Memories of a San Antonio Presidential visit 60 years ago.

It was 60 years ago today that President John Fitzgerald Kennedy visited San Antonio and Brooks Air Force base for the dedication ceremony of a complex of buildings at the $6.2 million extension of the School of Aerospace Medicine. The President was accompanied on the visit by his wife Jackie, along with Vice President and Mrs Johnson, and Texas Governor John Connally and Mrs Connally.

Air Force One flew into San Antonio from Washington, landing at 1:30pm, and this was the beginning of a whirlwind Texas visit, which included not only the Alamo City, but also Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas and Austin. Aboard Air Force One with the President was Senator Yarborough and 14 Texan congressmen, including Henry Gonzalez.

Photo: Art Rickerby

Photo: Art Rickerby

The motorcade route began at the airport, and proceeded along Loop 410 to Broadway, then it was down Houston Street, turning onto St. Mary’s Street and Roosevelt, before heading to Brooks AFB.

Photo: Art Rickerby

Flag-waving crowds lined the 26 mile route, craning to get a glimpse of the young President and his wife Jackie, who was on her first visit to the Lone Star state. At least three times on the journey, the vehicles were forced to stop as the couple were mobbed by well-wishers.

Photo: San Antonio Express News

As the limousines slowly rolled past Incarnate Word University, Mrs Kennedy was presented with bouquets of flowers. Offices were emptied and schools were closed to allow workers and students to witness the parade.

Photo: mysa.com

Along the way, the motorcade came to a halt as the Cadet Corps at the Texas Military Institute gave the President a military salute.

Photo: San Antonio Express News

Cheers and applause greeted the cars as they continued through the city streets on their way to Brooks AFB.

Photo: San Antonio Express News

Photo: San Antonio Express News

It was estimated that over 15,000 people visited the Air Force base that day to witness the event. The stage where the ceremony was held had 74 seats for the official presidential party along with other dignitaries, and seats around the stage began to fill up two hours before the President and First Lady were due to arrive. The motorcade pulled up to the stage at 2:37pm, a few minutes late due to the crowds they had encountered along the route from the San Antonio airport.

Photo: mysa.com

Photo: Tumblr

Following his address, the official party toured the Aerospace Medical Center and facilities.

Photo: San Antonio Express News

Once the tour had concluded, the President and First Lady mingled with the crowd, shaking hands and having precious photos taken, before once again, they climbed aboard their vehicle to continue their journey…this time to Kelly Air Force base.

Photo: Real Clear Politics

Prior to leaving, the President and the First Lady ensured that they personally thanked police officers for their service that day.

Photo: San Antonio Express News

When the Presidential party flew out of Kelly AFB at 3:55pm, headed for Houston, it was estimated that over 132,000 people had turned out that day to welcome the President and First Lady to San Antonio for their 2 1/2 hour visit.

Photo: San Antonio Express News

Do you have memories of that special day ?

Additional stories:

Teachers and students of the new John F. Kennedy High School were hopeful that the President would be able to squeeze in a visit to the campus while in San Antonio for the official dedication of the school. An invitation had been sent to the White House, but unfortunately, the scheduled ceremony for that day had to be postponed because no reply was received. However, Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez assured the school that he had spoken to the President that day, and had received assurances that the President would schedule another visit to the Alamo City for the dedication ceremony. Sadly, it was not to be because of the tragic event in the next 24 hours.

Photo: John F. Kennedy High School

Since he had arrived in San Antonio a little earlier than the President, Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson found time to duck into the barbershop at the San Antonio airport for a quick haircut !
During the motorcade along Broadway, the President’s limousine passed Cambridge Elementary School. An iconic photograph was taken by Major W.M. Kardegg capturing that moment. A print was given to retired businessman Jim Berg, and with $25,000 raised from mainly now-former students in the photo, he arranged for a permanent memorial to be constructed at that site where the school children had gathered.