Ron R.
Yelp
Like the number of conspiracy theories behind the John F. Kennedy assassination, the erection of this JFK Memorial in particular still left many to wonder. Apparently, it still has that same head scratching effect today, as compared to when it was first opened up to the public in 1970.
Way before Yelp was even born, critics voiced plenty of opinions and mixed reviews about the entire design of this memorial in general. Yes, the design was thought up by a close family friend of the Kennedy's, and yes I understand that the open tomb feel is suppose to be a representation of Kennedy's spirit, but did I care for it? Well, not really. In fact, I never knew this monument even existed. You can call me ignorant for not knowing, but that's just how I felt at the time I visited. Parking around it wasn't free, but this place was. We basically found 2-hour public parking and walked towards the assassination site and location of the "then" Texas Book Depository. We noticed this and said, "Oh wow, let's check it out!"
At the edge of the plaza, there is a sign that explains in more detail about the structure, but that's about it. Maybe I'm just not understanding the architect's vision, but I'd like to know why the numbers are what they are? 30 foot high white concrete walls, 50 by 50 foot square, 8 pillars supporting it off the ground, and approximately 200 yards away from Dealey Plaza. And in the center of it was just a granite square with the name "John Fitzgerald Kennedy" carved in gold lettering on both the north and south side of the square. I bet there's a different feeling at night, but I wouldn't wanna roam around here at night as no one is around. But maybe that's really the way it's meant to be appreciated? I hear that at night, the monument is meant to look like its floating. Or maybe come here prior to dawn to watch the sky wake up? I'm not sure.
I mean, I tried to like this place and did stop to reflect, but like the Pearl Harbor Memorial I just couldn't. Meaning in comparison, there were kids running around it and parents not controlling them, or even teaching them about what this place represents. Teens walking and talking through it like, yeah okay next. Disrespectful people and distractions, so annoying! And Americans wonder why we are hated in other countries.
In Latin, there is a phrase called "a caelo usque ad centrum", or "from heaven all the way to the center of the earth". I felt like that's the intended meaning behind this place, especially when you gaze up at the heavens. Or another interpretation to that phrase means in relation to it would be; STOP, turn your stupid phone off for once, and from top to bottom, just give yourself some intended inner peace and meditation. Hmm, I guess this place does have Kennedy's spirit around it?