1963 Historic JFK Presidential Medals of Freedom White House Dinner Program

1963 Historic Presidential Medals of Freedom White House Dinner Program. John F. Kennedy established the Presidential Medal of Freedom and selected the first recipients, all of whom are listed in the program. However, the young President never had the opportunity to present the awards as he was assassinated just two weeks prior to the ceremony at The White House. The event was not canceled, and a somber and low key presentation of the Presidential Medals of Freedom took place at The White House on December 6, 1963. This was the same day that Jacqueline Kennedy formally departed from The White House. The 12 page program concludes with a quote from JFK referencing the establishment of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Original.