Over 12 months ago Dan Fenn, former staff assistant to President Kennedy visited Belfast. He brought with him a copy of a hand written note from President Kennedy during his visit to Ireland in 1963. On hearing the poem ‘River Shannon’ by Sinead de Valera – the wife of Irish president Eamon – President Kennedy scribbled the words on the back of a diary schedule. Reciting from this poem President Kennedy made his final remarks before departing Ireland. This poem now forms part of a collection of arefacts from Kennedy’s visit to Ireland on display in Queen’s Library in Belfast. During the visit Dan Fenn and his son Peter delivered the first Kennedy Memorial lecture – now an annual public lecture in Belfast.
2011 marks the 50th Anniversary of the inauguration of President Kennedy and the video captures some of Kennedy’s values in terms of tenancy, courage, leadership and commitment to overcoming some of the most challenging public issues of the day. Even 50 years later his words can speak and every one of us. As part of the 50th Anniversary inauguration of President Kennedy the Kennedy Memorial in Belfast will focus on the first 1,000 days of his Presidency.
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