JFK Assassination

Residents Mourn Assassination Of President John F. Kennedy

Friday, November 22nd, 1963

The response of Newman residents to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy mirrored the reaction across the nation.

At first, there was disbelief when the brief announcement aired that the President had been shot. Then, as repeated reports confirmed the horrifying news that he had been wounded, shock and anger set in. A flicker of hope followed when news broke that he was still alive, but the mood turned to sadness when it was announced that he had passed away. As the tragedy was discussed, a sense of sorrow, confusion, and grief filled the air.

Within moments of the death pronouncement from Dallas Texas, flags were lowered to half-mast at City Hall, the post office, schools, and other public buildings. Soon after, members of the American Legion Post hastily placed additional flags in front of local businesses, all at half-mast.

Radio and television broadcasts became the only sound as the town fell into silence, with residents glued to their devices, hoping for more information on the devastating event that had seemed impossible, yet was now a grim reality.

On Sunday evening, a memorial service for Protestant congregations was held at Orestimba United Presbyterian Church, led by Rev. Robert Meyer. On Monday morning, a Requiem High Mass was conducted at St. Joachim's Catholic Church by Father Manuel Costa for the repose of the President's soul.

All businesses closed on Monday morning the 25th, and city offices, the post office, and banks remained shut for the entire day.

For a 30-day mourning period, flags that were regularly displayed in the city remained at half-staff in honor of President John F. Kennedy. 

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