John F. Kennedy - the Quintessential War Hero

President John F. Kennedy was a decorated war hero who led his men to safety after their ship, the PT 109, was torpedoed by a Japanese destroyer during World War II.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum in Boston has a fascinating account of this episode, and Kennedy's military service, and a significant collection of war memorabilia. See materials here.

The John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site in Brookline, MA also has details of Kennedy's wartime service.

During his presidency, President Kennedy attended Veterans Day ceremonies to honor the military, while also aspiring to a peaceful world. “On this day of remembrance, let us pray in the name of those who have fought in this country's wars… that there will be no veterans of any further war -- not because all shall have perished but because all shall have learned to live together in peace,” he said in remarks at Veteran's Day ceremony, November 11, 1961.

Find out more about President Kennedy's distinguished life by visiting the JFK Library, located at Columbia Point in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood.

For details on the Kennedy Family's early life, visit the website of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site.

Here are more stories about JFK and the Kennedy family from the Boston Irish Tourism Association.

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Irish Boston History & Heritage

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