10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Sherman, Texas — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:55:49 GMT

I remember thinking this can't be true. I just remember him as John John and how kind he seemed. Did not want to believe that it was true and then how scary it must have been on that flight. I still think of this from time to time and also of Caroline.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

MC — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:16:56 GMT

I was visiting VA and remembering turning on the morning news and seeing Dawn Stensland (who is on Fox news) reporting the story.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Nikki, Gillette Wyo — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:20:42 GMT

I remember this terrible accident very clearly, my husband and I were in Denver,Co due to the untimely early arrival of our daughter, 2 months before she should have been here, we had gone out for supper and we got back to the Ronald McDonald House and everyone was watching t.v. so we stopped to check it out, sad as it is, that can be the important media event that surrounded her birthday that she talk about in the future. She just turned 10 yrs. old, that is so hard to believe. My heart goes out to his family and to all those who lose someone important in their lives.

Nikki, wyoming

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Patti Wood, Napa, CA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:33:48 GMT

Absolutely heartsick. I just couldn't believe this was happening again. Still miss John John. Hurts.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

pam taylor Omaha, NE — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:35:04 GMT

John,jr was meant to aspire like his father and his mother. His unfortunate death (still hard to say)was
just untimely. We still wonder if he would be in politics still. I am still saying .....bye John.

Pam's.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Dan Adomitis, Indianapolis, IN — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:35:10 GMT

JFK, Jr. and I shared a birthday, November 25. When I learned of his accident I remembered being 8 years old in 1963 and watching him, then 3 years old, salute his father as JFK was being buried on our birthday.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Maurine Lee, Sandy, UT — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:50:53 GMT

This was a tragedy. Such a charming young man and the loss of him and his wife and sister-in-law were way before their times.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

eileen hinshaw — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:57:09 GMT

I lived in Florida at that time, and had prepared all week for a sidewalk sale to be held on Sat. Saturday morning early a lot of people came, and then suddenly, no one. I wondered what happened, and then one lonely person came and told me the news.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Mary Beerman — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:58:40 GMT

I remember thinking (hoping) that John was heroically holding his wife and her sister above water waiting to be rescued. So sad that they are all gone, so young, too soon.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Rick H., Waxahache, TX — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:13:12 GMT

My family and I were on vacation in Red River, NM. When we heard the news, time stood still. We sat for hours in our condo with our eyes glued to the TV. Eventually we continued our vacation that day, but will never forget where we were when we got the news.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Tracy, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:15:15 GMT

I feeling the same way I had felt about Princess Diana's death. Totally unreal.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Tim Sterricker, Braintree Ma — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:25:49 GMT

I remember hearing the news and just being stunned, as I sat on my front porch in Provincetown,Ma., so close to the point of the tragedy, and feeling not again, not again........for a family that has had so much, and yet so little time.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Valerie, Las Vegas, Nevada — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:26:36 GMT

I remember I felt so sad for the entire family, especially Caroline. Such a great loss, I was just waiting for him to break into politics to see what he could have accomplished.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Tessa Campbell, Boston, MA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:30:40 GMT

When I heard the news my first thought was about JFK,Jr's new political magazine, "George". A publication completely independent of govenment issue control, or lobbyists bearing gifts. Looking at the mainstream media today, one has to wonder who is left tot speak the truth.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Tim Sterricker, Braintree Ma — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:33:24 GMT

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

AG, West Hartford, CT — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:38:39 GMT

Our family was at once again renting an in-law apartment at the beach from the then director of the FAA. I remember the phone ringing very early in the morning in their part of the house. We couldn't figure out why she seemed so preoccupied when we said goodbye before we left for home. The news of John Kennedy's death came over the radio just as we arived home. What an awful tragedy to have to deal with.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

CPO LV Milito ret, East Meadow, NY — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:54:22 GMT

I was in the Navy at the time. Heading from Orient point in NY to New London, CT via ferry. Off to the east the sky and water merged into a solid wall where you could not twll where the water began or ended.

Being the senior person in my unit (E7) I was responsible for checking in my people that night when an officer asked me if I had any divers in my group. I told him no but I would check with other groups to see if they did. I asked him why and he said you'll find out in the morning.

He left and next morning we heard about the missing plane.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Jean Mason — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:00:50 GMT

I remember feeling a great sense of loss, not just of their lives, but for what could have been. I am a confirmed Repbulican, but I always wondered if John Jr. wouldn't have been somewhat different in his approach to politics and couldn't have brought about a more positive change in the way Washington operates. I bought many of the magazines that had his picture on the cover, and I kept newspaper articles. My mom saved the newspaper from when JFK was murdered, so now the archive has grown. It is hard to believe that it has been ten years.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Barbara Glenn, Lacey's Spring, AL — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:01:24 GMT

Whenever young people die it is a tragedy. These three famous (so we knew them) smart and beautiful people are a footnote to history. Many of us pinned our hopes for a re-emergence of Camelot on John Jr. and Carolyn Kennedy. Now they can never disappoint us.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Thomas W. Motheral — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:05:23 GMT

When I first heard the news,it was reported a pilot was with him, and I thought it was OK. Then it was reported there was no pilot and JFK,Jr. was not instrument trained, and then I knew he was gone.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Bob Timm, Renton, WA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:10:01 GMT

I was one of the videographers with Rehema covering a story we wished we didn't have to. It was hard to fully grasp the initial information. Here was a young man with such a bright future and his beautiful wife who were missing and presumed dead.
As professionals we were thrown into the middle of a tragic situation and we had to focus on our jobs. There was no time to feel sadness or mourn. There would be time for that later.
The Hyannis Port community was gracious, kind, and more than tolerant of our intrusion into their quiet and private neighborhood. They understood we were there so that the rest of the world could share in the grief of the loss of one of their own.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Jim, Modesto CA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:20:52 GMT

The real tragedy isn't JFK Jr. at all, the real victims were his wife and sister in law who relied on him to make good flying decisions. As a novice pilot, he had no business flying under those conditions. It is too bad the innocent ones lost their lives due to JFK Jr's poor decisions.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Gail Atlanta Ga — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:23:24 GMT

Unbelief- just like when my parents passed away. Or friends of mine- or yours.
but, death is not the end.....

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Lyle La Faver, Middletown, Ca. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:23:35 GMT

I was shocked and saddened. Tragedy has visited that family too many times.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Deb Anzalone — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:29:42 GMT

I remembered my sister telling how she was driving through Andover, MA near Phillip's Academy on Main Street. She was stopped at a light, as the light turned green she began to drive. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a young man running across the street. She slammed on her breaks. She was ready to yell at the young man. The young man was John John running in front of her car. No doubt late for class. lol

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Susan Fairman, Needles, CA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:33:09 GMT

I CRIED, IT FELT LIKE I LOST FAMILY

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

(Mary Davis West Memphis, Ar) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:36:09 GMT

I remember hearing this news and how sad it was with
this young man and the (2)young lovely ladies and it
seemed to get sadder the more news you would hear.
I just felt the Kennedy's sorta belonged to me.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Mike Marvin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:51:25 GMT

I think Mr. Kennedy bit off more then he could chew.
He had no business flying at night with no instrument
rateing. It was just another case of this family thinking they are above us all and can do anything they please. It was not an accident but arrogance that killed the king!

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Sam.....Chicago — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:55:06 GMT

Such a loss........a family legacy of carelessness.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Mr Mike — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:57:48 GMT

I remember the sad day one person's misfortune was used to score a political point. Even If it was done as some kind of sick reverse-psychology that benefited me, I still do remember that dreadful, abominable, day. Oh wait, that day is every day.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

PM NYC — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:02:59 GMT

My first thought was of jackie...I said to my Dad something like "thank goodnes Jackie is not here for this"

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Lisa Peluso, Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:02:59 GMT

I sat glued to my tv that morning, praying for a miracle. When the miracle didn't come, my heart ached for a life that was snuffed out too soon, for the unrealized potential that was gone.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Lange Winckler, Tampa, Florida — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:07:09 GMT

It was late at night ten years ago, when I wrote this and sent it out to some friends:

During the vigil, midnight PDT, July 18, 1999:

In only a few hours, the sun will create crystals on wave tops off the Massachusset coast where many now believe the silent forms of John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn and her sister sleep in the mangled wreckage of a small aircraft. Yet each shining replica of a distant star tells us John-John will never die.

No one who saw the brave little boy, in a grown-up suit, salute his Daddy's coffin will ever forget. Anyone who came to realize that child became a grown man of vigor and cheerful mind, a puckish innovator and individual of integrity, can never forget. And because his real grown-up counterpart is a man of worth, John-John can never die.

Our martyred hero's son became a tender darling of America. We wondered, at times, what had become of him. At times, some reporter told us. But JFK Jr. waited until his independent maturity to enter the public eye of his own will, and even then only on the basis of what he had done. He never traded on our sentimental bond with his childhood's portrait, nor purchased cheap celebrity with his father's blood. The boy was indeed the father to the man, and so John-John lived on.

JFK Jr. fulfilled a nation's trust in the child's innocence. He let that innocent child be.

John-John, like Peter Pan, never truly grew up. JFK Jr. became a man of promise, an enigma we studied when he chose to show himself, to see what kind of promise he would fulfill. By not bringing John-John back onto the stage as a sly prop, JFK Jr. both fulfilled one promise of decent humility, and made sure his intimate brother could never die.

Morning's starlets in the spindrift off Martha's Vineyard each house a tiny image of a distant sun. Similarly, JFK Jr. carried little John-John in him, but is distant from the boy who was. Maybe now he cavorts with sea-foam sparklers, and his promise is yet a question.

But he left John-John with us, and John-John will never die.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Wilma Stone — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:09:35 GMT

I remember being incredibly sad, and even crying at work. I also remember being incredibly sad for JFK Jr's sister-in-law, Lauren, who was on board, because was moreso a bystander.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Harriett Hurt, Columbia, SC — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:16:23 GMT

I was just packing up that morning to return home from vacation in North Myrtle Beach, SC. It did not look good, but folks were still hoping, but by the time I arrived back in Columbia, the news was grim, and I was very, very sad. Unvelievable, still.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Sue, Rye Brook, NY — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:17:44 GMT

I was at a funeral for a 16 year old boy and heard whispers at the funeral that John's plane was missing and couldn't believe what I was hearing, especially where I was hearing it. So young, way too young to die, just heartbreaking.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Kathy,Tampa Fl — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:20:22 GMT

Godspeed Caroline and family,even though they are lost,they will never be forgotten.John would have been a representative of next great generation. May you find peace.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Connie Hillyer — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:26:31 GMT

I remember straightening up my apartment on a Saturday morning, flipping on my bedroom tv set and being completely stunned when I saw what was being reported. I sat at the end of that bed for a long time, inches away from the tv, just staring in disbelief at the news coverage. I was heartbroken when JFK and Bobby were killed, and once again all I could think about was what might have been – and how unbelievable it was that Caroline was now the only one of that First Family who was left. So sad.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Debbie Koobial , Queens ,New York — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:31:13 GMT

I was attending St John's University at that time and I was in my computer class when I got the news that was one of the saddest days in my life. I can never forget that day.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

nancy scranton pa — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:31:35 GMT

I remember that day so clearly. My family and I were on vacation at Lake Wallenpaupack and saw that coming over the tv. Total shock. We all stayed in and just watched television over and over, hoping this was a mistake.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Nancy Beattie, San Diego, CA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:35:19 GMT

My family had convened in Chicago for my nephew's wedding. We watched the developing news story surrounding the loss of John Kennedy Jr. , his wife and sister-in-law. Such a sad irony as we prepared to celebrate my nephew's wedding and JK Jr.'s cousin cancelled hers while the Kennedy's and Bessette's mourned their losses.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Jeff, Atlanta Ga — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:36:07 GMT

As sad and unnecessary as this tragedy was, it still remains a fact that the airplane doesn't know or care how famous, skillful or handsome you are - only whether you have the skills to control it. That's why we used to call Bonanzas 'doctor-killers'.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Pam, Baltimore, MD — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:39:47 GMT

I have always felt a special connection to John Jr because we shared the same birthday and I am just two days older than Caroline. When I was young of course they were all of over TV and I fantasized that I might meet them one day. I couldn't believe it when I heard the news that he was missing and then gone. I think we all knew what had happened when those items washed up on the shore. I still think of him and sit up and take notice whenever his name is mentioned.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Joyce Bratton — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:41:02 GMT

When this news came out, we were on a family vacation in Dallas, TX. In fact, this news came out the day after we had visited the JFK museum at the site where he was shot. We had watched the videos of JFK and his children while touring the museum. Our sons were especially touched because they had been so impressed with the life of JFK and how tragically it ended and now the little boy in the video had met an untimely death also...the news was very sad for our family.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

george, Manchester NJ — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:42:32 GMT

True it was a tragedy-but an entirely avoidable one. His inexperience and ego led him to what happened and he took two others with him.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

jen columbus oh — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:43:01 GMT

My roommate came home and I was sitting on the back porch... he said "Kennedy's plane is missing"... I immediately thought he meant Senator Kennedy...

I went in the house and flipped on CNN and watched in desbelief for a few hours.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Isabel Curtis,Paducah,KY — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:44:11 GMT

I will always remember that day. I was staying at the Holiday Inn in Clark,NYJ while my husband to be was still at work, I was glued to the TV after the first news broke. We were set to get married on the 20th we actually took the train to NY on our honeymoon that Tuesday after all the world knew of the sad news about John John,Carolyn and Lauren; we did not go to their home because I thought it was not proper. I remember being 5 years old when I read all about JFK assasination on the TIME magazine in my country Ecuador and now his only son was dead. Every year before my wedding anniversary I remember John John and I will always will.My condolences to his sister and family.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

cecilia, utica, ny — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:52:16 GMT

My two sons and I were flying home to Florida from New York. During our layover in Atlanta the programming was interrupted for a news bulletin. It's surreal to see everyone near you completely stop what they're doing to be glued to the TV report about John and his wife. I remember thinking...good god, not again, but also realizing that his wife's family lost both of their daughters. Such a tragedy, such a loss for his family and for our country.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Sherry, Savannah, GA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:55:18 GMT

I was older than John by 10 years so I watched him grow up, first in the White House, then into adulthood. It made me sick at heart that Jackie never wanted him to be a pilot because she feared for his safety. He should have believed his mother. I don't want to ever forget that the Bessette family lost 2 young, talented daughters in this tragedy. Their loss should be mourned with equal respect.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Sherry, Savannah, GA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:57:25 GMT

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:58:31 GMT

When John Kennedy JR's death was announced,, my first thought was how fortunate it was that Mrs. Kennedy did not live to experience that tragic event.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Isabel Curtis,Paducah,KY — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:16:41 GMT

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Suzanne, Fort Worth TX — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:32:28 GMT

My husband & I were on vacation in the Bahamas when we saw the news on CNN. We were in shock because he was our age & we couldn't believe another Kennedy was gone. Also how sad it was that the Bessette family lost 2 daughters. I lost my husband last year and can't imagine having to grieve for 2 at once. It was very odd for us because on 3 different occassions when we traveled a celebrity died. Sonny Bono, Princess Diane & then John Jr. We feel like we grew up with him & Caroline so felt the loss stronger. God Bless all of the friends & family involved.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Lynda Erba, Los Angeles — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:33:43 GMT

I will never forget that I was in a very small town in the northern part of Spain on holiday. We were on a tour and had stopped that morning for coffee at a local cafe. As others gather around us and found out we lived in the U.S. they asked if we had heard the news about John Kennedy. I really couldn't believe it. At first, I thought these people had the wrong information; I even asked if they were sure. When they presented me with the morning's newspaper reality set in. What a shame, what a loss, what potential our nation would never see. I was pretty sad the remainder of the trip.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Toni Ruggiero, River Falls, Wi — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:38:35 GMT

Oh this tragedy still haunts me to this day. How does Caroline keep going without her brother, her best friend? I had been running errands all morning taht day, noticing there wasn't as many people out for a Saturday, but didn't think twice till I happen to see all the TV's in Target showing pictures of him and I walked up asking what is going on. People standing there were just crying and in shock, and shaking their heads, and saying; how could this happen again to such a family??? Why them???

I still remember the day Kenneday was shot, my Dad went out and bought a new tv just so we call all watch on a bigger screen. My mom was sitting on the floor with my baby sister, folding laundry, it was like that for 3 days. I will never fotget it.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Linda D Bryant, Philadelphia PA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:43:06 GMT

I could not believe the news reports when I woke up that Saturday morning. I will always remember "John
John" as the stoic little boy saluting his father's
coffin. It was truly hard to believe that this man
who could have been president one day, was now dead.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

D. Wasson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:46:43 GMT

I was on a long anticipated vacation with my family. We were sitting on the beach the evening that the plane went missing and commenting on how foggy and eerie it looked on the water. The next morning we woke up to the news and we left the island a day early to get out of the frenzy. Very sad.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Patrick, Titusville, FL — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:02:59 GMT

I remember my heart breaking...again.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Joan Simpson, Greensboro, NC — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:13:26 GMT

I was absolutey devastated. It was so sad. the same reaction from the shuttle that blew up and killed all of the astronauts and when the twin towers were attacked and fell.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

T. Colburn, Guilford Ct — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:14:37 GMT

We were staying Woods Hole that weekend. Saturday morning-knowing nothing -we went for a walk by the Coast Guard station and there was a guard out front-unusual. We went over on the ferry to the vineyard-still knowing nothing- and the woman sitting next to me said "something is wrong. There are too many patrol boats on the water". We didn't learn of the tragedy until early afternoon and at that time decided to head back. News media frenzy was becoming evident. The ferry was crowded but it was amazingly quiet. Such a tragedy for a family that has had more than their share.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Mona, Houston, Texas — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:15:05 GMT

I remember that morning vividly. I had gotten up early to catch a few hours of overtime in the office and before I left the house I turned on the TV to check the weather. I saw the report and was horrified. Needless to say, I didn't make it to the office that morning. In fact, I didn't make it anywhere. I sat in stunned silence in front of the TV for hours. Hearing of this latest tragedy to befall him and his family felt so personal to me. I felt like I had been punched right in the chest.

After all, we had all seen every aspect of John John's life thanks to the media. We all felt his sorrow and bewilderment as he saluted is father's coffin and then went home to celebrate his birthday.
We had all watched his accomplishments, and trials and tribulations like they were our own; like he was our own.

Now our John John was gone, Camelot was gone, and none of us, of a certain generation, would ever feel the same bright shining hope we had before his loss.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Anne, Tuscaloosa, AL — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:38:18 GMT

So sad - I kept thinking that I was glad that his mother didn't live to see this day.

He was a handsome young man with a bright future - what a waste.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

elizabeth laguna ca — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:47:53 GMT

I remember thinking of the word "hubris".

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

roland boggio - kearny nj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:49:02 GMT

I have always believed John Jr. would have been the best president the kennedy family produced. He seemed to hav it all: grace, intelligence, caring and just plain common decency. Too bad he didn't use better judgment.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Kris, Providence, RI — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:01:21 GMT

I was living on Martha's Vineyard when this happened. Upon first hearing it, I thought it was just awful speculation, until I heard that they had started to find debris washing up on the island. Such a terrible loss at such a young age.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Mark Amoss, New Orleans, LA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:06:50 GMT

My wife, two young sons, and I arrived on Cumberland Island, Georgia late in the afternoon of July 16th where we had rented a beach house for the week. Cumberland Island is where John and his wife, Carolyn were married in a tiny, modest chapel, built in the late 19th century by sons and daughters of slaves.

The next day, after we heard the news, we rode our bicycles to the chapel and lit a candle in their memory. it struck me thewn that John tried so hard to be his own man, from being a struggling editor of George magazine to shunning the pomp and splendor that the country would have bestowed on him at a wedding Mass at St. Patrick's. One wonders what John would have accomplished in his life.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

JimV — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:23:58 GMT

30 years to the day after the Apollo 11 moon launch,
sending the first men to the surface of the moon, a race started by his father in the early days of the 60's.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Kate Kinser, Chicago, IL — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:53:42 GMT

I remember leaving the house on an early-morning errand and turning on NPR for the Saturday news and hearing about the accident. How unreal, sad, and unfortunately sequential. I heard a lot of commentators say "Kennedy Curse" that weekend. On Monday, I heard ---also on NPR--- a conversation with Cokie Roberts, whose father had died in a plane crash back in 1972. She said how said she was, especially for the Bessette family, because they had lost TWO children. Until then, I had not heard anyone else single out that double-pain. I was happy when President Clinton authorized a longer-than-usual search for the plane and the bodies, given, he said, "the many sacrfices the Kennedy family had made for our country." At least we had some closure.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Karen W. Kirkland, WA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:21:05 GMT

It's interesting, as I too thought he was on an uncharted island somewhere, waiting to be rescued. I was working at a hotel at the time, and remember at first being revited to the television, then realizing that there was no further reason to watch,other than morbid curiosity, and actually felt that he and his family deserved better than that. So I stopped watching.

I will always wish I had somehow met him walking down the street in NYC, but I keep the final issue of his magazine "George" as a reminder of all the wonderful things he had to share with the world.

RIP

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Laura M, Vernon, NJ — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:23:36 GMT

I remember the day like it was yesterday. It seem such a same that a wonderful man in the prime of his life could be taken from us so soon. I wept that day not only for John, Carolyn, or Lauren, but also for the children of John-John that would never come. Til this day my heart goes out to John's sister Caroline as she has to deal with her family legacy alone.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Monte Albany GA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:44:22 GMT

John John was saluting a marine not his dads coffin.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

John, Orlando, FL — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:06:39 GMT

Why do we consider this a tragedy. We need to stop treating the Kennedy's like royalty. They are just another crooked political family. Just take a look at Ted.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Joe, Laguana, CA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:11:45 GMT

Do you shed the same tears for the military members that gave their lifes for their country. What did JFK Jr. do other than bask in the supposed "glory" of the Kennedy name?

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

sharon mickle — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:32:41 GMT

i was sad an had no understanding, my eyes stayed on
the tv. hopeing an praying that he an his family got
out, an was wateing for help. it was so heartbreaking to think he was gone.i bought each people magazine that had his pictures,today i still have them,an will buy the july one. miss u

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Mark Crawford, Carmel Valley, California — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:43:07 GMT

It was a very tragic event, the loss of all three of those young people. Even more tragic is that it could have been prevented had the pilot not been so foolhardy as to assume he was qualified to fly with an injured leg, with only 300 hours of flight time under his belt, at dusk, to an island which he would reach when darkness had settled in.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

sharon mickle richmond va — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:44:24 GMT

words can not explain how i felt,john will always be
loved an missed. i will keep all people magazines with john on them an buy the one far july 09.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Linda, Salt Lake City — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:45:05 GMT

What might have been......

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Mark Crawford, Carmel Valley, California — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:46:33 GMT

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

c.kyriazis, kansas city, mo — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:57:23 GMT

i saw him once as he was engaged in a business oriented conversation.......his presence was an energy in itself. incredible sad

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

John Hamlett, Tempe, AZ — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:07:03 GMT

"Too famous" to die?

Oh puleeze!

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Betsy Rosenberg, Marin County, California — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:36:11 GMT

I recall being stunned - like everyone else - by the news and feeling like I could not walk away from the television set for what seemed like days. At one point as I was sobbing with sadness for the ill-fated couple and sister, I had a flashback of my mother doing the same thing in 1963 after JFK was killed. I was 8 and the time and it seems like life was never quite the same after that, in the same way 9/11 has
been a turning point in our history.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:51:30 GMT

I remeber thinking..."how much money our government was spending on the search and retrieval of the body", and wondering if they would do the same if it had been Joe Schmoe from Cleveland. Joe would be fish food. It's a shame that the Kennedy's have drained our national budget for all these years.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Carrie, Kent, WA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:55:59 GMT

It doesn't matter who or what was at fault in this terrible accident. Three young people full of promise lost their lives. It’s as if many people feel the pain of losing the future, while also mourning the past. How can we not remember all of the family? This country and the world were absorbed into their lives for many years. We were not always welcome or invited, but we were a part of them.

We mustn’t forget Ted Kennedy, who has watched six of his eight brothers and sisters pass on, two of them in violent tragedies unfolding in front of him. He also observed the tragedy of Rosemary, who at 23 was the victim of a failed prefrontal lobotomy and spent the rest of her life in an institution. It’s as if the Kenney family was a magnet for trouble. Wealth, fame and good looks do not shelter anyone from misfortune, nor do they prepare anyone for the anguish this family has suffered.

The only comfort is knowing all these people are once again surrounded by a circle of family and friends.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

John Davis, Ocala, Fl — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:09:18 GMT

John was 32 days old when I was born and I was named John in honor of the President-Elect and his newborn son. I was hysterical crying that night not wanting to believe it could possibly be true. It still hurts today to mourn the loss of one who might have changed history. My heart goes out to his family and sister.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Irene H, Graton, MA — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:24:23 GMT

After it finally sank in, I too had hoped against hope that it wasn't true, I thought "It's good thing Jackie is already dead because this would have killed her."

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

AC Nicholson — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:45:26 GMT

There were 3 major dramatic memories in my life. 1ST was being in a PEP rally when they announced JFK had shot. Not only was he much loved, I was only 13 and was rudely awakened to issues outside on my school world. 2nd was being awakened and told Princess Di was dead. The 3rd thing was John Jr. Those three people plus Mrs. Kennedy were the people that would compel me to buy a magazine.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Leo Sanford Maine — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:49:35 GMT

My wife and I were next in line after JFK Jr. to depart Caldwell Airport on the night his plane went down. The weather was not good, with low clouds and a lot of ground fog. We were headed south to Ocean City NJ, and about 15 minutes after our departure I had second thoughts about continuing the flight due to ground fog. Within a few minutes the ground fog started to break and we continued on without a problem. I have flown to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket many times at night and even in the best of conditions it requires reliance on instruments at times due to the lack of ground references, especially on moonless nights. When we heard about his plane being missing the next morning I was hardly surprised, and would have bet the farm that he lost control of his plane due to disorientation. He plainly and simply made a bad choice to fly that night considering his lack of experience. I suppose we all make bad choices at one time or another. Sometimes we get lucky, live through them and hopefully learn something. Sometimes we don't. It's most unfortunate that his poor judgement cost two other people their lives.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Jefff, Washington, DC — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:53:10 GMT

To Mary Beerman,

What about this family's history makes you think he would be acting "heroically"? Just like his Uncle Ted, right? Some of the people here are saying that it "was the saddest day of their lives." I have a hard time believing that you have never faced anything more difficult than this. A tragedy no doubt, but the "saddest" day of your life? C'mon people. Toughen up.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Davey, Arlington, VA — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:03:22 GMT

I remember thinking: "who?"
I guess I am not as enamored with the nouveau royalty as the other posters. I would feel the same way if Paris Hilton had perished. really, its a terrible loss for the family and those who were close, but the rest of you--get a grip

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Bryan — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:28:31 GMT

John planned to make that flight during the day. His passengers were late. He didn't count on that. Had they been on time, they'd all be alive. As an instrument pilot, I can't blame John. I was as naiive as he, and you don't know how insidious spacial disorientation is until you get your instrument rating, or your dead.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Gloria W., Columbia, SC — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:50:21 GMT

I remember. Such terrible losses at such a young age. Waiting for a miracle that would never happen. Hearing of this latest tragedy of the Kennedy famly felt so personal to me. My stomach knotted up. I cried.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Jacob Townes New Orleans, La. — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:12:26 GMT

I remember being amazed at how another cold blooded murder of a member of the Kennedy family could be so easily pulled off in front of the public. No questions, no real investigation, complete press and media participation to go along with such a "tragic accident". It is interesting to note that the young Kennedy was to announce his run for the presidency the very next day. (which he would have won!) Also it is interesting to note that the weather really wasn't that bad that day as the press reported. As well Kennedy was quite an experienced pilot as the press did not report. Hmmmm

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Adam Baum — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:13:46 GMT

People, please get on with your lives. You didn't know this man and wouldn't if he had any other last name. He died of foolishness and we had to send out a naval armada only because of his uncle's political clout.

The people who threw tea in Boston Harbor surely turnover in their grave when people fawn over the Kennedys.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Melanie Norman, Kamloops, British Columbia — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:37:10 GMT

Just like my mother, I too lost a Kennedy in my generation. Even though I am Canadian we are still captivated with Camelot. My mom told me she remembers to this day where she was when she heard that JFK was shot. I too, remember where I was when JFK Jr. was confirmed dead. A tragedy for his family and a double tragedy for the Bessette family. Losing a child must be unimaginable and painful enough, but to lose two at the same time must be the ultimate pain. My heart and prayers go out to the ones left behind.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Mike, Rosita, Colorado — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:39:05 GMT

Jim from Modesto has it right. JFK Jr.'s irresponsible, incompetent piloting cost his two passengers their lives. All he had to do was turn the autopilot on to stabilize the situation until they could get help, but he wasn't even up to making that decision.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Audrey Peck — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:54:01 GMT

My husband and I and our granddaughter were going to Marth's Vineyard thay=t very morning, when a friend called and said "put on the News right now. JFK Jr.'s plane is missing and they think he is dead.We got to Martha's Vineyard and there were literally reporters from ALL over the world! We saw a little makeshift memorial on the beach with three seperate flowers, ballons, and flora native to the islands. What a sad day. A day or two later we saw ted Kennedy and his son and a nephew getting on a boat to go out on a search mission. It was just devastating to see the pain in their faces. JFK Jr was an incredibly handsome guy. I jsut wish he had lived to see what contributions he would have made to the American people. he joins his dad and mom in eternity!

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

jtbwriter, Arcadia, CA — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:03:02 GMT

It's a pity that there are lowlifes on this site who choose not to remember or mourn JFK, Jr and his wife and sister-in-law, but spew self-righteous comments about whose fault the crash was. Unless someone died and made you walk on water, you do not know for certain whose "fault" it was they died. Everything is supposition-what's important is what JFK, Jr accomplished with what time on earth he had. God Bless him and his loved ones.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

John Doe, Champlain, NY — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:13:04 GMT

The man did nothing in life except have the good fortune to be born a Kennedy. He died because he was stupid. There was no reason for an inexperirenced pilot to make an overwater flight, at night , in a aircraft he wasnt that familiar with. If he really needed to get somewhere, he could have tapped into the cash he inherited and hired a professional pilot. Had he done this, he'd probably still be alive. Instead, his stupidity wound up killing 3 people. Moron! Does anyone really think the Coast Guard would have mounted such an intense search effort if John Q. Citizen went missing? Millions of dollars of taxpayer money were spent on the search effort...just because he was a Kennedy. Why is this guy missed??????

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Ted, Ft Lauderdale, FL — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:13:11 GMT

I hope he is in a good place, maybe with his mom and dad.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Julie, Pagosa Springs Colorado — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:36:34 GMT

Not a big Kennedy fan but this one tugged the heart strings.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Caleb, The Battle Grounds, IN — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:06:55 GMT

at least he's with his father

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Ryk, Peoria, AZ — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:25:50 GMT

I'm surprised that this tragedy is still believed to be an "accident" by most gullible Americans. Think about it folks: had this not happened and JFK Jr were not "killed", who might he have run against in the future presidential elections...

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

BELLA — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:14:50 GMT

The truth? What did I think? My first thought was this was a triple homicide. I did not at all for one moment think it was an accident. Not for one moment.

I was 13 yrs old when the first slew of assassina- tions happened in this country. At such a young age
I had no idea what was happening.

I have learned much since then.

But one has to raise one's ability to confront 'evil' in order to 'look' and 'see' what is happening right in front of your eyes. You can't cower or be reasonable with 'accidents' or 'high profile deaths'.

And you have to be willing to do something to change the awful pattern a small small minority in this country have continued to perpetrate.

That's what I thought.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

jeff, nyc, ny — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:58:39 GMT

I remember watching this when hospitalized for mania...that in itself was a nightmare, and seeing this madness unfold only compounded the other worldliness of the whole thing.

Life is not neat.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Michelle, South Beach, Florida — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:24:46 GMT

I had a terrible premonition for weeks that somebody extremely loved and famous was going to die in a plane crash. My husband thought I was nuts. When he brought the paper in that morning, we just looked at each other and said: "Oh my God."

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Paul Peckham, Petersham, MA — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:30:29 GMT

On that day I was flying out from MA to PA in a single engine aplane to pick up a rebuilt aircraft engine. The flight out was a bit bumpy and visibily was affected by haze, but otherwise uneventful. I picked up the engine and while returning east to Massachusetts late that afternoon, I recall that the visibility deteriorated significantly due to haze and the diminished light. I could barely make out the horizon and asked air traffic congtrol for a vector around a line of thunderstorms near Albany, NY. After the sun went down, visibility was very poor. Even the lights on the ground were dim. When I heard of the missing aircraft and looked at the route he took, I only imagined what it must have been like in that cockpit that night with the poor visibility, no horizon or ground lights for reference over the ocean, limited piloting and navigation skills and a need to get the airplane on the ground. Pretty scary stuff. The armchair aviation analysts called it a "death spiral" that exceeded 500 mph upon impact. I don't understand how a man with that level of intelligence, resources, and the number of allegedly smart people around him could have made such a poor decision to fly in those conditions. Such promise and hope lost. A real American tragedy.

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Erica — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:38:31 GMT

I am amazed at all the people saying "John John". No one called him that. He hated it. It came about when he was under the desk in the oval office. He tried to get him to come out from under the desk by calling out "John" and a few seconds later hFor some was still under the desk and JFK said "John" again. Some idiot reporter wrote that President Kennedy nicknamed him "John John".

10 years ago, an awful wake-up call

Janine — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:13:18 GMT

What I remember about this event was how quickly the anti-Kennedy faction where I live started criticizing JFK Jr. and went on to complain about his burial at sea. It is a bit like those in this thread blaming his flying decisions and making him responsible for the deaths of the two innocent sisters.

None of us were there. We do not know what weather advice JFK Jr. had; we do not know if the sisters were the ones who talked him into flying. Sitting in judgment on the dead, and critiquing the burial at sea when there is no doubt that JFK Jr. was entitled (look it up--family members can be interned near loved ones) to be interned along with his mother and father in Arlington, is just sad.

This was a tragic accident. Like nearly any tragic accident, those involved might well have made some bad jugments which put them in the situation--but that does not make it any less an accident or any less tragic. I am sad for the loss of a fine young man and the sisters--and I wish that the judgment-sitters would go over to Fox News and kvetch there.