The President's Commission met, at 4:20 p.m., on Friday, June 5, 1964,
at 3017 N Street NW., Washington, D.C.
Present was Chief Justice Earl Warren, Chairman.
Also present were J. Lee Rankin, general counsel; and Robert F.
Kennedy, Attorney General of the United States.
The CHAIRMAN. The Commission will be in order.
Mrs. Kennedy, the Commission would just like to have you say in
your own words, in your own way, what happened at the time of
the assassination of the President. Mr. Rankin will ask you a few
questions, just from the time you left the airport until the time you
started for the hospital. And we want it to be brief. We want it to
be in your own words and want you to say anything that you feel is
appropriate to that occasion.
Would you be sworn, please, Mrs. Kennedy?
Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you give before the Commission
will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help
you God?
Mrs. KENNEDY. I do.
The CHAIRMAN. Would you be seated.
Mr. RANKIN. State your name for the record.
Mrs. KENNEDY. Jacqueline Kennedy.
Mr. RANKIN. And you are the widow of the former President Kennedy?
Mrs. KENNEDY. That is right.
Mr. RANKIN. You live here in Washington?
Mrs. KENNEDY. Yes.
Mr. RANKIN. Can you go back to the time that you came to Love Field on
November 22 and describe what happened there after you landed in the
plane?
Mrs. KENNEDY. We got off the plane. The then Vice President and
Mrs. Johnson were there. They gave us flowers. And then the car was
waiting, but there was a big crowd there, all yelling, with banners and
everything. And we went to shake hands with them. It was a very hot
day. And you went all along a long line. I tried to stay close to my
husband and lots of times you get pushed away, you know, people leaning
over and pulling your hand. They were very friendly.
And, finally, I don't know how we got back to the car. I think
Congressman Thomas somehow was helping me. There was lots of confusion.
Mr. RANKIN. Then you did get into the car. And you sat on the left side
of the car, did you, and your husband on your right?
Mrs. KENNEDY. Yes.