Lot 653

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Description:

JOHN F. KENNEDY
(1917-1963) Thirty-fifth President of the United States. Kennedy faced-down the Kruschev during the Cuban Missile Crisis, re-invigorated NASA, and signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Assassinated November 1963 by Lee Harvey Oswald. Superb content typed D.S. "John F. Kennedy" as President on White House letterhead, 1p. 4to., Washington, Dec. 2, 1961 headed: "TO THE CORPS OF CADETS AND THE BRIGADE OF MIDSHIPMEN". Kennedy writes an inspiring message to players, viewers and the American people concerning the upcoming the Army - Navy football game to be played in Philadelphia the same day (obviously Kennedy's letter was written prior to game day). In full: "It is easy to pick the real winner of the annual Army-Navy football game: the people of the United States. For the outcome is certain from the great spirit of competition, the lessons of good sportsmanship, and the skill and perfection with which the players of both teams perform, all of which bring to the Officer Corps of our Armed Forces lasting benefit in terms of leadership. From this leadership, our nation is stronger, and the cause of freedom in the world is safer from encroachment. A less serious benefit, of course, is what the Army-Navy football game brings to intercollegiate football, and to the world of sports. The game sets a fine example of hardhitting fairplay that I hope will inspire Americans, young and old, in the world of sports. My greetings and warm good wishes go to all of you who support the West Point and Annapolis teams today". Very boldly signed, and but for a small light dampstain beneath heading, this item is in fine condition. Set into a custom standing leather-covered gilt-embossed stand. Sold with the program to the Dec. 2, 1961 game which photographically reproduces this exact letter within, a copy of the New York Daily News for Dec. 3, 1961, and a parking tag from the game. Kennedy attended the game, flipping the coin to determine who would kick-off (pictured on the front page of the newspaper). Army won the toss, but Navy won the game 13-7, probably in homage to Kennedy!

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May 13, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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