It was 50 years ago this November that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while traveling through Dallas’ Dealey Plaza in a presidential motorcade. The tragedy shocked a nation and would become a defining moment in each Americans’ life. This month, many will be coming to Dallas to mourn Kennedy’s untimely death and to honor the life of one of the most revered presidential figures in American history.

Yesterday, the Old Red Museum, which faces Dealey Plaza, unveiled an exhibit called “Dream No Small Dreams” that details the work of Major J. Erik Jonsson, who was elected mayor of Dallas after the assassination and helped the city recover from tragedy. The story of Erik Jonsson and Dallas in the 1960s is one of civic action that pulled the city from depression and helped it regain the pride and momentum that had been so much a part of its past.
This exhibit examines the individual leader, who, as mayor, took the helm of the city. It focuses on his extraordinary leadership after the dark days in 1963. Kids can learn about what life was like in the 1960s, as well as learn about a great leader whose determination and zeal helped our city thrive in spite of an incredibly difficult time. “Dream No Small Dreams” runs through August 31, 2014.
At 12:30PM on November 22, 2013, Dallas will ring church bells and take a moment of silence to mark the split second 50 years ago when Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy. A ceremony in Dealey Plaza to follow will feature, among others, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough, who will read a selection of the president’s speeches. The ceremony is the culmination of a year of anniversary events in Dallas and will also include a performance by the 73-member U.S. Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club, prayers and a benediction from area religious leaders and a ceremonial flyover. The City of Dallas capped attendance at 5,000, though large screens will broadcast the ceremony across town.

Participants involved in the JFK Day of Service (#JFKDAY) on November 23, 2013 will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination and honor his legacy through community service, filling more than 2,500 volunteer slots for Dallas civic organizations. Partner charities include the Salvation Army, United Way, Goodwill, SPCA, Boys and Girls Club, DISD and many more. As the world looks at Dallas, what they will see is a not a city of hate, but a city where people are actively serving others. It’s a grassroots approach that is inclusive for people all over the region.

Families can get involved too! One of #JFKDAY’s partners in service is Wee Volunteer, which has set up projects for parents and children to sign up to complete with either Meal on Wheels, Operation Kindness Project or Family Gateway Project. CEO and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Blake Mycoskie is the honorary chair and will be in Dallas to lend his time to Goodwill on the day of service.