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John Fitzgerald Kennedy |
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Miniature rocking chairs |
A football injury in college left Kennedy with chronic back problems. Despite several operations the condition persisted, leaving him in constant pain. As President, Kennedy often sat in a rocking chair in the Oval Office to gain a small measure of relief. These handmade miniature rocking chairs were sent in sympathy for the President's struggle.
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Model of the PT-109, by Albert Hanson, Woodbridge, New
Jersey, 1961 |
This gift is a tribute to the President's bravery as a young Naval Reserve officer during World War II. In August 1943, Kennedy was commander of the PT-109 and on ocean patrol near the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. A Japanese destroyer rammed and sank the boat; two men were killed, and Kennedy and the rest of the crew were tossed into flaming water. Towing an injured sailor, whose life vest he clenched in his teeth, Kennedy led his men in a 4-hour swim to safety.
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Photograph of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier,
by Yousuf Karsh, Ottawa, Canada, 1956* *Copyright 1956, Yousuf Karsh. May not be reproduced without permission. |
Before marrying Prince Rainier, Princess Grace was American movie star Grace Kelly. Noted Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh captured the glamour and dignity she brought to her royal role. The inscription reads, "To Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy with our warmest regards and best wishes."
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