walter croon kite. walter cronkite. the word changed america forever in terms of loss of innocence on the day he was assassinated. john f. kennedy, november 22, 1963. the shots rang out as president kennedy s motorcade moved through dealey plaza. the parents with their children were standing there in anticipation waiting to see the president. then a short time later the death of the president was announced. lyndon johnson sworn in as the new chief on air force 1. jackie kennedy still in the suit