JFK's Grave Gets Modern Update

Restoration begins on weathered inaugural address

It’s one of the most famous inaugural addresses of any president.  Now work is underway to make sure John F. Kennedy’s iconic words don’t fade into the granite at his Arlington resting place.

“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” declared Kennedy in 1961. 

While those words are still legible near the eternal flame, the letters are beginning to wear away.  More than 30 years of weathering the elements have taken their toll on what was meant to be a permanent plaque. 

The Knights of Columbus has stepped in to make sure the historic inscription stays in place for generations to come.  They are footing the entire $6,000 bill for the project.

Work began Thursday to re-stain the letters. It’s expected to take about a week to complete.

President Kennedy was a member of the Knights from 1946 until his death. The organization is doing more than restoration to honor their famous member.  They are sponsoring a high school essay contest on his inaugural address this fall.

January 20, 2011, will mark the 50th anniversary of that famous inauguration speech.
 

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