Saturday, November 22, is the anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and 51-years after his death, his principles continue to cross party lines, influencing elected officials at the Jersey Shore.

President John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963) and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy ride with secret agents in an open car motorcade shortly before the president was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, November 22, 1963.
President John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963) and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy ride with secret agents in an open car motorcade shortly before the president was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, November 22, 1963. (Keystone/Getty Images)
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Brick Township Mayor John Ducey recalled being invited to the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Boston with other first-time Mayors and being inspired by a quote from the former President.

"All of this will not be finished in the first 100 days, nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, not in the life of our Administration, nor even our lifetime on this Planet," recited Ducey, noting how the saying inspired him to use his swearing in ceremony in January to introduce a "100 Day Plan" of 70 things he hopes to accomplish during his term as Mayor of Brick.

Ducey also shared another of his favorite JFK quotes, "Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer," noting every elected official should strive to accomplish the timeless piece of advice.

Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph Vicari shared memories of being a student in Jersey City when Kennedy visited General Square during his Presidential campaign.

"He was like something different. I remember as a youngster, it was public service; people have to get involved in government and not to think about yourself, but how to best serve your country," said Vicari, sharing it's one of the reasons he ran for public office. He added that elected officials today need to encourage more young people to get involved in government.

Former Toms River Mayor Paul Brush was serving overseas in the Navy during most of Kennedy's presidency, but pointed out how he realized just how much Kennedy meant to the United States and the World. He said the handsome Kennedy and his beautiful wife and family represented a new frontier in America.

"It was a change and it was an exciting time. It was the advent of television in the White House, something we had never seen before, press conferences," said Brush, adding Kennedy inspired many young people, including him, to get involved in their communities. "He's probably appreciated more today than when he was alive."

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande also noted how Kennedy's command to ask what you can do for your country an inspiration and template for all leaders.

"It can still give me chills to think I need to make sure I am part of this movement of Idealism of this great nation and working to build it," said Casagrande.

Casagrande added Kennedy's daughter Caroline carries her father's vision as the United States Ambassador to Japan.

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