JFK remembered in Springfield on assassination's 49th anniversary

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A solemn ceremony was held Thursday at Forest Park in Springfield honoring the memory of President John F. Kennedy.

A crowd gathered at the Kennedy eternal flame on the 49th anniversary of the 35th President's assassination.

Patrick Murphy of Springfield attends this service every year. Murphy, like so many others, remembers the moment he learned of Kennedy's death.

“I remember I was in the fourth grade. Mrs. Golden, our teacher, came in, tears in her eyes, just couldn't get the words out. The vice principal had to come in, tell everyone what was going on,” Murphy said.

Thursday’s ceremony included the placing of a wreath at the foot of the John F. Kennedy monument at the foot of the eternal flame.