Breton Fisherman's Prayer Plaque
Artifact IDMO 63.4861
Object Type
Plaque
Date
ca. 1960
Medium
Wood, bronze, brass
DimensionsOverall H 1 3/4 in x W 5 1/4 in x D 2 in (4.4 cm x 13.3 cm x 5.1 cm)
Physical DescriptionBronze plaque on wedge shaped block, with raised lettering, reads "Oh God thy sea is so great and my boat is so small". Brass plate on back is inscribed "Presented to President John F. Kennedy by Vice Admiral H. G. Rickover, U. S. N."
Historical NoteThis is an Old Breton prayer inscribed on plaques given to new submarine captains by Admiral Hyman Rickover who gave this one to the President. President Kennedy favored this quote and used it in his remarks at the dedication of the East Coast Memorial to the Missing at Sea, May 23, 1963. He kept the plaque on his Oval Office desk.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
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.On view