JFK in JWJ Park

On October 18, 1960, Jacksonville’s historic downtown park hosted an important moment: the soon-to-be 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, addressed a crowd of Democrats. Kennedy’s remarks included noting his connections to the Northeast Florida area, such as his friendship with U.S. Rep. Charles E. Bennett, his month-long stay in Jacksonville while serving in the Navy during World War II, and his older brother, Joseph’s, graduation from Jacksonville Naval Air Station in 1942.

Kennedy spoke that warm, fall day about criticisms from his Republican opponent, Richard M. Nixon, his belief that the two-party system continued to have meaning and delivered a clear and resonate invitation to local Democrats.

“I come here to Jacksonville not chasing butterflies but coming here at this time and asking for your support, and I come here to ask you to join, ask you to join us in serving our country.”

Kennedy’s speech in James Weldon Johnson Park is memorialized today on a marker donated by the Jacksonville Building and Construction Trade Council.

To read Kennedy’s entire speech and to learn more about the president’s life, including his assassination in 1963, visit jfklibrary.org