Hundreds of people spent part of their Thanksgiving holiday at Dealey Plaza to remember the death of president John F. Kennedy, which occurred 49 years ago Thursday.
At the time, Dallas-resident Mark Pittard and his brother, Bruce, were in elementary school. Despite how young they were, Pittard clearly remembers that day in November of 1963.
"It's something I'll never forget. I'll never forget how my dad was crying when he heard the news, my mother was upset," Pittard said.
Now, nearly 50 years later, a makeshift tribute was made at the site of the assassination. Throughout the day, residents and tourists visited Dealey plaza—some to snap photographs, others to hear conspiracy buffs and their theories.
Fraser Benzal is in town from Chicago for the Thanksgiving holiday. She brought her 13-year-old daughter, Grace, to see the infamous site.
"It's important for them to see things that happened in the past so they can relate to them in the future," Benzal said.
Across the street at the Sixth Floor Museum, preparations are already under way for next year’s milestone anniversary.
"The 50th [anniversary] is very significant, where we will have some time over the next year to pause, reflect and remember the life and legacy of president Kennedy," sadi Nicola Longford, executive director of The Sixth Floor Museum.
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The museum, along with the Bush Presidential Library and SMU, will produce special programs throughout the year involving the life and presidency of JFK.
Earlier this week, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings announced the plans for a major public memorial ceremony that will include a moment of silence. Two weeks ago, across the street from the hotel where Kennedy spoke to thousands on the morning of Nov. 22, the city of Fort Worth opened a new memorial to the fallen leader.
