ATTRACTIONS — USA:
Dallas, Texas —
John F Kennedy Memorial & Plaza
The story of John F. Kennedy is one of the most painful and intriguing
stories in modern American history – perhaps even in its entire
history. Gunned down in front of his wife and the rest of the world during
an open-top car procession, much mystery still surrounds this great man’s
death. Although the case is officially closed, much controversy still
remains. The John F. Kennedy Memorial and Plaza is a reminder to what
this great man stood for.
Designed by top US architect and close family friend, Philip Johnson,
the Memorial itself is a 50-foot square concrete tomb with an open roof,
otherwise known as a cenotaph. The outside of the tomb informs visitors
as to what a cenotaph is with the inscription saying “a memorial
for one whose remains lie elsewhere.” Inside the tomb, the name
of the late president is also inscribed on the wall.
Open 24 hours a day, all year round, the Monument was inaugurated in
1970. The Monument’s upkeep is funded by the locals of Dallas and
is lit up all the way through the night so that visitors and tourists
alike can take advantage of this moving structure. Although the daytime
is opportune for photo opportunities, there is something really special
about the John F. Kennedy Memorial at night. If tourists can time their
trip accordingly, a night time vigil on the eve of the anniversary of
the president’s death is something that should not be missed.
Situated very close by is the Dealey Plaza, complete with the bridge
under which John F. Kennedy was travelling at the time he was murdered.
Built in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration construction project,
the Plaza was named after the late George Dealey, the editor of the Dallas
Morning News.
The surrounding area is a part of the heavy Dallas metropolis with many
hotels and shopping opportunities for tourists. Even those who just passing
through Dallas should make a special attempt to visit the Monument and
the Plaza.
Together, the Dealey Plaza and the John F. Kennedy Memorial remain as
a stark reminder as well as a symbol of hope for the future so that nothing
of this magnitude will ever happen again.
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