JFK Jr. Salutes his Father for the last time

Blog Post by Paul Farag



JFK Jr. Salutes his Father for the last time. Stan Stearns, November 25, 1963


Berenice Abbot and Walker Evans characterize selectivity as one of the most important aspects of photography, because it was gives it its weight as an art form, and as a form of social commentary. They argue that it is selection - the focus on subject matter which “hits hard” and “excites” the imagination - which turns photography into a “significant document” and a “penetrating statement.” I agree with their sentiment on the importance of selectivity, and I believe that it is in opposition to Daugerre’s thoughts on photography. By carefully selecting what we choose to record, what camera and lens to use, and what lighting to apply, we place ourselves in complete control of the creative process, empowering us to reproduce nature, whether its actual nature, or human nature.

The image I am choosing to discuss was taken by Stan Stearns, on November 25, 1963, at President John F. Kennedy’s funeral. The image is of President Kennedy’s son, John F. Kennedy Jr., saluting his Father’s casket one last time, as it is being taken to Arlington National Cemetery for burial. In the foreground, a Marine can be seen standing at attention, with a senior officer saluting the passing casket, perhaps inspiring the young boy to do the same. In the background, more officers can be seen. Most strikingly however, other than JFK Jr., is President Kennedy’s wife, Jacqueline, draped in all black, flanked by the rest the family, including Robert Kennedy. The arrangement of the people appears to be somewhat haphazard, lending to the somberness of the photo. Likewise, the choice to print it in black and white further adds to the tone. I chose this image because I feel as if I can understand the intentions of the photographer when he carefully selected to take this photo. Those intentions are to portray to the audience that this world changing event, one of the most important of the decade, can be reduced to one simple thing; that is, a family and, specifically, a son, saying good bye to their brother, husband, and father just one last time.