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Commentary: The saddest Thanksgiving

WSIU Public Broadcasting | By Pete Peterson,
Brad Palmer
Published November 20, 2025 at 6:39 PM CST
President John F. Kennedy is seen riding in his motorcade approximately one minute before he was shot in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.
Jim Altgens/AP via NPR
President John F. Kennedy is seen riding in his motorcade approximately one minute before he was shot in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

The Thanksgiving holiday may always be marred for Americans of a certain age because of the late November assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

In this special commentary, WSIU contributor Pete Peterson recounts what it was like for him to live through what he calls the saddest Thanksgiving.
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History Pete PetersonJohn F. KennedyPaul Simon Public Policy Institute
Pete Peterson
Richard "Pete" Peterson is the creative force behind WSIU Radio's Reading Baseball Series. Pete's original essays and commentaries are a regular staple for any fan of the game.
See stories by Pete Peterson
Brad Palmer
As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
See stories by Brad Palmer
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