Did Jackie Kennedy Go To Robert Kennedy's Funeral? A Look Back At A Nation's Grief

The summer of 1968 brought a profound sorrow to America, a feeling that, for many, echoed the deep pain of just five years prior. The shocking news of Robert F. Kennedy's assassination on June 5th, 1968, plunged the nation into another period of intense mourning. People across the country, so it's almost, felt a personal connection to the Kennedy family, a connection that made each loss feel like their own. This tragic event, coming so soon after President John F. Kennedy's death, left many wondering how the family, especially Jacqueline Kennedy, would cope with yet another public and private heartbreak.

For those who lived through that time, the images of the Kennedy family during moments of national grief are etched into memory. There was, you know, a collective holding of breath, watching for signs of strength amidst unimaginable sorrow. Jacqueline Kennedy, a figure of grace and resilience, had already carried the weight of the nation's grief once before. Her presence, or lack thereof, at any significant family event, particularly a funeral of such high profile, would naturally draw considerable attention.

So, the question often comes up: did Jackie Kennedy go to Robert Kennedy's funeral? The answer is a clear yes. She was there, a quiet yet powerful presence, standing with the family as they said goodbye to a beloved brother, a devoted father, and a hopeful leader. This article explores her role in that somber occasion, a moment that, in a way, marked another turning point in the nation's history and in the story of a remarkable woman.

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Table of Contents

• Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: A Glimpse into Her Life
• A Nation's Deep Sorrow
  • The Shocking News
  • The Journey to Arlington
• Jackie Kennedy's Presence: A Symbol of Strength and Grief
  • Her Appearance and Demeanor
  • The Public's View
• The Funeral Service: A Somber Farewell
  • Moments of Silence
  • The Burial
• The Weight of Public Mourning
  • A Family's Private Pain, Publicly Shared
  • The Aftermath
• Frequently Asked Questions

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: A Glimpse into Her Life

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, a truly iconic figure, lived a life marked by both immense privilege and profound tragedy. Born into a prominent New York family, she gained national attention as the wife of John F. Kennedy. Her elegance, intelligence, and composure captivated people all over the world. She really was, in many ways, a person who shaped the image of the American First Lady.

Her time in the White House was short but memorable. She undertook significant restoration projects and brought a sense of cultural sophistication to the executive mansion. People admired her quiet strength and her dedication to her family. It was, you know, a period of great hope and excitement for many, and she played a central part in that.

The assassination of her husband in November 1963 changed everything. She faced that unspeakable horror with a dignity that moved the world. Her image, dressed in black, walking behind the casket, became a lasting symbol of national grief. This event, obviously, prepared her, in a way, for the public role she would again have to play in the face of another family tragedy just a few years later. She was, you know, quite a person of quiet resolve.

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Personal Details

A Nation's Deep Sorrow

The year 1968 was, in many respects, a turbulent time for the United States. The nation was grappling with civil rights issues, the Vietnam War, and a deep sense of unrest. Then, the news of Robert F. Kennedy's assassination struck, adding another layer of sadness to an already heavy period. It felt like, you know, a wound that just wouldn't heal for the country.

Robert Kennedy, or RFK as many called him, had just won the California presidential primary. His campaign had offered a sense of hope and a promise of change for many Americans. He spoke to people who felt unheard, and his message resonated widely. His death, therefore, felt like a crushing blow to those hopes, a really devastating moment for millions.

The immediate aftermath of his death was marked by shock and disbelief. People gathered in public spaces, just trying to process what had happened. There was a palpable sense of grief that spread across the country, a feeling of loss that, you know, seemed to touch everyone. This national sorrow set the stage for the solemn events that would follow.

The Shocking News

The news of Robert Kennedy's shooting came late on June 4th, 1968, after his victory speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. He had just finished speaking, full of energy and optimism, when the shots rang out. The immediate chaos that followed was truly frightening. People in the hotel, and then across the country, heard the reports with a sense of dread.

For hours, the nation held its breath as news updates came in from the hospital. There was a desperate hope that he would survive, that this tragedy would somehow be averted. But, tragically, Robert Kennedy passed away early on June 6th. The confirmation of his death sent a wave of despair through the country. It was, you know, a moment when many felt their spirits truly sink.

The fact that it happened so soon after his brother's death made it even more difficult for people to accept. It seemed, in a way, like a cruel repeat of history. This profound shock and the immediate, deep sadness prepared the public for the difficult days ahead, as the nation prepared to mourn another Kennedy brother. It was a very, very hard time for people.

The Journey to Arlington

Robert Kennedy's funeral took place on June 8th, 1968, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. The service was a solemn affair, attended by family, friends, and many world leaders. After the funeral, his body was transported by train to Washington D.C. for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, near his brother John F. Kennedy.

The train journey itself became a powerful symbol of national mourning. Thousands upon thousands of people lined the tracks, standing in silence, waving flags, or simply watching as the train passed. They came from all walks of life, just to pay their respects, to offer a final farewell. It was, you know, an incredible display of public grief and affection.

This procession, from New York to Arlington, allowed countless ordinary citizens to participate in the mourning process. It was a shared experience of sadness and remembrance. The sight of so many people, standing quietly along the tracks, showed the depth of feeling for Robert Kennedy. It was, basically, a very moving and memorable journey for many.

Jackie Kennedy's Presence: A Symbol of Strength and Grief

Jacqueline Kennedy's decision to attend Robert Kennedy's funeral was, in many ways, a given. Despite her immense personal grief and the trauma of her husband's assassination, she stood by the Kennedy family. Her presence at the funeral was, you know, a powerful statement of solidarity and shared sorrow. She was there, offering support to Ethel Kennedy, Robert's widow, and to the children.

Her appearance at the funeral, much like at her husband's, conveyed a sense of quiet dignity. She was dressed in black, a somber figure among the mourners. People watched her, perhaps wondering how she could endure yet another such public display of grief. She seemed to embody the nation's collective sadness, yet also its enduring strength. It was, in a way, a very difficult role she had to play.

Her participation in the funeral events, from the service in New York to the burial in Arlington, showed her deep connection to the Kennedy family. She was not just a former First Lady; she was a grieving sister-in-law, a member of a family that had faced unimaginable losses. Her presence offered comfort to those around her and, arguably, to the nation as a whole. She really was, you know, a beacon of grace.

Her Appearance and Demeanor

During Robert Kennedy's funeral, Jacqueline Kennedy maintained her characteristic composure. She appeared outwardly calm, even as the weight of the occasion must have been crushing. Her eyes, however, often conveyed a deep sadness, a reflection of the profound loss she and the family were experiencing. She was, in some respects, a picture of quiet endurance.

She stood by Ethel Kennedy, offering comfort and support. There were moments captured where she held Ethel's hand or offered a reassuring touch. These small gestures spoke volumes about the bond between them and the shared burden of their grief. It was, you know, a truly heartbreaking scene for anyone to witness.

Her attire, a simple black dress and veil, added to the somber atmosphere. She dressed with a respectful simplicity that mirrored the gravity of the event. Her demeanor was one of quiet strength, a silent testament to her ability to face adversity with grace. She just seemed to carry herself with such a powerful, quiet presence, a very striking thing to see.

The Public's View

The public, watching the funeral on television or seeing photographs in newspapers, reacted with immense sympathy to Jacqueline Kennedy's presence. Many admired her ability to stand firm in the face of such repeated tragedy. She had become, in a way, a symbol of resilience for the entire country. People felt a deep connection to her sorrow.

Her quiet strength offered a strange comfort to a grieving nation. If she could endure such pain with dignity, perhaps others could too. Her image, once again, became intertwined with a national moment of sorrow, a very powerful visual representation of collective grief. It was, you know, a difficult but important role she played for the public.

Her attendance reinforced the idea of a family bound by both joy and tragedy, a family that, despite everything, stood together. The public saw her not just as a historical figure, but as a woman experiencing immense personal pain, yet still showing up for her loved ones. This really resonated with people, offering a sense of shared humanity during a very dark time.

The Funeral Service: A Somber Farewell

The funeral service for Robert F. Kennedy at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City was a truly solemn and moving event. The vast cathedral was filled with family, friends, political figures, and world dignitaries, all gathered to say goodbye. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, a palpable sense of loss filling the grand space. It was, you know, a very quiet and respectful gathering.

Cardinal Terence Cooke presided over the Mass, which included heartfelt eulogies. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Robert's younger brother, delivered a particularly poignant eulogy that moved many to tears. He spoke of Robert's ideals, his compassion, and his dedication to justice, painting a picture of a man who truly wanted to make the world better. This speech, you know, really captured the essence of who RFK was for so many.

Jacqueline Kennedy sat with the immediate family, a dignified figure amidst the profound sadness. She participated in the rituals of the Mass, offering prayers and sharing in the collective mourning. Her presence underscored the unity of the family in their grief, a very powerful image for the nation to see. It was, basically, a very difficult day for everyone present.

Moments of Silence

Throughout the funeral service, there were moments of profound silence, punctuated only by the quiet sobs of mourners or the soft rustle of movement. These silences felt incredibly heavy, filled with unspoken grief and reflection. Everyone in the cathedral, and those watching from afar, seemed to hold their breath, just absorbing the weight of the moment. It was, you know, a time for quiet contemplation.

The pauses between readings and eulogies allowed for individual processing of the immense loss. In these quiet stretches, one could almost feel the collective sorrow that filled the air. It was a shared experience of heartbreak, a moment when, you know, everyone felt connected through their sadness. These silent moments were arguably as powerful as any spoken words.

For Jacqueline Kennedy, these silences must have been particularly poignant, bringing back memories of another funeral just a few years prior. She sat through them with her usual grace, a testament to her inner strength. The quiet dignity of the service, marked by these deep silences, truly reflected the gravity of the national tragedy. It was, really, a very somber occasion.

The Burial

After the service in New York, Robert Kennedy's body was taken by train to Washington D.C. The final resting place was Arlington National Cemetery, on a hillside near the grave of his brother, John F. Kennedy. The burial ceremony at Arlington was a more private affair, attended primarily by family and close friends. It was, you know, a very intimate moment of farewell.

Jacqueline Kennedy was present at the graveside, standing with the other members of the Kennedy family. The scene was deeply moving, with the setting sun casting long shadows over the hallowed ground. The military honors, the quiet prayers, and the final lowering of the casket created a deeply emotional atmosphere. It was, very, very difficult to watch for those who were there.

The decision to bury Robert Kennedy near his brother symbolized their enduring bond and the shared legacy of the family. For Jackie, it meant standing once again at a graveside in Arlington, saying goodbye to another beloved member of her family. It was, in a way, a painful echo of the past, a moment of profound personal and public sorrow. This final act completed a truly heartbreaking series of events.

The Weight of Public Mourning

The funeral of Robert F. Kennedy was not just a private family event; it was a deeply public one, too. The entire nation, and indeed much of the world, watched and mourned alongside the Kennedy family. This widespread public display of grief added another layer of pressure and emotion to an already devastating situation. People, you know, felt a need to express their sadness collectively.

For Jacqueline Kennedy, this public aspect was something she had experienced before, and it was a heavy burden to bear. Every move, every expression, was observed and interpreted by millions. She had to navigate her personal sorrow while also serving as a figure of strength and composure for a grieving country. It was, arguably, an incredibly demanding role for anyone.

The sheer scale of the public's sorrow, evident in the crowds along the train tracks and the solemn faces watching on television, underscored the impact of Robert Kennedy's life and death. It was a moment when the country paused, united in a shared sense of loss and disbelief. This collective mourning, you know, truly defined the atmosphere of those days.

A Family's Private Pain, Publicly Shared

The Kennedy family, already having endured so much, faced their grief in the full view of the world. Their private pain became, in a way, a national sorrow. The images of Ethel Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, and the children at the funeral became iconic, representing the immense burden of loss that the family carried. It was, you know, a very raw and exposed moment for them.

For Jackie, this was a particularly poignant experience. She had been through this before, standing beside her husband's coffin, comforting her children. Now, she was there for her sister-in-law, a silent pillar of support. Her ability to maintain her composure, even in such agonizing circumstances, was something that deeply impressed many. She really was, you know, a remarkable person in times of crisis.

The public's connection to the Kennedy family meant that their personal tragedy was felt by millions. This shared experience of grief, while painful, also created a sense of unity across the country. It was a moment when, you know, people put aside differences and just felt a common humanity in the face of such profound loss. The family's pain, in a way, became everyone's pain.

The Aftermath

Robert Kennedy's funeral marked the end of a very difficult week for the Kennedy family and for the nation. The immediate aftermath was characterized by a lingering sense of sadness and a quiet reflection on the events of that turbulent year. For Jacqueline Kennedy, the period following the funeral involved a deeper retreat from public life. She sought, you know, a greater sense of privacy and peace.

Her decision to marry Aristotle Onassis later that year was, in part, an effort to find a safe haven for herself and her children away from the intense public scrutiny and the constant threat of violence that seemed to follow the Kennedy name. It was a move, you know, that many people understood, given the circumstances. She really needed a change, a fresh start.

The memory of Robert Kennedy's funeral, and Jackie's presence there, remains a powerful image in American history. It stands as a testament to her resilience and her unwavering support for her family through unimaginable hardship. The events of June 1968, and her role in them, continue to resonate, reminding us of a time of great sorrow and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Learn more about American history on our site, and link to this page JFK Library's information on RFK's assassination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Jacqueline Kennedy's role in Robert Kennedy's funeral?

Jacqueline Kennedy attended Robert Kennedy's funeral as a grieving sister-in-law and a member of the immediate family. She stood by Ethel Kennedy, Robert's widow, and offered support during the solemn ceremonies. Her presence was a powerful symbol of family unity and shared grief during a very difficult time. She was, you know, a quiet but very strong presence.

Where was Robert Kennedy buried?

Robert F. Kennedy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His grave is located on a hillside close to the grave of his older brother, President John F. Kennedy. This burial site, you know, creates a lasting connection between the two brothers, a very poignant detail for many.

How did the public react to Jackie Kennedy's presence at the funeral?

The public reacted with immense sympathy and admiration to Jacqueline Kennedy's presence at Robert Kennedy's funeral. Many people saw her as a figure of quiet strength and dignity, enduring yet another profound loss with remarkable composure. Her presence, you know, resonated deeply with a grieving nation, offering a sense of shared humanity and resilience.