Where Were You? Cocke County Residents Recall JFK Assassination

NEWPORT-For those who remember John F. Kennedy's presidency, it is nearly impossible to forget when and where they were when the news of his assassination broke. This year will mark the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's death, but citizens continue to mourn a fallen leader and a nation's loss of innocence. Newport residents retell their whereabouts when they first heard that the Camelot administration was no more.

LINDA Branam remembers hearing the news en route to Miss Ewalt's history class at East Tennessee State University. Once arriving to class she remembers watching her teacher sob for an entire hour. The students were thankful to not have class that day, but were deeply "sympathetic" about the history that was currently being made. Following days were spent in front of the television screen. Viewers were especially focused on Walter Cronkite, who Branam says was "the most trusted news anchor at the time."

LONNIE Jones overheard the announcement on the radio while walking through a bank lobby. There was an immediate "feeling of sadness and surprise," he said. Initially it was unclear what had happened, but he later saw a television report saying the president had passed. He remembers Kennedy's national popularity, even with Republicans, and expresses how sad the event was for America and the world.

For more details, please see the Thursday edition of the Newport Plain Talk.