Who Picked The People To Do The Eulogy At Jfk's Funeral

The funeral of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was a significant event in American history, marked by an outpouring of grief and attended by leaders from around the globe. Central to the ceremony were the eulogies given in his honor, which provided a powerful and memorable tribute to JFK's life and legacy. Have you ever wondered who picked the people to deliver the eulogies at JFK's funeral, and how these individuals were chosen? In this blog post, we will delve into the selection process and shed light on the roles and stories behind each of the eulogists.

The Planning and Selection of Eulogists

The Role of the Kennedy Family and White House Staff

The Kennedy family, particularly Jackie Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, along with senior White House staff, played a central role in selecting the individuals who would deliver eulogies at JFK's funeral. As close friends and confidants of the president, their personal preferences and relationships with various individuals played a significant part in the choice of eulogists.

The Three Eulogists for JFK

Three eulogies were given at JFK's funeral, each by a different individual with a distinct role and relationship to him. The selected eulogists were Cardinal Richard Cushing, French cultural minister André Malraux, and Irish President Éamon de Valera. These three individuals represented key aspects of JFK's life, including his Catholic faith, appreciation for arts and culture, and Irish-American heritage.

Cardinal Richard Cushing

• An eminent Roman Catholic clergyman
• Personal friend of the Kennedy family
• Archedbishop of Boston and later the first Cardinal

The selection of Cardinal Richard Cushing to deliver one of the eulogies at JFK's funeral was due to his close relationship with the Kennedy family. He officiated the marriage of JFK and Jackie in 1953 and baptized two of their children, Caroline and John Jr. Additionally, as a leading figure in the American Catholic Church, Cardinal Cushing was an important representative of JFK's Catholic faith, which was a significant aspect of his presidency.

André Malraux

• French Minister of Cultural Affairs
• Friend of the American president
• Leading intellectual and artist

André Malraux, a well-respected French intellectual, novelist, and art historian, was present at JFK's funeral as the French Minister of Cultural Affairs. His selection as a eulogist was emblematic of Kennedy's appreciation for the arts and his own intellectual pursuits, as well as the close relationship between the United States and France during this period.

Éamon de Valera

• President of Ireland
• Symbol of Irish-American heritage
• Connexion with the Kennedy family through political ties

Irish President Éamon de Valera was invited to JFK's funeral to give a eulogy as a testament to the president's strong sense of his Irish-American heritage. The fact that he was the only world leader asked to deliver a eulogy speaks to the importance of JFK's ancestral roots in Ireland and the deep connection he felt to his Irish ancestry. Additionally, President de Valera's invitation was a nod to JFK's broader commitment to fostering strong political relationships with his ancestral homeland.

Who Picked The People To Do The Eulogy At Jfk's Funeral Example:

One of Cardinal Richard Cushing's memorable lines from his eulogy is as follows:

"We loved him as the father of the great family of America. We admired him because he was the young warrior who cast the money changers out of the temple of politics."

André Malraux's eulogy focused on JFK's dedication to promoting culture and the arts, saying:

"John Kennedy’s name will be linked with those of the great creative spirits who founded free America. You welcomed culture as a necessity to keep democracy alive. He led a nation that he urged to ‘go beyond what you are."

In his eulogy, Éamon de Valera poignantly expressed the Irish people's grief at the loss of JFK:

"He is gone from us, and we, like so many others, are desolate. But his spirit will live on, for in him the soul of America found expression."

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was chosen to deliver the eulogy for JFK at his funeral?

The main eulogist for President John F. Kennedy's funeral was Chief Justice Earl Warren. Warren's moving tribute captured the sorrow of a nation and honored the memory of the slain president. His words remain a significant part of American history.

What criteria were used for selecting individuals to speak at JFK's funeral?

Those chosen to speak at President Kennedy's funeral were selected based on their close personal or working relationship with the President, their stature in government, and their capacity to represent the collective grief of the country. This involved considerations of both national unity and the personal wishes of the Kennedy family.

Did members of the Kennedy family deliver eulogies during the funeral?

No members of the Kennedy family delivered formal eulogies at the funeral. Instead, they chose to mourn privately, in keeping with the public roles they felt compelled to maintain during this period of national grief.

How did the speeches reflect John F. Kennedy's legacy?

The eulogies delivered for JFK focused on his contributions to the nation, his vision for peace and progress, and his undying spirit of American innovation and leadership. They emphasized his commitment to civil rights, his efforts to avoid nuclear confrontation, and his dedication to public service.

Were international figures involved in the eulogies or the funeral?

While international figures did not deliver eulogies, many attended the funeral to pay their respects. Dignitaries from around the world traveled to Washington, D.C., as a display of international mourning and solidarity with the United States.

Was there a eulogy delivered by a religious leader at JFK's funeral?

Yes, Cardinal Richard Cushing, the Archbishop of Boston and a close friend of the Kennedy family, played a pivotal role in the religious services for President Kennedy's funeral, offering prayers and spiritual comfort during this time of national mourning.

How did the eulogies address JFK's vision for the future?

The eulogies discussed President Kennedy's forward-looking perspective and the hope he had for his country's future. This included his aspirations for peace during the Cold War, the drive for space exploration, and his commitment to civil rights and equality.

What was the atmosphere like at the funeral?

The funeral was characterized by a somber and reverent tone, as the nation came together to grieve. This sense of loss was palpable throughout the crowd and the speeches given, which both celebrated JFK's life and acknowledged the tragedy of his untimely death.

Were the eulogies broadcasted to the public?

Yes, the funeral was televised, and the eulogies were broadcasted to a national audience, allowing people around the country to join together in mourning and to hear the tributes paid to the fallen president.

How did Earl Warren's eulogy capture the emotion of the nation?

Chief Justice Earl Warren's eulogy was poignant and heartfelt, reflecting not only his own loss but also that of the entire nation. He spoke to the shock and disbelief that many felt and worked to provide solace in a time of such uncertainty.

Did President Lyndon B. Johnson say a few words at the funeral?

President Lyndon B. Johnson did not deliver a formal eulogy at the funeral. As the new president, he was mindful of the delicate situation and the Kennedy family's wishes. LBJ focused on leading the country forward while respecting the mourning period for his predecessor.

How were the eulogies later remembered or commemorated?

The words spoken in memory of JFK have been recorded in history books and are often quoted in discussions about his legacy. They have also been preserved in audio and visual recordings, accessible to those wishing to reflect on that pivotal moment in American history.

Did any poets or artists contribute to JFK's eulogies?

Although no poets or artists officially participated in the eulogies, the funeral itself was marked by profound artistic contributions, including the playing of "The Last Post" by the United States Coast Guard Band, which added a haunting resonance to the ceremony.

Was there a eulogy that stood out for its representation of the nation's grief?

Chief Justice Earl Warren's eulogy, with its deep emotional impact and resonance, is often found to be particularly emblematic of the nation's grief and is frequently cited as one of the most impactful pieces of oration from the funeral.

How long after JFK's assassination was the funeral held?

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, and his funeral was held three days later, on November 25, 1963. This quick organization was due to both the need for a high-security event and the desire to have a national period of mourning.

Was the content of the eulogies influenced by Kennedy's own speeches?

Indeed, the content of the eulogies often echoed Kennedy's famous speeches. His calls for unity, bravery in the face of danger, and aspiration for a better world were all themes reflected in the tributes paid to him.

What historical impact did the eulogies at JFK's funeral have?

The eulogies delivered at President Kennedy's funeral had a significant impact on history as they helped to cement his vision and work into the national consciousness, inspiring future generations to continue his legacy of public service and dedication to the country.

Were the eulogies instrumental in the healing process of the nation?

Yes, the eulogies played a crucial role in the nation’s healing process by providing words of comfort and solidarity. They allowed the public to come together in grief, to remember JFK's leadership, and to begin looking towards the future with hope and determination.

Have the eulogies given at JFK's funeral influenced state funerals since?

The approach and solemnity of JFK's funeral have influenced how state funerals have been conducted since. The balance of personal tribute and public commemoration has set a precedent for honoring the lives and service of future leaders.

Where can one find the transcripts of the eulogies given at JFK's funeral?

Transcripts of the eulogies can be found in various archives, including presidential libraries and online resources dedicated to American history or the JFK presidency. These records have been preserved for posterity, giving insight into the national mood at the time and the legacy Kennedy left behind.

How did JFK's funeral compare to presidential funerals before his?

Prior to JFK's, presidential funerals were significant but less global events. Kennedy's funeral was a historic event because of his global presence, the shocking nature of his death, and the sheer number of international dignitaries in attendance, setting a modern precedent for the burial of a world leader.

The eulogies given at JFK's funeral were a fitting tribute to a president who left an indelible mark on American history. By selecting a diverse group of eulogists to represent his various interests and connections, the Kennedy family ensured that the memory of JFK would be honored in a meaningful way. We hope you enjoyed learning about the selection process behind the eulogists at JFK's funeral, and if you find this article interesting, please feel free to share it with others who might be interested or explore other guides on Eulogy Assistant for more on crafting powerful and heartfelt funeral speeches.