Comments on: How John F. Kennedy Learned About the 1,100 Mormon Missionaries in Germany, 1963

By: Greg

Greg — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:56:05 +0000

Kent Bowen was our Bishop in Cambridge in the early 80′s. He was a wonderful man with a good sense of humor.

By: Clark

Clark — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:42:43 +0000

I love creative missionary PR efforts. This must surely be a highlight.

By: Maurine

Maurine — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:05:13 +0000

This is a very cool picture. And yes, Ardis, we can read the banner. I know you were worried. The picture would not be nearly as interesting without President Kennedy obviously turning his head to read the banner.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:15:38 +0000

Yes, kevinf.

(Yes, it was the Church News; yes, the Church News is part of the Deseret News; and yes, you’ve revealed your actual age. Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!)

By: kevinf

kevinf — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:43:15 +0000

Ardis, where was this picture published, the Church News or the Deseret News? I was only eleven at the time, but I recall seeing this picture somewhere before.

Now I’ve done it, and revealed my actual age. Did I say eleven months or years?

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:50:41 +0000

How wonderful is that?! Thanks, J. Well, we know he was an idea-man from his early manhood, don’t we?

By: J. Stapley

J. Stapley — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:37:16 +0000

I just got a note from my friends and it just so happens that I met H. Kent Bowen recently. He is the emeritus Harvard professor and he is currently serving as the President of the Washington, Tacoma, Mission.

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:28:14 +0000

I wonder if JFK remembered that scene a few months later (September 26, I think) when he met with the First Presidency in SLC and spoke in the Tabernacle.

By: NorahS

NorahS — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:05:50 +0000

Fascinating! I find that photograph quite heartwarming. Brought a little tear to my eye! I read this blog every time you post but rarely comment. You do great work!

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:28:41 +0000

Ardis, thanks for passing this along. Very cool.