Dallas gathering marks JFK’s slaying

DALLAS – About 300 people, including history buffs, conspiracy theorists and even two Elvis impersonators, gathered in Dealey Plaza on Wednesday to mark the 43rd anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination in a loosely organized ceremony that was part memorial and part circus.

Beverly Oliver, who witnessed the Nov. 22, 1963, shooting, began the event by singing the national anthem, after which the crowd observed a moment of silence at 12:30 p.m., the time of day the fatal shots were fired.

Many on hand said they didn’t think Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in Kennedy’s assassination and some thought he was set up.

“You’ll get 100 different theories from 100 different people,” said Jim Crump, 44, from Orlando, who said he was working on an in-depth study of the assassination. “It’s like Pandora’s box, where more and more stuff comes out until you just can’t get it to close and go away.”

Author Robert Groden, a Dealey Plaza regular for the past 12 years, hawked his 11 books and glossy magazines about the assassination from a table set up between the grassy knoll and Elm Street, where Kennedy and Gov. John Connally were shot.

Dennis and Debra Walker, of Chicago, were in town to visit their daughter for Thanksgiving. Dennis, a 54-year-old history teacher, said they came to Dealey Plaza because “it dawned on us that it was the anniversary.”

“JFK always had this mystique,” said Debra Walker, 50. “It became a part of your life. It became more personal. I remember my parents, who were staunch Republicans, were so devastated and couldn’t believe anyone would do this.”