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Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
Last Round of Salute Fired over John F. Kennedy's Grave
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.

Last Round of Salute Fired over John F. Kennedy's Grave

Artifact IDMO 66.113b
Object Type Shell, Artillery
Date 1963
Maker
Medium brass, lucite, bronze, wood
DimensionsOverall H 10 3/4 in x W 7 in x D 7 in (27.3 cm x 17.8 cm x 17.8 cm)
Physical Description75mm blank shell of the last round fired from the Old Guard antitank gun during the funeral of President John F. Kennedy over his grave. The shell is engraved: on front "The Last Round of the Salute Fired Over the Grave of John Fitzgerald Kennedy 25 November 1963 President of the United States", and on back "Shell Fired By Gun Platoon 3D Infantry U. S. Army 'The Old Guard'." The shell sits on top of a lucite block with an embedded Presidential Seal medallion embossed "President of the United States of America." Below the medal is text in gold lettering: "'We in this country, in this generation , are -- by destiny rather than choice --- the watchmen on the walls of world freedom.' (Undelivered Speech, Dallas, Tex., 22 Nov 63) John F. Kennedy --- 1963." The lucite block sits on a wooden base.
Historical NoteThe 3rd United States Infantry Regiment is a unit of the United States Army which serves as Escort to the President or Presidential Guard. It is the oldest active infantry regiment in the army, organized as the First American Regiment in 1784.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem is associated with the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by Major General Curtis Herrick in 1966.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Boston, MA
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view