Andy Stern, Chairman, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza:

Welcome/Introduction

   Good morning. I'm Andy Stern, Chairman of the Board for the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Dallas County Commissioners Court and the Dallas City Council, I would like to welcome you here today-to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the dedication of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.

   The assassination of President Kennedy is the most significant event in the history of Dallas, Texas-an event that changed Dallas-and the world-forever. In the intervening years this memorial has become an integral part of the city's urban landscape and cultural heritage. Often debated, often misunderstood-it has served as a stark reminder of our heritage.

   In December, 1963, Judge Lew Sterrett and Mayor Earle Cabell formally appointed the John F. Kennedy Citizens Memorial Committee to determine the form and location of an appropriate monument.

   From the beginning there was debate. Some felt that a memorial at the site of the assassination in Dealey Plaza was best. Others believed that a national memorial in Washington, D.C., was more appropriate. Others simply did not want a reminder of the tragic event. Opinions fell at both extremes and all points in between. Addressing these complex issues-and listening to the many voices of civic groups and individuals-was a challenge for the Memorial leadership.

   I am pleased today to recognize two of those leaders-Stanley Marcus and Commissioner Jim Tyson. (applause) We are also honored to have two relatives of committee members-Martha Crowley the widow of Judge Frank Crowley and Elizabeth Hirsch, daughter of Rabbi Levi Olan. (applause)

   In his role on the committee, Mr. Stanley was instrumental in securing the noted American architect Philip Johnson to take on the challenge of designing the Kennedy Memorial.

   With Johnson's designs underway, the Committee recommended this fitting location-one block east of Dealey Plaza-in the heart of the city and in the shadow of the historic Old Red courthouse.

   But the process was not easy-schedules became mired in political decisions surrounding the construction of a parking garage. Months passed, then years. The Kennedy Memorial was completed and dedicated on June 24, 1970 almost seven years after the assassination. In the three decades since its dedication, the Plaza knew no champion. Neglected and taken for granted, the plaza and its structures became a target for vandalism and graffiti. At the end of the millennium, the Kennedy Memorial was in need of cleaning, conservation-and attention.

   Last summer, we at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza undertook management of the memorial, rallying the support of the City of Dallas and Dallas County. The Museum became caretaker of the monument and launched a full-scale restoration project aimed at preserving both the memorial and its history. Philip Johnson himself-now 93 years old-directed the restoration process with Corgan Associates, Inc.

   Today the Kennedy Memorial reopens with a fresh new look. To commemorate the monument's anniversary, the Museum is honored to host this Rededication Ceremony.

   As we stop to recognize our heritage, I am pleased to share with you these thoughts from Governor Bush:

"Greetings:

   Welcome to the rededication of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in Dallas on June 24. This ceremony provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on the city's historical importance and pay tribute to the 35th President of the United States.

   By preserving the past and acknowledging its significance, Americans honor those who paid the ultimate price in service to our nation. I commend the men and women who first established this memorial 30 years ago and the many individuals and organizations who contributed their time and resources to its recent restoration. Your efforts help preserve an important but tragic site of Texas and American history.

   Laura joins me in sending best wishes on this special occasion..

Sincerely,

George W. Bush"

   I am now pleased to introduce the Director of the Sixth Floor Museum-Jeff West.

   Jeff West, Executive Director, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

   In reflecting on his design of this Memorial, Philip Johnson said:

Quote

   "Kennedy was such a remarkable man I didn't want to have a statue but sought rather something very humble and spartan. A major point for me was to raise it above ground level and keep it simple. It is a "cenotaph", a memorial for one whose remains lie elsewhere.

   The idea of a sacred place, like an empty tomb, struck me as something fitting as long as it was abstract. A "room" with tall walls, open to the sky, would block out the surrounding city. Of course, it was essential that there would be no sentimentalizing of Kennedy; he would have disapproved anyway!

   So a spare, unadorned open "cube," devoid of expression or moralizing, but monumental in its empty presence.

   It was essential to me that whatever I did-it would be left to the viewers to find their own meaning." Unquote

   What an amazing thought-to be left alone to find our own meaning! In the year 2000 we are besieged with messages-television commercials, radio commercials, magazines, billboards, memos, emails, voice mails, cell phones beepers and the internet. What a challenge then for each of us-to step into a room that is empty except for three compelling words "John Fitzgerald Kennedy". We don't always like it-being left alone with just ourselves, our thoughts, and often our memories. But that is the challenge that Philip has given us-and it is up to us, individually and as a community to accept that challenge.

   The noted architectural critic, David Dillon wrote in this today's Dallas Morning News "But to have impact the Kennedy Memorial must be pristine-and it hasn't been that way for years-as if there were a conspiracy not to maintain it."

   Well-there was not conspiracy to NOT MAINTAIN it-but it did take a conspiracy of sorts to RENOVATE it. And thankfully-Philip Johnson-now 93 years young-was with us to lead the charge.

   Philip could not be with us today-but I am pleased to recognize his architectural partner Alan Ritchie and from the firm of Corgan and Associates, Chuck Love. (applause)

   Alan and Chuck worked closely with Philip in organizing the plans to renovate and restore this monument. They outlined an extensive program, which included cleaning the memorial structure, patching the accumulation of cracks and chips, repairing the lighting, refinishing the interior granite block and applying maintenance coatings to protect the memorial from future damage.

   We prepared a budget estimate in excess of $80,000. We were deeply gratified when the Dallas company of Phoenix I Restoration stepped forward to execute the plans-free of charge. Let me recognize Dale Sellers of Phoenix I. (applause) Dale's company provided coordination and some 38 Phoenix I employees contributed over 1,200 work-hours of their time to the Memorial project.

   They were assisted by donations of materials and services from Architectural Concrete Services, MarbleLife, Slocum Electric, United Rentals Aerial Equipment, Hotsy Equipment Company, Neogard, a Division of Jones Blair, Pecora, Sika Corporation, and ProSoCo, Inc.

   Amazingly, the Kennedy Memorial today is in better condition than ever before thanks to preservation techniques and materials-most of which were not available 30 years ago.

   Today The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is proud to be the steward of this great memorial-working in partnership with Dallas County and the City of Dallas, we will assure that the memorial will be well maintained, its history preserved and every effort made to fully integrate it into the life of our community.

   It is my pleasure to introduce one of our partners in this endeavor, the Mayor of our City, Mayor Ron Kirk. (applause)

Mayor Ron Kirk:

   The history of our city is a great history.

   We emerged in this great state as a center of commerce and transportation - eager to provide leadership and vision.

   From the Alamo to oil, Texans became known for our independent spirit.

   However, our place in the world and the world itself was forever changed in November 1963.

   Since 1963 our city has collectively learned to come to terms with the tragic events of that November day.

   Since the dedication of this memorial in 1970 we have come to understand its significance. We have learned to embrace this memorial and what it represents.

   President Kennedy said, "It is the task of every generation to build a road for the next generation."

   Because of the road he built for my generation, I am able to stand before you today, representing this great city.

   In life and in death, President Kennedy influenced Americans from all walks of life. "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." These words were to be spoken by President Kennedy in Dallas on November 22, 1963.

   Our learning continues, as does our healing.

   It is now my honor to introduce Dallas County Judge Lee Jackson.

Judge Lee Jackson:

   We are here today for an occasion and at a place that together are memorable in so many ways.

   A stone's throw from here, in the fall of 1841, John Neely Bryan founded Dallas. This courtyard square was the center of our town and county for so many of the early important decades, and the history of our growth and progress is indelibly tied to it.

   In 1963 a national tragedy occurred here, in this courtyard area, at Dealey Plaza that we can never forget, a tragedy that touched our nation and the world.

   Since that fateful day in November the Kennedy family and many of us in Dallas have felt special sadness that younger people may not fully understand. The memory of that awful day was a terrible one-and some of us in Dallas tried to bury that memory.

   But it couldn't be buried. The community of Dallas-including thousands of school children that contributed nickels and dimes-caused this memorial to be created.

   At the original dedication the Kennedy family was understandably silent in their grief. They made no public comments regarding this memorial to President Kennedy, nor did they become involved or make comments in the effort to build the Sixth Floor Museum. Our mutual grief was not easily communicated.

   But on this occasion today I have received this very special letter:

"Dear Citizens of Dallas County:

   I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the effort that has been made to preserve and restore the Memorial to President Kennedy in Dallas. I especially want to thank the Historical Foundation, community and civic leaders, and those associated with the Sixth Floor Museum who recognized the need and took action.

   I would also like to commend the Phoenix I Restoration and Construction Limited firm for their contribution to this endeavor. I am pleased to know that my brother's memory still continues to inspire such public service.

   More than thirty years ago, Philip Johnson, was chosen to design this memorial. He has created a place for quiet reflection for all who visit, and an opportunity to pause and remember President Kennedy. Not a day goes by that I don't miss him. This structure captures the sense of loss we felt-and still feel.

   On behalf of all the members of the Kennedy family, please accept my gratitude for the care and concern you have shown in renovating your memorial to President Kennedy. It means a great deal to know that the citizens of Dallas County loved him too.

Sincerely,

And it is signed,

Ted Kennedy"

Andy Stern:

   On behalf of the Sixth Floor Museum and our supporters I would like to express our thanks to Senator Kennedy for his letter. We have long recognized the intense personal pain felt by each member of the Kennedy family following this tragic event 37 years ago. The offering by Senator Kennedy - as the patriarch of the family - means a great deal to so many of us. It speaks to the wisdom of those who worked so hard to build this memorial.

   So, we rededicate this memorial and rededicate this community to the care of it. This rededication means both caring for the physical structure-and taking care of the story of the memorial itself. The Museum has worked diligently in recent months to establish the Kennedy Memorial Collection as a permanent part of our archives. Comprising numerous documents, photographs, films, tapes and interviews-this collection will be a valuable asset to future generations.

   Utilizing that collection we have created new interpretive panels on both the north and south sides of the memorial. I'd like to ask Mayor Kirk and Judge Jackson to join Jeff to unveil this new addition to the plaza.

   We know that literally tens of thousands of people visit this memorial each year. These panels-telling the story of the memorial-its history and meaning-will assist them in their appreciation of what this monument represents. .

   And now, as a fitting conclusion to this ceremony-I call upon The Reverend Joseph Galante, Coadjutor Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas to bless this site.

The Reverend Joseph Galante:

(At the conclusion of the blessings the program participants enter the cenotaph and place roses on the center block.)