One of my most unforgettable childhood memories, and a story I share often, occurred Tuesday, Nov. 1, 1960. My mother unexpectedly arrived at Fulton School in Redondo Beach and received permission from the principal to pull me out of my fifth grade class for the day.
When they called me to the office, fear consumed me. My belief was nothing good ever happened in the principal’s office. Our next door neighbor, who was with my mom, was also taking her son out for the day. Sitting in the back seat of the car, Gene and I were informed of our destination.
We were going to see John Fitzgerald Kennedy speak at the South Bay Shopping Center (now known as the South Bay Galleria). Election Day was scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 8, just one week away. Although clueless regarding politics, I was keenly aware of JFK. Since we were devout Catholics my parents were giddy at the prospect of electing the first Catholic President–they worshiped Kennedy Arriving just minutes before Kennedy was due to speak, we joined the massive crowd of enthusiastic spectators. Of course being surrounded by adults, Gene and I couldn’t see a thing.
And frankly we had little interest in the whole affair, but were overjoyed at being out of school. All of a sudden the crowd began cheering wildly as JFK arrived, standing and waving from the back of a convertible.
Again, our view was blocked. As he took to the stage and addressed the passionate throng one of us (I like to believe it was me) came up with a brilliant idea. Let’s go wait by the rope line where JFK drove in. The crowd was intently listening to his speech and no one was standing near his exit route.
That way when the shiny new jet-black Cadillac drives away, we will be standing in front and have an unobstructed view of the future President of the United States. Begging and promising our mom’s we would meet them back at the car as soon as the event ended, they agreed to let us adventure out on our own. Gene and I walked to the open area of the parking lot. We asked one of the hefty men standing by the ropes designated to keep the people from the exiting path “Is this where Mr. Kennedy will drive out?” Without speaking he nodded his head yes. This was the place we would stand, intent on keeping all adults behind us so we could catch a glimpse of John Kennedy.
Soon we heard a thunderous applause and saw people rushing toward the rope line to cheer the departing candidate. Gene and I tightly grabbed the rope knowing we were about to be mauled by the frenzied horde.
As the convertible slowly made its way toward our position, I could see JFK standing waving to his admirers. The vehicle moved at a turtle’s pace, however, never stopped. We were being shoved forward as the slow-walking security guards attempted to keep the crowd out of the car’s path.
When the vehicle reached our position it abruptly stopped. John Kennedy unexpectedly reached down and shook my hand and then Gene’s hand. He then sat down in the seat as the Caddy sped off. The whole event lasted about seven seconds.
The group of people surrounding us began patting us on the back and congratulating us. We were a little embarrassed but beaming from what had just occurred. I looked around for my mom but she was nowhere in sight. Of course, my memory is a little foggy. However, I do recall that we were the only hands he shook on his way out of the parking lot.
I presumed the main reason he stopped was for the simple fact that we were the only two kids in sight and politicians love being seen with babies and kids. By the time Gene and I returned to the car, we were on cloud 9.
Our moms were visibly upset that it took so long for us to come back. However, when we relayed our unbelievable account about shaking hands with JFK, their mood quickly changed. For years after the experience my mother would often boast to friends, “You know Peter shook hands with John Kennedy.” I truly regret that my mom was not present to witness the handshake and snap a picture. To this day my recollection of that memorable experience has a calming effect on me. I often close my eyes and travel back to that extraordinary occasion in 1960 when John Fitzgerald Kennedy kindly smiled, reached down and shook my hand.
