Jacqueline Kennedy: A Legacy of Strength and Elegance

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Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: From Camelot to Chaos From her iconic style to her devastating loss, Jacqueline Kennedy served as one of the most memorable First Ladies. Her strong efforts to restore the history of the White House and support all of her husband’s endeavors throughout his campaign caught the attention of the American people, as well as the people of the world. During his news conference in Paris on June 2, 1961, President John F. Kennedy remarked, “I do not think it altogether inappropriate to introduce myself to this audience. I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris, and I have enjoyed it.” Being fluent in French, among many other languages, Jackie was able to charm the citizens of Paris without dawdling. Growing you know that wonderful expression he had when they'd ask him a question about one of the ten million pieces they have in a rocket, just before he'd answer. He looked puzzled, then he slumped forward. He was holding out his hand … I could see a piece of his skull coming off. It was flesh-colored, not white — he was holding out his hand…Then he slumped in my lap, his blood and his brains were in my lap…And I kept saying, “Jack, Jack, Jack,” and someone was yelling "he's dead, he's dead." All the ride to the hospital I kept bending over him, saying "Jack, Jack, can you hear me? I love you, Kennedy made sure her husband would be remembered. In a 1964 memorial issue for LOOK magazine, she said, “So now, he is a legend when he would have preferred to be a man.” Despite the numerous interviews she allowed and the endless amount of times she retold the story of her husband’s death, one interview remains to stand out the most. In her interview with LIFE magazine, Jackie Kennedy showed the nation a new side of the former First Lady who was known for being a symbol of strength during a time of tragedy. Despite her state of shock and despair, Jackie was able to orchestrate the famous line that would forever adorn the image that the Kennedy administration had upheld during their time in office. The administration’s comparison to Camelot became a long-standing idea that is forever engraved in the minds of the American people. With just a few lines, Jackie confirmed that her family’s legacy would forever be preserved and remembered as something extraordinary, no matter how many tragedies they

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