Even in her pain, Jackie took the time to send a handwritten note to the widow of Officer Tippit who was killed just 45 minutes after President Kennedy by Lee Harvey Oswald.
Dear Mrs Tippit,
What can I say to you – My husband’s death is responsible for you losing your husband. Wasn’t one life enough to take on that day?
I lit a flame for Jack at Arlington [Cemetery] that will burn forever. I consider that it burns for your husband too and so will everyone who ever sees it.
With my inexpressible sympathy, Jacqueline Kennedy
Jackie was only 31 years old when she became the First Lady. She remained a classy lady throughout her life. This letter to Mrs. Tippit exemplifies what a real lady Mrs. Kennedy really was.
The letter is now the property of the Kennedys.
The Tippits had a good day together. Officer Tippit had been able to pop home for lunch. His wife made him fried potatoes and a tuna sandwich. He returned to work and was killed by Oswald. His funeral was the same day as that of President Kennedy.
She also insisted on keeping her bloody suit and stockings on. “Let hem see what they’ve done”.
Everyone should take a moment and think of what hate and anger can accomplish. It rarely accomplishes good.
I find it humbling that in her grief she took the time to write to the widow of a cop. She was, for all purposes, the most famous woman in the world at the time.
It speaks to what a really classy person she was.