NOV 14 WE SALUTE AND REMEMBER YOU, JFK!

NOV 14 WE REMEMBER AND SALUTE YOU, JFK!

Next Friday, November 22nd, will be the 50th anniversary of the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy.  You won't miss it: There will be ample 24-hour news coverage, long-winded documentaries and a tasteless made-for-TV movie on Bravo.  However, we here at the DUNER BLOG want to express our salutations to the late, great president by reviewing our favorite JFK Memorials worldwide.

DOMESTIC MEMORIALS:
John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City.  As the nation's largest handler of international air traffic, JFK is the new 'Ellis Island' of the USA, welcoming the world to the our nation.  Originally called Idlewild Airport, after the golf course it replaced, it was wisely renamed in 1964.

Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida.  When opened in 1968, it was the largest structure in the world.  Today, it's fallen to fourth place in this category, but it's still steeped in history.  All manned space flights from NASA left from legendary Launch Complex #39.  This includes the all the Apollo Lunar missions as well as the Space Shuttle voyages.

The Fifty Cent Piece.  Although not widely used in circulation, the half dollar is still a totally awesome coin.  At 11.4 grams, it is also the heaviest.  Only three other presidents (Lincoln, Jefferson and Washington) have their portraits on US coins.

The USS John Kennedy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  This aircraft carrier was originally intended to be a Kitty Hawk-class carrier, but it received so many special modifications it became its own, separate category of vessel.  'Big John' weighs 82,655 tons!

John F. Kennedy University, Pleasant Hill, California.  You know you're important when an entire university bears your name. 

INTERNATIONAL MEMORIALS:

John F. Kennedy Tunnel, Antwerp, Holland.  One of Europe's busiest tunnels connects the busy port with the main city.  It is for cars only and apparently has horrible rush hour traffic.

Kennedy Brücke, Vienna, Austria.  JFK famously met Soviet dictator Nikita Khrushchev in this European capital.   NOTE: It spans the Vienna...not the Danube...River.

Rua Kennedy, São Paolo, Brazil.  This broad boulevard bisects South America's largest city.  It connects Parça Kennedy with the Financial District.

Avenida JFK, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  You can't get from the airport to downtown without traveling on this four-lane highway.

OTHER MEMORIALS:

Kennedy Island, US Solomon Islands Territory.  It may only be two miles wide, but this isle is named in tribute to Big John.  Don't forget: JFK was also a veteran and war hero! 

Kennedy Mess Hall, University of Dayton.  We will never know why people in this small Ohio college decided to name the cafeteria after the former president.  Let's just hope they serve Boston Baked Beans!

JFK Tower, Cumberland Maryland.  JFK signed lots of legislation to help the poor.  Hence, it is only fitting to name a low-income housing project after him!