Reverent Memorials to Mark JFK 50th Anniversary

DALLAS (AP) — Fifty years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, thousands will mark the day with a solemn ceremony in Dealey Plaza.

Friday's city-planned event in the place where JFK's motorcade passed through when shots rang out will feature brief remarks by the mayor, the tolling of church bells and readings from the president's speeches by author David McCullough.

It's a reverential approach that will be mirrored in Boston, where the JFK Library and Museum will open a small exhibit of never-before-displayed items from Kennedy's state funeral and host a musical tribute. In Washington, President Barack Obama will meet privately at the White House with leaders and volunteers from the Peace Corps program, which Kennedy created.

About 5,000 tickets were issued for the free ceremony in Dealey Plaza.

JAMIE STENGLE, Associated Press
NOMAAN MERCHANT, Associated Press

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