John F. Kennedy – I Have a Rendezvous with Death
Flag at John F. Kennedy Presidential Library measures at 45′ x 26′
Yesterday I visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts. This marks the second Presidential library I’ve had the opportunity to visit, the first being the Lincon Library in Springfield, IL. While at the JFK Library I learned that John F. Kennedy actually wanted to write and become an English Teacher. However, after World War II Kennedy refocused his attention and ran for Congress. (He later wound up writing a book, Profiles in Courage, 1955)
One of the most dramatic events in Kennedy’s early life was while he was serving in the Navy as a commander of a PT Boat in the Soloman Islands during World War II. His ship was severely damaged and after 15 hours in the open sea without a life jacket he and his 11 men became stranded on an island. He was later rescued after giving an inscribed coconut to a Native with instructions to the Navy base.
Kennedy remarked that one of his favorite poems was “I have a Rendezvous with Death” by Alan Seeger (1888-1916). Seeger’s poems were released a year after his death, coincidentally the same year Kennedy was born (1917).
I have a Rendezvous with Death
by Alan Seeger
I have a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed barricade,
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
And apple-blossoms fill the air-
I have a rendezvous with Death
When Spring brings back blue days and fair. (more…)
