Remembering Veterans: JFK’s Inspirational War Story

John F. Kennedy’s heroism during World War II continues to resonate 80 years after the events that launched him to national attention. His determination and selflessness in leading his crew to safety after their boat, PT-109, was cut in two by a Japanese destroyer in the Solomon Islands’ Blackett Strait epitomize the values of comradeship and interdependence that Kennedy would later emphasize in both his political and literary endeavors. Kennedy’s story serves as a reminder that heroism is not limited to extraordinary circumstances, but is rather an opportunity that is presented to all of us at some point. Caroline Kennedy, the president’s daughter, exemplified this message by swimming in the same waters where her father nearly lost his life, demonstrating that his heroism is within reach of us all at our best.