Texas Congressman, Rep. Roger Williams, recently shared a poignant and personal encounter with President John F. Kennedy that took place on November 22, 1963. Williams, who was just 14 years old at the time, had the unique opportunity to meet the President alongside his mother, thanks to an escort by Secret Service members to a holding room inside the Hotel Texas in Fort Worth.
The meeting began with an unexpected surprise as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy entered the room first, warmly greeting Williams and his mother. Moments later, President Kennedy himself arrived, casually taking a puff from his cigar before extinguishing it. Williams distinctly remembers being struck by Kennedy’s reddish hair, a detail that television viewers could not appreciate in the black-and-white broadcasts of the day.
In addition to noticing Kennedy’s hair, Williams was particularly interested in getting a good look at the President’s shoes, which were described as black cap-toe dress shoes. As the encounter continued, Kennedy graciously shook Williams’ mother’s hand before turning to Williams himself. It was at this point that the young Congressman felt a profound connection with the President as Kennedy held onto his hand for a brief moment longer than expected. Kennedy then turned to Williams’ mother and remarked, “You’ve got a good-looking young man here.”
Tragically, this encounter would be one of the last memories Williams would have of President Kennedy. Roughly two hours after their meeting, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, forever changing the course of history. While there are no photographs of the meeting, every detail of that fateful day remains etched in Williams’ memory.
In a recent interview with NBC News, Congressman Williams opened up about his memories of this fleeting but impactful encounter. Sitting in his office in the Capitol, he shared the emotional significance and lasting impression that the meeting had on him. Williams’ recollections serve as a reminder of the profound impact that one brief encounter can have on a person, even decades later.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, it is stories like these that provide us with a rare glimpse into the personal side of history. Rep. Roger Williams’ recollections remind us of the lasting impact and significance of brief encounters, even in the context of celebrity and political figures.
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