birthday."

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Hillary Clinton is in the Public Domain.

Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move' Initiative

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #45 is when Michelle Obama started the Let's Move! initiative on February 9, 2010. When Michelle Obama launched the initiative to combat childhood obesity, she said, "The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake (Source)." Michelle Obama is the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
The Let's Move website describes the initiative this way:

Let's Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Combining comprehensive strategies with common sense, Let's Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping kids become more physically active (Source).

Here is a news story about the Let's Move initiative.  

On February 27, 2013, First Lady Michelle Obama will have a two day tour around America to observe the 3rd anniversary of the Let's Move initiative (Source).  You may follow Let's Move on Twitter by following the accounts of @FLOTUS or @LetsMove.  For more information on Let's Move visit their website at www.letsmove.gov.  Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

Michelle Obama's Letter to Newtown, CT

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #40 occurred on December 20, 2012, when Michelle Obama wrote a letter to the families who suffered loss in the Newtown, CT school shooting on December 14, 2012.  Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

Here is the words of the letter Michelle Obama wrote to Newtown, Connecticut.

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December 20, 2012

Over the past week, we as Americans have been united in our grief as Newtown has laid to rest so many beautiful, innocent children, along with the heroic educators who worked every day to help them achieve their dreams.

As a mother of two young daughters, my heart aches for you and your families. Like so many Americans, I wish there were something — anything — I could do or say to ease your anguish.

But I know that I cannot begin to imagine the depths of your grief. I know that for many of you, the pain you are enduring right now seems unbearable; and many of you may be asking yourselves, how can we go on — as families and as a community?

But I also know that we have already begun to see the answer to that question in the countless acts of courage, kindness and love here in Newtown and across America.

Over the past week, I have been awed and inspired by Newtown's heroes: the first responders who risked their lives at a moment's notice; the educators whose devotion to their students shone brightest in one of our nation's darkest hours; the children who comforted each other despite their fear; the families coming together to support each other as they grieve.

And I am so proud of the outpouring of love and support that has come from every corner of America: from first responders from neighboring cities rushing to help however they could; from people in Cleveland and Charlotte and Juneau and so many other communities joining together to honor Newtown with their thoughts and prayers; and in living rooms and houses of worship and the halls of our government, where we are beginning to have those difficult conversations about how we can build a safer, more peaceful tomorrow for all our children.

And I want you to know that this is just the beginning. As my husband has said, in the coming weeks, he will use all the powers of his office to engage citizens from across this country to find ways to prevent tragedies like this one. And please know that every minute of every day, we are thinking of you, and praying for you, and holding you and your families in our hearts as you begin the slow and wrenching work of healing and moving forward.

In the months and years ahead, may the memories of those beautiful children and those heroic adults be a blessing for their families, for your community, and for our country, and may God bless you all.


First Lady Michelle Obama, Washington, D.C. 
(Source of Letter's Publication)

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Michelle Obama's husband, President Barack Obama was featured as Pol Light Moment #38 for his response to the Newtown, CT tragedy. Readers may find that related post of interest as it lists the names of those lost as a memorial to those that perished in the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

Nancy Reagan's 'Just Say No' Campaign

Nancy Reagan

Pol Light Moment #39 occurred in 1982 when Nancy Reagan (1921-2016) created and promoted a campaign to discourage children from using illegal drugs with the phrase Just Say No. It was part of the United States' War on Drugs. Nancy Reagan was the First Lady of the United States, serving from 1981-1989.

Wikipedia says, "The phrase, 'Just Say No' first emerged when Nancy Reagan was visiting Longfellow Elementary School in Oakland, California, in 1982 and was asked by a schoolgirl what to do if she was offered drugs. The first lady responded by saying, 'Just say no'.  Just Say No club organizations within schools and school-run anti-drug programs soon became common, in which young people make pacts not to experiment with drugs (Wikipedia: Just Say No)."

Nancy Reagan continued the Just Say No Campaign during the 1980's while her husband Ronald Reagan was President. Nancy Reagan said, "If you can save just one child, it's worth it (Source: YouTube Video)."

Here is Nancy Reagan describing the Just Say No Campaign in 1986.


Wikipedia has an article on the Just Say No Campaign.

Nancy Reagan has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Nancy Reagan posts search with the "Nancy Reagan" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Nancy Reagan is in the Public Domain.

Barbara Bush' Post-Mortem on 2012 Election

Barbara Bush

Pol Light Moment #32 occurred on November 15, 2012, when Barbara Bush graciously encouraged people to move on, even if like her they didn't vote for President Barack Obama to have a second term. Barbara Bush served as First Lady from 1989-1993, when her husband George H.W. Bush was President of the United States. Prior to that she was the Second Lady of the United States from 1981-1989. She is also the mother of former President George W. Bush.

Barbara Bush, who had endorsed Barack Obama's opponent in the 2012 Presidential election, made her Pol Light post-mortem on the election while serving on a panel for the Enduring Legacies of America's First Ladies conference at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library. While at the conference Barbara Bush said, "People spoke. Move on, get on with it. I want to do other things and not to be ugly (Reuters, November 15, 2012)." Wise words from a former First Lady.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Barbara Bush is in the Public Domain.

Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving

Rosalyn Carter

Pol Light Moment #31 is when the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving was started in 1987.  Rosalyn Carter served as First Lady of the United States from 1977-1981, when her husband Jimmy Carter was President. Rosalyn Carter has been an advocate for people who are caregivers of others and the formation of the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving at her alma mater seemed like a very good fit.

According to Wikipedia's article on Rosalyn Carter,

Carter is president of the board of directors for the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) at Georgia Southwestern State University, her alma mater in Americus, Georgia. The RCI, which was established in 1987, aims to address issues related to caregiving in America and internationally. The institute focuses its work on both family and professional caregivers for individuals living with chronic illness and disabilities, limitations related to aging, and other health concerns across the lifespan. It plays a major role in moving science into practice for caregivers by supporting the implementation of evidence-based programs and interventions for caregivers in community settings (Source/Retrieved 11/22/2012).

Rosalyn Carter provides a message on the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving website. She said that over 66 million people are serving as caregivers from someone in need and that her motivation for this cause comes from her personal experience of having to be a caregiver at various stages of her life (Source).

Here is a video of some of the work of the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving's work.

Rosalyn Carter said this in an interview about caregiving, "What we’ve learned at the Rosalynn Carter Institute is if you don’t learn to care for yourself, then you’re not going to be able to be the best caregiver that you can be for the one who is ill. That was the book I wrote, Helping Yourself Help Others (Source)."

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Rosalyn Carter is in the Public Domain.

Eleanor Roosevelt Offers to Help Harry Truman

Pol Light Moment #28 occurred on April 12, 1945, when Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) offered to help President Harry Truman after she told him that her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, had died. Eleanor Roosevelt was First Lady of the United States from 1933-1945. She served longer than any other First Lady in the history of the United States. Harry Truman was the 33rd President of the United States, serving from 1945-1953.

Harry Truman was asked to come to the White House in the evening of April 12, 1945, after Franklin Roosevelt passed away.  Upon arriving at the White House, Truman was sent to Eleanor Roosevelt's study on the second floor of the White House to receive the news from President Roosevelt's widow.  

Eleanor Roosevelt put her arm across Harry Truman's shoulders and said, "Harry, the President is dead."

Harry then asked Mrs. Roosevelt, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Although she had just lost her husband, Eleanor Roosevelt replied back to Harry Truman, "Is there anything we can do for you? For you are the one in trouble now (New York Times On this Day Obituary)."

Harry Truman has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Harry Truman posts search with Harry Truman label at Pol Light. Also, Harry Truman's grand son was featured in the Pol Light post Clifton Truman Daniel Visits Japan.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Eleanor Roosevelt is in the Public Domain.

Jacqueline Kennedy Thanks Country for Sympathy Cards

Pol Light Moment #23 occurred on January 14, 1964, when Jacqueline Kennedy thanked the United States for the overwhelming number of sympathy cards she received after her husband John F. Kennedy was killed. Jacqueline Kennedy was the First Lady, while her husband John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States from 1961-1963.

On November 21, 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. The country mourned the loss of a President and Jacqueline Kennedy and her two children John, Jr. and Caroline received their sympathy.

The following is a video from January 14, 1964, when Jacqueline Kennedy thanked the American people for their cards and thoughts. At the time this was recorded over 800,000 had been received, but eventually 2.5 million letters would be received.


People who sent cards to Jacqueline Kennedy received a small card back that said, "Mrs. Kennedy is deeply appreciative of your sympathy and grateful for your thoughfulness (Source)."

In 2010, Ellen Fitzpatrick published a book called Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation, where she shared 200 of the 2.5 million letters.  Here is a news story on the release of this book.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Jacqueline Kennedy has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search with the label Jacqueline Kennedy. For more information on Jacqueline Kennedy visit her page on the website of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Jacqueline Kennedy is in the Public Domain.