|
The collection also includes items illustrating light-hearted moments of the Kennedy presidency. They include a President's Special Award that Kennedy offered to Powers during a surprise celebration he arranged at the White House to mark the aide's 50th birthday. The tongue-in-cheek award is signed by Kennedy and reads: "Presented to David F. Powers on his 50th Birthday. In recognition of your athletic ability in hiking to my icebox to drink my Heikens," a reference to Heineken beer. A red ribbon on the award reads: "Physical fitness program walking 50 miles per month from TV to refrigerator and back." The JFK Library, which is charged with promoting the life and legacy of Kennedy, says it is working with Powers' family to figure out whether some of the items actually belong to the institution and should be returned. At the request of Robert F. Kennedy, Powers in 1964 began assembling and collecting Kennedy memorabilia that was to become part of the library's permanent exhibit, the library says on its website. He also traveled around the world with an exhibit to raise money for the library's construction, the website says. Powers' daughter, Mary, declined to comment for this story. "So there are things that the library will still be getting from the Powers family
-- the family has not given us every single thing that they have," Meader said.
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor