In the immediate aftermath of the assassination there were various human reactions. From Alyea’s reactions to Zapruder’s reactions (A to Z) and everything in between, the reactions were varied. Some people tend to react to crisis situations with calmness, while others tend to have emotional breakdowns. Much has (understandably) been written about Jack Ruby’s reactions. But there was almost universal human reaction to the assassination around the world. Initially, there was a lot of confusion, uncertainty, and speculation. And the resulting fear was widespread. From the Secret Service’s response (keeping LBJ out of sight and rushing him away from Dallas, etc.), to Governor Connally’s large security forces that were stationed at Parkland Hospital, the fear was real and widespread.
This thread is intended for discussion of some of the reactions. I will begin with one that most people have probably never heard of:
Thirty-two miles to the west of Dallas, Ft. Worth Chamber of Commerce President Raymond Buck, a prominent insurance executive, was plunged into deep depression at the shocking news. Only hours earlier, after all, he had presided over a triumphant high point of the Texas tour. Now, having been one of the civic leaders who had pleaded with the president to come to Fort Worth and other Texas cities, he felt a personal responsibility for his death. His despondency was so deep that he refused to go in to his office for three months, according to his daughter, Kay Buck McDermott.
Julian Read, “JFK’s Final Hours In Texas”, page 80.
Your turn…
