
Dedication of Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza

Dedication of Kennedy Memorial by Parks Commissioner Newbold Morris. Recalls the day of JKF's assassination. Afterward, he tells of a phone call from Brooklyn Borough President Abe Stark about a dream he had about a memorial to JFK. Morris says this memorial is a fulfillment of that dream. No flame since there is only one eternal flame at Arlington National Cemetary. He describes the sculpture and the memorial.
Borough President Abe Stark welcomes all., stating that this is a day of hallowed memories. Likens JFK to Lincoln. The people of Brooklyn loved him. They were always thrilled to see him. Delighted to hear his speeches and familiar New England twang. He talks about JFK's unquenchable spirit. Like a candle caught in a sudden gust of wind, so it ended with a great shadow falling across the land. Just as JFK loved history, so too he became a part of history, never to be forgotten. He describes the origins of the JFK memorial. Thanks to all who help to build it. White marble from New England. Inscribed with words from his inaugural. Dedicate this monument to a great and good man. Mentions JFK's book Profiles in Courage. Final thought, this monument should become the official memorial to JFK for the whole City of New York.
Mayor Robert F. Wagner addresses the gathering. Today we add to our memorials. Only 18 months since he left us. Hard to remember that the legend was a man with endless talents and a deep capacity for pain, doubt, and despair. His memory must not lose meaning. He was a gallant and gifted leader. The sculpture captures his ruggedness and handsomeness. This representation of him will always be a reminder to us.
Bust of JFK is unveiled. Applause. Audio briefly absent. An unnamed speaker recalls JFK's father in 1938 and talks about the remarkable Kennedy family. Introduces Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
Robert F. Kennedy speaks. I'm pleased and moved to be here this afternoon. He expresses his appreciation to all, and especially Abe Stark, on behalf of the Kennedy family and particularly Mrs. John Kennedy. JFK used to say the people of Brooklyn were for him for President before his family was. Without the people of Brooklyn, his whole career would have been different. This bust indicates the strong feeling and affection between the two of you. Congratulates the sculptor. If we look just to the past, his 1000 days in office, we need to look to the future. Our obligations to those we know and don't know. If JFK stood for something, it was to help one another, our city and state and country. One person can make a difference. Think of what he stood for. Quotes one JFK's favorite poets - Tennyson: "Come, my friends, it is not too late to build a newer world."
A bugler plays taps.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 150591
Municipal archives id: T1541