Obama proclaims November 22 Day of Remembrance for Kennedy

U.S. President Barack Obama signed here Thursday a proclamation regarding a Day of Remembrance for John F. Kennedy directing that flags be lowered to half-staff on Friday November 22 for the entire day, which marks Kennedy's 50th assassination anniversary. "A half century ago, America mourned the loss of an extraordinary public servant. Today, we honor his memory and celebrate his enduring imprint on American history," Obama said in the proclamation. He affirmed that "while President Kennedy's life was tragically cut short, his vision lives on in the generations he inspired. "Today and in the decades to come, let us carry his legacy forward. Let us face today's tests by beckoning the spirit he embodied; that fearless, resilient, uniquely American character that has always driven our Nation to defy the odds, write our own destiny, and make the world anew," Obama remarked. Obama also called upon "other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on the Day of Remembrance for President John F. Kennedy." "I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day," he added.