Jfk online biography for kids

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👨‍👩‍👧 Personal Life and Family

JFK married Jacqueline “Jackie” Bouvier in 1953. For the JFK airport, see John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Quick facts for kids John F. Kennedy

35th President of the United States
In office January 20, 1961 – November 22, 1963
Vice President	Lyndon B. Johnson
Preceded by	Dwight D. Eisenhower
Succeeded by	Lyndon B. Johnson
United States Senator from Massachusetts
In office January 3, 1953 – December 22, 1960
Preceded by	Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.
Succeeded by	Benjamin A. Smith II
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 11th district
In office January 3, 1947 – January 3, 1953
Preceded by	James Michael Curley
Succeeded by	Tip O'Neill
Personal details
Born	John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-05-29)May 29, 1917 Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	November 22, 1963(1963-11-22) (aged 46) Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Cause of death	Assassination (gunshot wound to the head)
Resting place	Arlington National Cemetery
Political party	Democratic
Spouse
Children	4 (including John Jr. and Caroline)
Parents	Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. Rose Fitzgerald
Relatives	See Kennedy family
Education	Harvard University (BA) Stanford University
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Years of service	1941–1945
Rank	Lieutenant
Unit	Motor Torpedo Squadron 2 • Patrol Torpedo Boat 109 • Patrol Torpedo Boat 59
Battles/wars	World War II • Solomon Islands campaign
Awards	Navy and Marine Corps Medal Purple Heart American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 3 service stars) World War II Victory

John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), often called JFK or Jack, was the 35th President of the United States.

At age 43, he became the youngest elected president and the first Catholic president. Assassination ✅
D.

John's mother was Rose Fitzgerald.

Education and Military Service

Kennedy went to Harvard University and earned a degree in International Relations. He was young, brave, and full of ideas to make the country better.

He believed Americans should:

Be active in public service
Defend freedom and democracy
Reach for new frontiers like space exploration

His most famous quote came from his inaugural address:

“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

🌍 Cold War Crises and Foreign Policy

JFK served during the Cold War, a time of tension between the U.S.

and the Soviet Union. For his bravery, he received a medal.

Family Life

After the war, Kennedy entered politics. He was rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead at 1:00 p.m.

Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine, was the main suspect.

JFK was sick often as a child but loved reading and sports.

Johnson and Sam Rayburn are seated behind him.

John F. Kennedy, and members of his Cabinet

Yellow Oval Room portrait

Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and John Kennedy talk during the president's May 19, 1962, early birthday party, where Monroe publicly serenaded Kennedy with "Happy Birthday, Mr.

President"

Official White House portrait of John F. Kennedy, by Aaron Shikler

His Legacy

After Kennedy's death, Lyndon Johnson, his Vice President, became president. Schools closed, people cried, and millions watched the funeral on television. A conflict over Soviet missiles in Cuba ✅
D.

Global Force

Q4: What major goal did JFK set for the U.S. space program?
A. In the same year Alan Shepard became the first American in space. His chronic back ache caused him to be in pain for much of his adult life.