As members of the Gamecock team set around discussing this terrible tragedy and others facts kept coming in about the assassination, we all agreed that this was an opportunity to do a "Special Edition" of the Gamecock, the catch; we needed to send some of our staff to Washington, DC as soon as we could plan it. We quickly decided that we could take five students including a photographer. Since budget was a concern and alternate transportation, such as a bus, was out we decided to drive. It was whoever had a car in the group and we ended up taking my eight year-old Plymouth.

Our assignment was to keep the Gamecock staff informed by calling in stories, happenings, and our observations to the students working on the "Special Edition". Keep in mind this was long before cell phones, computers (as we know them today), blogs, etc.

This was a very uncertain time and some of our parents were very apprehensive about their sons/daughters going to Washington. But we finally left in the late afternoon on November 22. We all took turns driving and finally arrived in Washington late that night. The very first thing we did was drive to Pennsylvania Avenue, I will never forget. You would think that there would be a lot of people on the streets, but all was very quiet, too quiet. We got out of the car and walked around the gates of the White House, it was very eerie. Knowing that the next day was going to be busy, we all went to our motel, where arrangements had been made for us to stay. There we brainstormed and tried to get some sleep before the next day.

We had been instructed to call Senator Strom Thurmond upon our arrival, so the first thing we did on the following morning was call his office. He knew we were coming and even during this extremely uncertain time, he wanted to meet us for lunch at a little place near the White House. Senator Thurmond made it possible for us to get into the Rotunda; he drove us through Arlington National Cemetery before the actual interment, and made our mission a lot easier. Each day we took turns keeping everyone in Columbia informed. Sometimes this was a little difficult trying to locate phones, reversing charges, etc. But we did it.

On Sunday morning, the 24th, President Kennedy's flag-draped casket was moved from the White House where it had been in the East Room to the Capitol Rotunda on a caisson drawn by six horses and accompanied by a riderless horse. The solemn crowd lined the streets and many wept openly as the casket passed. Of course, one of the most memorable of these moments was "John John" saluting as he stood next to his mother, Jacqueline Kennedy. We stood there in the cold watching, knowing that this was one of the darkest moments for our nation.

As the funeral culminated on November 25th, with a mass that was held at St. Matthews's Cathedral and the President's burial in Arlington National Cemetery, we had to head back to campus. It was a very quiet ride back as we discussed these unbelievable turn of events that took place in a very short time span but seemed like an eternity. I know I will always remember, the lines at the Rotunda, the lasting images of a very young boy saluting his father's casket, the riderless horse, and the brave and stoic Jacqueline Kennedy standing holding her children's hands as she watched the procession.

As very young and budding journalism student, this experience had a very lasting impression on me. As the years pass, I try to remember it all, but I know some of the memories are getting dim. But no matter how dim, I know I will never forget when five journalism students struck out to report on one of the biggest stories in our nation and in our young lives.

Forty-Six years later, the real reason John F. Kennedy was assassinated on that day in Dallas still remains a mystery. Over the years there have been many conspiracy theories going around. Most theories mention a conspiracy involving political entities, organized crime, the federal government and outside factions such as the KGB. John Kennedy was a champion of the civil rights movements, an idealist, and he wanted to put an end to the cold war. He recognized the need for change in many areas to better serve all citizens of our country. Is that the real reason he had to die?

As I reflect on this, I can't help but make a connection between President Barack Obama and President John F. Kennedy. They both wanted positive, not necessarily popular, change for our nation. I believe President Obama is a breath of fresh air for our country that has been too content to keep the status quo. After he was sworn in, he immediately jumped in to save our failing economy. His stimulus packages were criticized by many who are convinced that move is pushing our nation into further debt. President Obama is also working hard to make sure all of our citizens have access to adequate, affordable health care. In addition to that, he is looking at the troop situation overseas and studying the need of our commitment in that area.

In the back of my mind, I can't help but think and make the comparison between these two fantastic individuals and wonder if they will have the same fate.

The assassination of John F. Kennedy shocked the country. Where were you and what were you doing when you heard the news and how did it affect you?