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JFK Jr. Recalled, a Decade Later

Flying brought him peace, but also brought his end

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 16, 2009 9:27 AM CDT
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(Newser) – John F. Kennedy Jr. “seemed to belong not only to our family, but to the American family,” his uncle Ted said in his eulogy. On the 10th anniversary of his death, the New York Daily News remembers the president’s son the public knew as as John-John—a nickname he hated—and the tragedy of a death caused by the thing that brought him the most peace: flying.

Kennedy was sometimes hemmed in by expectations—when he failed to pass the bar exam, one headline proclaimed, “The Hunk Flunks.” He finally went “outside the arena,” as he said when he created George magazine on his own terms. But it was in the air that he found serenity: “The sunset is so beautiful,” he said on his first solo flight. “Can I go around one more time?”

In this October 1962 file photo, President John F. Kennedy, left, claps time as his children Caroline and John Jr. dance in the Oval Office.
In this October 1962 file photo, President John F. Kennedy, left, claps time as his children Caroline and John Jr. dance in the Oval Office.   (AP Photo/White House, File)
This April 1963 file photo shows President John F. Kennedy and family outside the Palm Beach, Fla. home of the president's father after a private Easter Service.
This April 1963 file photo shows President John F. Kennedy and family outside the Palm Beach, Fla. home of the president's father after a private Easter Service.   (AP Photo/File)
Members of the Kennedy family at the funeral of John F. Kennedy at Washington DC. From left: Senator Edward Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy and John Kennedy.
Members of the Kennedy family at the funeral of John F. Kennedy at Washington DC. From left: Senator Edward Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy and John Kennedy.   (Getty Images)
Jacqueline Kennedy enters St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church with her children, Caroline and John Jr, to attend the funeral mass for John F. Kennedy in Washington in this Nov. 25, 1963 file photo.
Jacqueline Kennedy enters St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church with her children, Caroline and John Jr, to attend the funeral mass for John F. Kennedy in Washington in this Nov. 25, 1963 file photo.   (AP Photo/File)
John F. Kennedy Jr. and Daryl Hannah walk together while on holiday in Palau, Micronesia, August 1993.
John F. Kennedy Jr. and Daryl Hannah walk together while on holiday in Palau, Micronesia, August 1993.   (Getty Images)
John F. Kennedy Jr. is shown on December 30, 1996 at a Montana airport.
John F. Kennedy Jr. is shown on December 30, 1996 at a Montana airport.   (Getty Images)
John F. Kennedy Jr, with his wife Carolyn. attend a function in honor of his mother, Jacqueline Kennedy, October 4, 1998, at Grand Central Station in New York City.
John F. Kennedy Jr, with his wife Carolyn. attend a function in honor of his mother, Jacqueline Kennedy, October 4, 1998, at Grand Central Station in New York City.   (Getty Images)
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Yes. No. We're merely good friends. None of your business. Honest, she's my cousin from Rhode Island. I've worn both. Maybe someday, but not in New Jersey. Thank you.
- John F. Kennedy Jr. gives the answers to his most frequent questions

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
jaguarj
Jul 16, 2009 8:39 AM CDT
CK..Camelot fairies? I guess you would know all about them...
kokuaguy
Jul 16, 2009 5:13 AM CDT
C_k. It's a lovely morning here and the best way for me to begin facing another day is always with a good laugh. That's why I watched my hero, S. Colbert, on comedycentral.com first thing (I fell asleep during Stewart's interview of Sibelius--my god was that boring !!! Even Stewart couldn't figure out a way to spark some life in her. She makes Sotomayor look like the life of the party.) After that I immediatly surfed over to get my morning dose of your fantastical oxymornic over the top tirades and the invariably "thought provoking" responses from the anti-C_k truth squad. I'm happy to say my dopamine levels are soaring and I'm looking forward to getting lots done today if I can tear myself away. Bless your hearts, Libertarian Nazis, Camelot fairies, and Corn_holers of all stripes.
mak
Jul 16, 2009 4:50 AM CDT
ugh. would you stop? please? isn't the price is right on, or maybe wheel of fortune? can't you do something besides defame the dead? go have a glass of water, and a good look in the mirror. i bet you'll see what a real chump looks like.

 
plane crash • flying • John F. Kennedy Jr. • Carolyn Bessette • celebrity death • Martha's Vineyard

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