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Add My Story“I just want to make sure that at least one Australian mother writes to tell you personally how she and her family feels about your loss…”
Jackie Kennedy’s trip to India. Photographed by Cecil Stoughton. (March 17, 1962). Source: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Mrs. Patricia Hall
Corrimal Street,
Wollongong, N.S.W.
Australia
23rd November, 1963
My dear Mrs Kennedy,
I just wanted to tell you that in our household, so many miles away form you, my family and I were horrified and deeply saddened to hear this morning of the death of your husband. It was like a personal loss.
The President and his family took the hearts of the Australian people in a way quite different from any other interest which we have had in the leaders of other countries. It was not only the attraction of a charming couple, who obviously loved each other, and their delightful little family but the president had sincerity, breadth of vision, a young and yet mature approach to problems and the courage to say what he thought and stick to his considered opinion. In fact he was the type of man to inspire confidence not only in his own countrymen but even in the people of other lands. We are going to sadly miss him.
His courageous stand for human rights in your big racial problem over there was very much admired here as indeed was his interest in the human rights of people all over the world and you were obviously a wonderful help to him.
No doubt you will have many messages of condolence from all the leaders of the world but I am writing now because I just want to make sure that at least one Australian mother writes to tell you personally how she and her family feels about your loss and I know that this is the general opinion of people around me.
I cannot believe that God would permit your husband to die for no deeply important reason, even if we cannot see clearly now what that reason is. I assure you that we will pray for the repose of your husband’s soul and your won consolation.
Sincerely,
Patricia Hall
Source: Kennedy Presidential Library
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