Estate Planning

After JFK: The Transfer of Power

By Hull & Hull LLP

Exactly two hours and eight minutes after then-President John F. Kennedy was shot two cars ahead of him in a motorcade in Dealey Plaza, and exactly ninety-eight minutes after Kennedy was declared dead, Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as President aboard Air Force One.  This past weekend marked the 45th anniversary of the JFK assassination, which prompted me to scour the internet for some details surrounding that transfer of power.

Twenty-seven people were in the 'living room' of Air Force One at the time of the swearing-in, many of whom were in tears during the ceremony.  Federal District Judge Sarah T. Hughes, who had been appointed to the bench by Kennedy two years earlier, became the first woman ever to swear in a President.  Johnson stated the following: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.  So help me God."  The plane was not airborne at the time of the swearing-in; instead it was on the ground at Love Field Airport in Dallas.  Johnson's first order as President took place minutes later.  "Now," he said, "let's get this thing airborne."

Using the aircraft's radio telephone, Johnson made a couple of phone calls; one to Mrs. Rose Kennedy and one to Nellie Connally, wife of wounded Texas Governor John Connally.

The plane headed to Andrew's Air Force Base, where it was met by Robert Kennedy, who met Jackie Kennedy at the door and helped her to the ground.  Johnson and Lady Bird then boarded a helicopter for the seven minute flight to the White House where he received phone calls from former Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Harry Truman who both expressed their confidence in him and pledged their assistance during 'this transitional period'.

David M. Smith

Full post as published by Toronto Estate Law Blog on November 24, 2008 (boomark / email).