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The Bay of Pigs Invasion.
I remember the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Kennedy would come into my office and talk about how anxious he was with carrying out the event. All of our troops were captured and Cuba took full control of the Bay of Pigs. I was in charge of the air crafts, but the time zones kept the air crafts from arriving at the same time, so Cuba took control of the sky too. With this disaster, Kennedy thought his reputation with the American people was ruined. I thought he was just being human in such a situation. -
Kennedy Sends Troops to Vietnam
This was a very important day for President Kennedy. I remember the way he felt about sending troops to Vietnam, how he didn't want to go against his word, but knew it would be better for the American people. On this day, he ordered more than 400 troops to be sent to Vietnam. I remember the day they were sent, as I was a main part in that process. I felt so sad to send such young men to Vietnam. The White house was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. -
A Step Forward in the Space Race
After the Soviet Union got the first satellite into space, Kennedy felt he had to take it a step further. This day, he announced our plans to take the first man to the moon. I felt excited, especially after the Bay of Pigs invasion. I remember the excitement in the air and I hoped to see it happen. I remember the hint of determination in his voice as he announced this, and Kennedy was truly determined to win this battle to get the first man to the moon. -
Vienna Summit
I remember being in the office myself during this time. The president was gone in Austria to meet with the Soviet Union's leader to talk about the Cold War. I remember him being nervous, because this could very well change the course of history forever. He kept telling me how important this day was, and I knew it was, too. They talked of the issues in the Cold War. I knew this was a big moment to JFK, because it meant the difference between peace and war. I remember feeling anxious myself. -
The Cuban Missile Crisis
A year after the failed Invasion, Kennedy had told me that Bundy had relayed to him the the Soviet Union had missiles in Cuba. I was not told too much information because most of it was classified, but I do know that they were being built at a rapid pace. I remember the fear in the president's face as he relayed the news to me. This could mean so much more than simple missile building, we could be in grave danger because of the Soviet Union and the Cold War. -
Kennedy's Speech
I listened to Kennedy's speech over the radio, and I had to say, he was starting to sound like a real president. He told the Nation about the Missile Crisis. It was my job to make sure the spy crafts went over Cuba. He went on to say that he found missiles in Cuba, and that they were simply for defensive purposes. He also said he didn't believe it. Then he went on to tell the Nation about the steps he'll take to keep this nation safe. His number one step to halt offensive buildup for peace. -
The Missile Crisis is Over
About a week after the Cuban Missile Crisis came about, the Soviet leader announces that he will be pulling his missiles out of Cuba. The White House had a new air to it, and the paperwork I was receiving was good news. I was the one to break the news to Kennedy, and I watched the relief wash over him as he relaxed. That day felt like a huge victory to the White House, and it felt nice to finally relax with my President after long, stressful days. -
The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
I remember clearly the stress being lifted off of Kennedy as he got ready for a turning point in America. The Soviet Union, U.K. and U.S. all agreed to ban Nuclear Testing. Kennedy had expressed to me how relieved he was that everything was falling somewhat into place. I remember the relief also washing over me, because as his secretary, I felt a lot of pressure was on me to to do inside jobs to keep tension down. -
Kennedy is Shot
This is the day that changed everything forever. I remember right where I was, I was in the office doing loads of paperwork. A maid rushed in and told me to hurry to the main room. It was on the TV, the president was shot. That night was a sleepless night spent in my own home. I didn't sleep but an hour, and when I did, I was woken up to bad new: Kennedy was dead. He was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald. We had lost the president and I had lost a close coworker and friend. It was a sad day, surely. -
The Apollo 11 Moon Landing
The TV came on in the oval office, and we all watched in excitement. Neil Armstrong was about to take his first steps on the moon, making him the official first man on the moon. This was a big accomplishment in the Cold War, as we had beat the Soviets to the moon. The whole world watched in awe as they put the flag into the moon. I will forever remember the way the President and everyone in the White House celebrated, and how amazing it felt to be part of such a thing. -
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