John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of America and is also known as JFK. He is known for his charisma, leadership skills, and the promise of a new generation. Born into a wealthy political family, JFK is considered one of the most iconic presidents in American history.
While many Americans know about JFK’s famous speeches, achievements, and assassination, there are some lesser-known facts about him that are just as interesting. In this article, we will explore 17 intriguing facts about JFK.
1. JFK’s Birth Place
JFK was born on 29th May 1917 in Brookline, Massachusetts. This small town outside of Boston was also home to JFK’s father, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain.
2. The Date of His Assassination
John F. Kennedy was assassinated and died on 22nd November 1963 in Texas. His death shook the nation and sparked many conspiracy theories.
3. His Parent’s Names
His parents were Joseph Patrick Kennedy and Fitzgerald Kennedy.
4. Politics was in His Blood
He was raised by his wealthy parents. His father, Joseph Kennedy, was a prominent political figure in the history of the United States. He always wanted his son to become the president of America and worked tirelessly for his success.
5. He Came from a Big Family
He had eight siblings, including five sisters and three brothers. While this was normal for the time, it was not common for a wealthy family to have many children.
6. JFK’s Education
Kennedy studied at Harvard University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, graduating in 1940. He also attended Stanford Graduate School of Business for a semester before leaving to help his father complete memoirs.
7. His Military Service
JFK enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and served during World War II. He became a lieutenant, commanding a patrol boat in the Pacific Ocean.
8. The Youngest President
John F Kennedy is one of the youngest presidents to be elected at the age of 43. However, he remains the youngest person to have been inaugurated as president at the age of 43. He was also the youngest American president to die at the age of 46.
9. He was a Pulitzer Prize Winner
John F Kennedy won a Pulitzer Prize for his book “Profiles in Courage” in 1957. The book tells the story of eight U.S. Senators who risked their careers to stand up for their beliefs and principles.
10. JFK’s Favorite Food
JFK’s favorite meal was New England seafood chowder. He enjoyed eating it almost every day for lunch (or some other kind of soup) while he was in the White House.
11. His Marriage and Children
John F Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on 12th September 1953. The couple had three children: Caroline, John Jr., and Patrick (who died at two days old). Their first baby, Arabells, was born stillborn.
9. The First Catholic President
JFK was the first president to be elected as a Roman Catholic, breaking religious barriers in American politics.
10. JFK’s Inauguration Speech
His famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” is from his inauguration speech on 20th January 1961.
11. Avid Reader
JFK was an avid reader, with a personal library of over 2,500 books. He often read multiple books at once and enjoyed discussing literature with his friends and colleagues. He also reportedly read while walking, eating, and in the bathtub.
12. The Kennedy Curse
The Kennedy family has experienced several tragedies, earning the reputation of the “Kennedy Curse.” JFK’s brother, Robert F. Kennedy, and his son, John F. Kennedy Jr., were both assassinated. His other son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, died at just two days old.
13. Space Race
JFK was a big supporter of the space program and is famous for his speech where he promised to put a man on the moon before the end of the 1960s. This goal was achieved in July 1969, six years after his death.
14. His Nickname “Jack”
JFK’s friends and family called him “Jack,” a nickname that stuck with him throughout his life.
15. The Cuban Missile Crisis
JFK is known for handling the tense situation of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. This was a 13-day standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, which could have potentially led to nuclear war.
16. JFK’s Love for Sailing
JFK loved sailing and often spent time on his sailboat, The Victura. He spent many summers with his family sailing.
17. Giving to Others
During his time as a president and as a statesman, JFK donated all of his salary to the poor and to charity.
18. President Deaths
JFK was the fourth president to be assassinated and is one of the 8 presidents to die in office.
19. Early Spying
He installed a taping system secretly in the white house in 1962.
20. Expensive Filming
Million US dollars were paid by the US government to the Zapruder Family for the film of John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
21. JFK’s Legacy
Despite his short time in office, JFK’s legacy continues to live on through various initiatives and programs he started during his presidency. This includes the Peace Corps, which was created to promote peace and friendship by providing volunteers to work in developing countries.
From his early life in Massachusetts to his presidency and tragic assassination, JFK’s life was filled with fascinating facts. While he is known for many iconic moments and achievements, lesser-known aspects of his life continue to capture our attention and spark curiosity. His legacy continues to live on through various initiatives, proving the lasting impact of his short but impactful time as President of the United States.
You might enjoy reading my article on Abraham Lincoln and interesting facts about Hilary Clinton
JayDee Vykoukal is a writer, author, mom, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has been writing about everything motherhood and health-related since 2018 when her first daughter was born, and she wanted to stay home. She loves to research new topics and fun facts with her kids to teach them about the world.