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Fateful 1963 Xmas Card Missing on Tour

Greeting never sent out after JFK assassination

By Kevin Langbaum, Newser User

Posted Dec 22, 2007 7:44 PM CST

(Newser) – Visitors on a White House Christmas tour have noticed something missing—a rare 1963 greeting card that John F. Kennedy signed before his fateful trip to Dallas, Reuters reports. President and Jacquelyn Kennedy signed fewer than 30 of the cards, which were never sent out. "They are the most rare pieces of presidential Christmas memorabilia today," said one historian.

Laura Bush said that the White House has a copy of the card but did not include it in a display of presidential cards because it was unsent. Fewer than two dozen copies remain; one fetched $45,000 at an auction last year. The card features a holiday greeting and a nativity scene, the first religious image ever to adorn a White House Christmas card.

Then Sen. John F. Kennedy partakes in a question and answer session with the Ministers' Association of Greater Houston, Sept. 12, 1960 in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle) (Associated Press)

President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline pose in this undated file photo. (Archive Photos)

Jackie, John Jr., and Caroline Kennedy are gathered in this undated file photo. (Archive Photos)

Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in as President of the United States of America in the cabin of the presidential plane as Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy stands at his side in this Nov. 22,1963, file photo. Judge... (Associated Press)

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Greeting never sent out after JFK assassination

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related Stories

White House • Lyndon Johnson • John F. Kennedy • Christmas • White House visitors

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Air Force One Death Call to Rose Kennedy Released

National Archives release recording of conversations day JFK was killed

Secret Tapes Peer Into JFK's Final Days

45 hours of recordings cover politics, family

White House Decorations All About Bo

First dog is the main theme this year

Jackie O: MLK a 'Phony'

...and other revelations from a new book of interviews

JFK Speechwriter Theodore Sorensen Dies

'Ask not' poetic knight of Camelot helped shape history

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

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What is Newser?