N E W S
For Immediate Release 11/8/12
Contacts: Jessica Dowdy 817-698-7842 jessicadowdy@fortworth.com
Melody Fritz 800-776-9720 mfritz@phprinc.com
Unveiling event & photos available for media download.
Permanent, public installation honors President’s historic final speeches
(Fort Worth, Texas) — In a public ceremony that began at 9:00 a.m. this morning, the clear, youthful voices of 51 members of the Texas Boys Choir underscored the solemnity and respect that resonated throughout the formal dedication of The JFK Tribute, a permanent open air exhibit that fills a 2,000 square foot section of General Worth Square in Fort Worth. The event recognized the significance of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Fort Worth and his final speeches given on the morning of November 22, 1963.
Today, as then, a large crowd gathered at the intersection of 8th and Main to hear dignitaries and civic and community leaders speak about the ideals of our nation.
“The events of that day in 1963 have imbued the Fort Worth visit with extraordinary significance,” said Taylor Gandy, JFK Tribute Co-Chair. “President Kennedy’s vision and the impact of his leadership are as relevant now as then.”
The JFK Tribute is the culmination of over a decade of work by a public-private partnership spearheaded by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives Inc. (DFWII), and Shirlee J. and Taylor Gandy to create a tribute to Kennedy commemorating his historic visit to Fort Worth and his immutable ideals of freedom, courage, discovery and leadership, which he shared in his speeches delivered here.
The JFK Tribute extends beyond the outdoor site: there is an internet-based multi-media platform available for visitors through cell phone-accessible audio tours and on the web: www.jfktribute.com.
About Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.
In the early 1980s, Fort Worth began the urban revitalization of its downtown central business district aided by a private sector voice, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI). DFWI was established by a group of dedicated downtown property owners in December of 1981. This membership-based, 501(c)(6) organization has evolved into a significant champion for progress and excellence in downtown Fort Worth. In 1988, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. formed Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. (DFWII), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to provide a pathway for foundation grants, philanthropic donations and other contributions to help fund charitable, educational and public-purpose downtown projects. For information on both organizations, please visit www.dfwi.org.
