Associated Press reporter Peggy Simpson rushed to the scene just minutes after President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot as his motorcade rolled through downtown Dallas. She immediately attached herself to the police officers at the building from which a sniper’s bullets had been fired.
Now 84 years old, Simpson is one of the last surviving witnesses who are sharing their stories as the 60th anniversary of the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination approaches. Her recollection provides a tangible link to the past as the nation remembers this historic event.
Among those featured in “JFK: One Day in America,” a new three-part series from National Geographic, Simpson’s firsthand account offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective that complements archival footage, some of which has been colorized for the first time. Director Ella Wright emphasized that capturing the emotional impact of these events is crucial for modern audiences.
The memories from that day in history still resonate, drawing visitors to Dealey Plaza as the nation marks the somber anniversary. Former U.S. Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and others, including Simpson, recount their experiences and help shape the narrative of that fateful day.
Decades later, the significance of President Kennedy’s assassination has not waned. According to Stephen Fagin, curator at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the events of that day represented a turning point in American culture.
President Joe Biden, who was in college at the time of the assassination, shared his own memories of the tragic day. His recollections echo the sentiments of many others who were deeply impacted by President Kennedy’s death, illustrating the enduring legacy of this pivotal moment in history.
Simpson’s own account of the day’s events showcases the flurry of journalistic activity that surrounded the assassination. Rushing from the AP office to the Texas School Book Depository, she was caught up in the chaos and confusion. Her experiences, along with those of other witnesses, provide invaluable insight into a moment that forever changed the course of history.
Remaining active in documenting oral histories, the Sixth Floor Museum aims to capture the memories of individuals who lived through this iconic event. By doing so, they hope to preserve the personal recollections and experiences associated with the Kennedy assassination for future generations to understand and appreciate.
