John F. Kennedy Signed Inaugural Address.

KENNEDY, John F.

$9,500.00

Item Number: 117063

Rare Souvenir Edition of Life Magazine’s Inaugural Spectacle commemorating the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. Quarto, original wrappers, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by John F. Kennedy on the front panel, “To Evie Symington with very good wishes John F. Kennedy.” The recipient, Evelyn Symington was the wife of Amherst, Massachusetts-born politician Stuart Symington. Symington served as a Democratic United States Senator from Missouri between 1953 and 1976 and emerged as a prominent critic of McCarthyism early in his term. He sought the the Democratic nomination in the 1960 presidential election with the backing of former President Truman, but the nomination went to John F. Kennedy, largely due to Symington’s refusal to speak to southern segregated audiences. When Kennedy won the nomination, Symington was his first choice for Vice President, but was dropped in favor of Texas Senator Lyndon B. Johnson. He advised President Kennedy as a member of EXCOMM during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. In near fine condition.

Held on January 20th, 1961, the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy marked the commencement of Kennedy's only term as President and of Lyndon B. Johnson's only term as Vice President. Kennedy's inaugural address encompassed the major themes of his campaign and would define his presidency during a time of economic prosperity, emerging social changes, and diplomatic challenges. Kennedy's inauguration was the first in which a poet, Robert Frost, participated in the program.