Why JFK's Casket Stayed Closed

"They have to remember Jack alive."
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**Films and Images Courtesy of The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza**
Abraham Zapruder Film
Orville Nix Film
Tina Towner Film
Ivan Sharp Collection
Towner Collection
Bill Winfrey Collection
KRLD-TV/KDFW-TV Collection
WFAA-TV Collection
Dallas Times Herald Collection (photographers Darryl Heikes, Eamon Kennedy, John Mazziotta)
Dallas Morning News Collection (donated in the interest of preserving history)
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**PRODUCTION CREDITS**
Mortician and Writer: Caitlin Doughty
Producer and Writer: Louise Hung (@LouiseHung1)
Editor & Graphics: Timothy Meier
Thumbnail: Landis Blair (@LandisBlair)
This video was greatly informed by the book “The Death of a President" by the late William Manchester. Since new information has come to light in the past decades, a huge thank you to Stephen Fagin from The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for your assistance and insight into many of the details in this story.
A portion of this video features The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas. Thank you to Megan Bryant and the Museum staff for your thoughtful assistance. Learn more about the Museum at www.jfk.org/
**SELECTED SOURCES & ADDITIONAL READING**
Manchester, William
The Death of a President
Little, Brown and Company; reprint edition 2013
The Loved One (1965 film) directed by Tony Richardson based on the book by Evelyn Waugh
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
www.jfk.org/page-timeline/
“Fond Farewells”
www.laphamsquarterly.org/deat...
“JFK assassiantion - timeline”
www.theguardian.com/world/201...
“Jackie Kennedy's Secret Service Agent Remembers President Kennedy's Funeral”
www.townandcountrymag.com/soc...
“Burial At Sea: The Odyssey of JFK’s Original Casket”
/ burial-at-sea-the-odys...
“How Jackie Kennedy Orchestrated The Perfect Funeral”
www.businessinsider.com/jfk-f...
“Eyewitness to the Autopsy of JFK”
countryroadsmagazine.com/art-...
“Funeral Arrangements for John Fitzgerald Kennedy” (Gawler account)
www.aarclibrary.org/publib/jf...
“The woman who forced us to look death in the face”
www.bbc.com/future/article/20...

[@ramblinentertainment1922]

It says a lot about our society that we have an almost minute by minute account of what happened after Oswald fired that gun, but in school I at least never learned anything about Jackie’s resilience in the days that followed

[@hannatude]

I was just saying the same thing to my friend when I sent her the link for the video. We were taught that it was a sad day “for the nation”. One of my high school teachers taught a lesson about subjectivity vs. objectivity by using Kennedy Conspiracy theories. But this is the first time I’ve ever really truly felt that they were *human*, rather than just *history*. …I feel like I need to go give someone a hug.

[@slaphappysmokey1]

Yup, that was all we were taught. Glad we have people that research and put videos together about our history that seems to have been hidden from us...unless we dig for it.

[@freedomfirst5557]

I highly recommend seeing a couple of documentaries about Jackie.......take in about four or five of them, then you will get a clearer picture of why maybe she was...."ignored" in general by America.

[@guido20071970]

Oswald shot a gun?

[@neolexiousneolexian6079]

@@freedomfirst5557 Since you're just casting aspersions without even trying to provide details or explanation, I hope you understand why I and probably most people here will choose to instead... "ignore" you in general.

[@holliberry2614]

I remember when my stepfather died. My brother, who was his biological child, was distraught. The funeral director asked if he wanted 'casket insurance' . He was ready to say 'yes' to anything. I quickly asked "what is casket insurance'? I was told it was insurance paid so that the casket would not leak, the remains leak out, etc. I asked how we could make sure the insurance was working .....did they dig up the casket every month/year etc to make sure it was working appropriately? Of course the funeral director , goggled eyed, fumbled his answer and finally said 'no'. I said , 'then no, we don't need the added charge of 'casket insurance'. Not cool. Obviously a tactic to prey on the emotional situation that is the loss of a loved one.

[@orvilleh.larson7581]

This is interesting. If you don't mind my asking, how long ago was this? "Casket insurance"? What the hell! Of course, this was a scam to extract more money from you. The funeral director felt he could offer this crap, knowing there's virtually no chance that the funeral buyer will exhume the casket to find out. You called him out over this. It's good that you did. Even today--with the wealth of funeral information that's available, with legal protections in place--some funeral directors still try to exploit the funeral buyer. . . .

[@MartinGarcia-km4qs]

Its disgusting how these funeral directors try and squeeze the last dollar out of the grieving family.

[@holliberry2614]

@@orvilleh.larson7581 It was over 20 years ago. I just remember my brother being distraught ( he was in his early 20's at the time....no life experience;-) and he was just overwhelmed. He was ready to say yes to anything the funeral director said. I just remember thinking..."How the F do you know if the 'casket insurance' you purchased is actually working?" The look on the funeral director's face was worth it ;-) But that is me.....always logical.

[@nett6051]

Thankyou for sharing your story. Its great that you stood up and question the cost of the casket insurance

[@tater82]

Isn’t that why we buy a vault? Even with that it’s 3 different tiers at a decent upcharge 🙄 if the vault seals..it’s good.

[@carolynbarcus3662]

I'm now 72. I was in elementary school when this announcement came over the loud speakers. I remember that day so vividly.

[@detectivesquirrel2621]

My wife Sami was an avid follower of yours and contributed to your patroen. She died last year and despite having to fight against her parents' wishes I got Sami the Woodland Burial she wanted thanks to watching your videos.

[@wareforcoin5780]

I'm sorry that your wife died, but I'm glad you got her the burial she wanted. That's the last gift you can give someone.

[@bootykingfaia]

i’m so very sorry for your loss.. i’m very thankful that you could give your wife that burial and give that to yourself too. may she rest in peace. that’s beautiful, and very sad. thank you for sharing. i wish you peace and light

[@zkarebear]

I am so very sorry for you loss. And that is so beautiful that you were able to honor her wishes.

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences. Xxx

[@meritofapproval]

🌻

[@glytchmeister9856]

It’s unbelievable they were so insistent on an open casket. The moment he died, he no longer belonged to the people. He stopped being the president. He was Jackie’s husband. Jackie should have had absolute authority the whole time.

[@masterchief6922]

I opened the casket

[@presidentceresidence5663]

Yeah that's true but in order for the conspirators to get away with it... LBJ broke the law mostly treason and conspiracy to commit murder...

[@maneevent1508]

Jackie is transgender and the one who shot him

[@presidentceresidence5663]

@@maneevent1508 nope....guess again

[@maneevent1508]

@@presidentceresidence5663 Yes, it's a fact

[@lagunabay51]

I was 12 when Kennedy was shot. Like millions I was shocked of the news. I followed the funeral, the inquiries for years into my 30s 40s and even in my 60s still with questions about the events of that day. This documentary finally answered so many of my questions and then some. Thank you EB for your exceptional work.

[@livvikitty]

Wow that is so cool sir🥺 Do you remember any more of it

[@user-gn8if3fq9j]

Me too.

[@jenniferholden9397]

I was an 8 year old in the UK, JFK and RFK were adored over here, they brought hope to the British people as well as Americans. I hope RFK jr is permitted to serve in your government.

[@curtcoller3632]

I was seven - but I also followed all reports years later and loved the movie "I as in Ikarus" - that was the German title.

[@datman3416]

Man life flys by don’t it?

[@nbcatlover]

People later questioned Jackie’s marriage to Onassis, but he could buy the privacy & protection from the public eye when she needed it.

[@juliaknight6544]

My son at the age of 28 years old was brutally stabbed 24 times when I saw him in the casket he looked like nothing had happened to him. I can tell you from experience the the funeral home made my son look absolutely beautiful like he had never been attacked. People don’t realize how important that is and the grieving process and I’ll never ever forget how much it helped me and make me with what it happened. Thank you for what you guys do to make our losses more bearable.

[@datman3416]

Damn.. I’m sorry you and your son had to go through that. What a horrible traumatic experience that must have been and must continue to be for you. I hope you’ve found some peace with it and I pray your son is resting in peace 😔

[@maggiekarabel123]

Caitlyn this may be a bit morbid even for this channel but have you considered a video about Emmett Till and the incredible bravery of his mother Mamie? She insisted on a public, open casket funeral. “Let them see what they’ve done to my baby.” It’s quite a story.

[@DeidreL9]

Oh God yes. That made so much sense, what an incredible woman she was.🙏

[@mariekatherine5238]

I third this motion.

[@miciarokiri5182]

This is a really good topic. She could also speak with Black Historians and funeral experts about the times and what was common practice.

[@lindadenneypu6315]

Very sad storey he didn't deserve what happened to him

[@flux.aeterna]

Yes please

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

My God losing a son and a husband in the span of three months. Jackie Kennedy had strength beyond my own comprehension

[@mwater_moon2865]

On the upside, her loosing a baby with just 5 weeks left (35 of 40 weeks) had a profound impact on neo-natal and ultra premie medicine. Very much for the good, which is why my goddaughter survived, despite being born at only 24 weeks and 1 day.

[@kevinlambert2756]

Probably should have had the bullet proof top up on the car.. but who would have thought..he would be shot..that day.

[@abbybrown638]

@@mwater_moon2865 I had no idea. My daughter was born at 35 weeks. Its sad so many women and babies had to die before they figured it out. I developed HELLP syndrome, it was terrifying. she just had to be observed in the nicu though. I feel so lucky to be here laying next to her right now.

[@felicitybywater8012]

@@mwater_moon2865 Tell your god-daughter I'm glad she made it ❤

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Urgent attention! ✌👉 The Connections (2021) [short documentary] 💖✌

[@anitarose7915]

My dad died the day after my 24th birthday. I was his power of attorney and selected by him to handle his estate. At the time, I looked much younger, so I looked perfectly naive. When I was in the funeral home choosing a casket, the man was showing me models and said, "This one has a pillow for his comfort." My expression and stare must have said it all, because he immediately apologized and looked at the floor. He stayed quiet the rest of the time. I did the funeral thing for my grandmother, his mom. She felt it was the right way to do things. But even before all of this, I always thought the whole funeral thing was kind of sick and twisted. Not to mention a money scam manipulation, that targets those vulnerable and hurting.

[@pageribe2399]

Yes, funerals are for those left behind, and there are plenty of scam artists in and around the industry, but the ritual of the funeral - complete with the open casket - is enormously comforting to many people.

[@DannyJane.]

I was 15 in 1963. I didn't cry although I spent the ensuing days as if a lead weight had been placed inside my chest. My family, like millions of others, sat glued to the television which was never off. But I never cried. Now, 60 years later. I finally cried for a time when the world was so different, for the millions of us who lost a sense of ourselves, our innocence, and the feeling of foreboding that has never entirely left.

[@I.M.A.Panther3619]

We have lived through difficult times and you are so right that an innocence was forever lost. I was in 2nd grade when this happened.

[@pompom11]

I was 8 all three channels broadcasting the Funeral. 📺

[@emilyflavell1658]

I cannot even imagine how Jackie must have felt. Your description of her putting her wedding ring on her husband's finger has me in tears, that poor woman. Nobody deserves to go through this.

[@miippi]

Same. I'm European and we weren't really taught about JFK in school, until i was 20 i didn't know who Jackie Kennedy was. But holy mother of... She was so strong. Going through all of this? And staying sane?

[@NaomiDollxoxo]

Yes, I didn’t know that. It brought tears to my eyes. She just wanted to show him how much she loves him to the last available second 🥺

[@rogeraxelsson]

​@@miippi I am a European. And, yes, I viewed the shooting on TV in black & white television. And - I was 7 years old when the Norwegian television sent the program again-and-again. And we grew-up with the knowledge of this asassination. But no colour TV - just black & white.

[@melissastevenson7059]

​@@miippiI know your comment is old, but I just stumbled onto this video after learning of Trains founding bassist died in Belgium. Both men died too young. As for Jackie she remarried a Greek Tycoon and lived a life of luxury until she was stricken with cancer. I believe they lived much of their time in Europe.

[@quisnessness]

Jackie truly did an amazing job advocating for her family's after-death wishes in a situation where people seemed determined to treat her like a child who couldn't handle the reality of death.

[@curtissimmons2287]

She was with him even before fame she was sooo in love with him even after she got remarried..she asked to be buried next to jack

[@Deenique16]

Such a shame because all he did was cheat on her

[@aprilgosa5779]

@@Deenique16 you don't know what he did we only know what the media says i am sure they blew it out of proportion

[@aprilgosa5779]

@@curtissimmons2287 of course she married Ari as she called him out of part security not saying she did not care for him but he wasn't her Jack she wanted out of Washington especially after Bobby was also murdered she felt like her kids especially were in danger she needed a place to literally feel safe with her children so Ari took her to Greece I don't think she even went back to live in the White house after JFK died she literally said if they are killing Kennedy's my children are next

[@aprilgosa5779]

who can handle death she was terrified especially after Bobby she knew her kids were in danger her shock and grief over Jack made her literally climb out of the car to retrieve the broken pieces of her husband she didn't remember doing it but it makes sense in her shock that she would think they could save him she could help him I mean she was his wife she wanted to help him her last words were in his ear Jack can you hear me Jack I love you I don't think that makes anyone a child who cannot handle death her husband was murdered literally before her eyes she was so brave and strong when who knows what she was going through physicallyand otherwise she must have been exhausted

[@JulesUS8386]

If you saw him in autopsy, the entire back cap of the skull was blown off in the crime. In old films you can see the First Lady reach back onto the trunk. She grabbed his piece of skull and put it in her pocket then handed it to the coroner at Parkland. That, along with other areas on the face/neck being effected made it to where the family may not have wanted to show that to everyone. I know that I would not want an open viewing in that case. If he were you’re husband, brother, father, would you want that casket open? After seeing him I can say NO leave it shut. The First Lady had his body on her pink dress. She was in shock when she pulled out part of his skull to be ‘put back on’. I don’t think she noticed her dress at the time. That was the most horrible thing for her to see. I’m fine seeing him in autopsy and do NOT need that open for anyone except family if they so desire.

[@JnetuTube]

Again. Thank you, as a much younger person than I (76) for treating this topic as respectfully as you have. There is power in detail. Thank you.

[@adrena.hamilton]

I never realized the empowerment in that story. Way to go Jackie for sticking up for herself and her family. What a strong lady.

[@Lori79Butterfly]

Yes she was and she no doubt lived with untreated PSTD for the rest of her life! JFK was still her husband and the father of her children not just the President of the United States and brother and son of the Kennedys.

[@newcarpathia9422]

Jackie Kennedy was an absolute powerhouse of a human being. To this day, my mother still speaks of her glowingly.

[@carlcarlson1369]

Great video. This young lady talks with class

[@kbmls3]

When her doctors told her there nothing could be done to extend her life, she stopped all treatment. I remember one of the commentators saying, “She has shown us how to die.”

[@every-istand-ophobe6320]

Yeah we should forget about jfk. We will just put his wife on a pedestal! Strong independent womxn that don't need no man. Stunning and brave. I thought democrats got rid of the word woman since anyone can be one now!

[@Nicolesid1]

Interesting fact, Jackie's suit was Chanel "inspired" suit made by her personal tailor. She loved Chanel designs but she wanted to be seen wearing clothing from the US, so her tailor got the fabric and pattern from Chanel but it was made in the US. Edit: Thank you for all the likes, and commentary. Additionally, this was in no way to say Caitlin was incorrect as the suit outside of the person and place it was constructed was Chanel.

[@beckyowens2586]

I was just thinking about how no one thought to find Jackie fresh clothes. A hundred people buzzing all over the place, hours wasted bickering and not one person thought to make sure this poor woman wasn't covered in his blood this entire time. Least of all in front of the press. It might not have been high fashion, but someone could have acquired something stately for her to wear and not be covered in blood.

[@Nicolesid1]

@@beckyowens2586 very true, but I think you have to also remember she was fighting hard to stay near her husband and to go change may mean someone getting him away from her.

[@susanstacy2493]

@@beckyowens2586 You should read some history. Jackie did not want to change clothes. Manchester's book along with other reliable sources all say that she said she wouldn't change clothes because she wanted them to see "what they had done to Jack."

[@kingraquu3164]

She refused to change clothes. She wanted to make a statement to the public.

[@ghoulishtoad]

@@beckyowens2586 iirc i think she was so traumatized and shocked she wanted to keep it on for reasons i cant remember. The comment above im inclinded to believe she did it to let people know what they did to the president

[@matthewshannon6946]

I lost my son 4 weeks short of his 40th birthday two years ago in a paramotor accident. We had him cremated and the information about this process I've gotten from your videos was very comforting during the process. Thank you!

[@61rampy65]

I seem to recall that the guards guarding the casket in the rotunda were originally ordered to be faced away from the casket. Jackie had them turn around to face the casket, saying something like 'I don't want people's back turned to the President'. I had just turned 10 when the assassination occurred, but I remember my aunt calling us while I was home for lunch. When I got back to school, TVs were set up in some rooms so we could watch the news. Many kids were crying. A very sad day for the US, and the world. This is only my 3rd Caitlin video, but I am highly impressed with the depth, the research, and especially the presentation.

[@saf2127]

I can’t imagine the grief Jackie went through, first losing her baby, then her husband in just a few short months. That would be hard enough for any person, but when the whole world is literally watching your every move, it must have been unspeakably awful. This was a fantastic video as always, Caitlin. And if anyone reading has the chance to go to the Sixth Floor Museum, I absolutely recommend it. You will learn a lot and gain a new historical perspective.

[@cc1k435]

I went back in the mid 90s, and I still think of it as one of the most surreal places I've ever been.

[@bogeydope3022]

@@cc1k435 It is surreal. Because the place wasn't the assassins hideout. To this day people have to believe a magic bullet theory. You can't make this shit up.

[@gocougs22]

@@bogeydope3022 what’s your theory?

[@glamdolly30]

@@bogeydope3022 Exactly - the very fact Lee Harvey Oswald was murdered mere days after the assassination is powerful proof of a conspiracy! He did not act alone - this was a highly organised, professional hit by more than one marksman. There's no way that guy achieved such an efficient murder from that distance, with that wonky-sighted gun - Lee Harvey Oswald is the most famous patsy/fall guy in the world.

[@ellejay2021]

@@bogeydope3022 100% correct. Oswald had a LOT of help.

[@myracahill7409]

I was in 5th grade when President Kennedy was shot. My Mother was crying when I arrived home from school, watching the trauma unfold on our black and white TV. It consumed everyone and everything. Yet, Jackie Kennedy was a pillar of strength for the nation. Although I "lived through it", I learned much from your video and thank you for your compassion.

[@sophierobinson2738]

I was in fourth grade. His death was announced over the intercom as we were leaving the cafeteria.

[@Bluesbabesrv]

Yes, exactly what you said. I was in 8th grade music class when the announcement was made over the school public address system, we were all being sent home. My mother too was in tears when I got home. Remember this was 1963, there were only 3 television channels, all carried nothing but the news of JFK from the assassination to the burial.

[@juicyjules7409]

My mom too we Catholic 💜🙏👱🏻‍♀️😢

[@Tiogair]

My mom was too! She was on a field trip and heard it on her hand radio and announced it to her class. Her teacher scolded her for “making up such an awful story”

[@darthclaire7179]

My mom has probably the closest you will ever come to a “funny“ Kennedy assassination story. She was about the same age and living in Houston. They sent them home from school. She comes in the door and tells my grandmother “Mama, they shot President Kennedy!” My grandmother replies, “(Name)! We don’t like him but we don’t go around saying someone shot him!”

[@nancynewton8094]

I remember that day so very well. I was 11 years old in 7th grade, and just after 11:00 in California our school Principal came over the class speakers telling us that President Kenedy had been shot and died while in Dallas. My father was a Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton. We got let out of school. I had barely walked in the door when dad called to tell me base was on lock down and to lock the house and wait for mom to get home with my siblings. We sat glued to the television watching Walter Cronkite and the news for days. We didn't have recorders or view later options back then. It was live only.

[@Cutegirl20138]

If u see the photos of his wound it’s just horrifying..and even pains to think bout it

[@rubyy.7374]

I can’t get over how gut-wrenching it must be: the man next to you, dead in an instant in one of the goriest ways imaginable. Now all eyes are on you as you frantically navigate his funerary arrangements while simultaneously consoling a grieving country. I adore Jackie’s strength, and thank you for shining a light on to it. Like everybody else, the fallout of the assassination never even came to mind, and I’m glad it now has.

[@peterk8909]

On the Zapruder film it appears his head is blown quite literally out of Jackie's hands

[@tundrawomansays5067]

@Not A fascist Slave V Yeah, they did. The shock and horror was indescribable. The major news network’s regular programming was preempted for the next few days all day by the news and the funeral. By the end of the ‘60’s this generation of kids had lost three of their role models: JFK, MLK, RFK. And then we lost so many of our generation in Vietnam.

[@peterk8909]

@Not A fascist Slave V Nope, a realist. That's only part of the horror of the assassination. The worst happened afterward. Since the blood and guts aspect is your focus, you don't see that.

[@evehampton6149]

BUSH you may think that you got away with this but GOD remembers and your day is coming, soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH HE’S COMING for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@XiranJayZhao]

Love how you always make your videos with such empathy and give the spotlight to those who truly deserve it!

[@everydaygoth]

Yes!!! You both are two of my favorite creators who uphold those standards! 🖤

[@quickredf0x143]

It's always cool seeing some of my favorite youtubers commenting on each other's videos.

[@TheGrinningViking]

How did you end up here? Weird. It's like an author who's book I liked is also a human who is into weird shit. lol

[@maryeckel9682]

Omg I just watched your "Turning Red" video and here you are!

[@ezekielsmith3571]

haha yah

[@eeltenaj19]

I was born in 64 in Canada, so this should have bearing on my life. However, I find myself very emotional over this story. Caitlin, your research and delivery are impeccable. Thank you.

[@MrErinholbert]

Jackie was one tough class act. She wasn’t a wilting wildflower. She’d lost two of her babies too. She endured so much heartache

[@JinNeptune]

3 actually

[@miaomiaochan]

@@JinNeptune Including JFK Jr. or not? I know she lost Patrick and a stillborn baby girl.

[@tiahenry4743]

She was CIA and fired the last shot into JFk's brain. You can see a cloud of smoke coming from the left side of JFK's head in the zapruder film.

[@charlesmitchell917]

She was tough knowing he was fucking around on her with multiple women.

[@merlegladstone1931]

0​@@JinNeptune

[@mdthor3187]

Interesting factoid: The Secret Service Agent that jumped on the back of President Kennedy's car wrote a book about his time as the President's Secret Service Agent. He said that the former First Lady has come under fire from critics over the years because it appeared as though she was trying to get away from JFK by climbing out of the back of the car after the assassination. He says that that couldn't be further from the truth. He states that when he jumped on the back of the car that the First Lady wasn't trying to escape. She was trying to retrieve a piece of his skull that was flying across the back of the car. ETA- The book is by Clint Hill and it is called "Mrs. Kennedy And Me"

[@theblackbaron4119]

Yeah... Because that really helped him.

[@vampsarecool]

You can actually see her retrieve the skull in the video

[@emmajones8715]

Oh god that is horrific, what an absolutely terrible thing to witness

[@Julia-uh4li]

This has been well known and often spoken about since the incident. I don't believe anyone thought she was trying to get away. Well, perhaps in the first few hours or days after the incident only.

[@partyinthecloudkingdom]

@@theblackbaron4119 imagine your spouse, sitting right next to you, is suddenly shot in the head by an unseen assassin. the shock of what was happening wouldn't really drive most people to act logically

[@Swirl_of_StarFire]

The most awe-inspiring part of this is Jackie's mental fortitude through all of it. She'd been right beside her husband when he got shot and watched him die, but still had the strength to advocate for him afterwards. Most people would be absolutely crushed and unable to function for days, if not weeks

[@JnetuTube]

Much was remarked re her stoicism and attention to personal/‘appropriate’ detail. She was poetic. She was the one who asked for a saddled, riderless horse to walk with the funeral procession.

[@kennethgrantham5092]

Caitlin, This was the most powerful, insightful, and touching presentation I’ve ever seen. I commend you for your efforts.

[@kimberlys8422]

I read the Clint Hill book and when he described Jackie gathering up her husband's brain matter and telling him "I love you, Jack" that really hurt my heart

[@julecaesara482]

she what

[@Peannlui]

@@julecaesara482 Portions of his brain was all over the back seat of the car and on Jackie's hands. I believe she was quoted as saying so.

[@trinitythex6625]

Wow I need to read that book!

[@B-ch6uk]

I thought she jumped out of that car quickly. She was probably covered in his blood and brain matter too. I can't imagine.

[@imaginaryvintage2695]

@@julecaesara482 Shouted "CAN I KISS YOU???" after trying to kidnap her.

[@dennisn1672]

I saw my brother in his casket. I never walked up to another afterwards. I like to remember people as they were alive. Once you see them dead. That image stays burned into your mind forever.

[@Lergmeister]

I know that feeling i found my dad dead in his bed without expecting it at all. It was only around twelve hours after death but still it was unexpected. He was at my place two days earlier watching movies. His corpse will always be the picture that i get in my head when thinking about him.

[@whatnow9159]

Exactly.

[@helenaymorgan-walsh4883]

Yes my mother is still in my mind like yesterday been 5 year’s

[@jessicagarvin4834]

I totally get what you are saying. I went to a open casket funeral once and saw the body. (When I was a child.) I had nightmares for months. Every sense then I refuse to go to an open casket ceremony. Even my grandpa's. Though I went to his funeral the next day.

[@jrubicon027]

I agree and I am the same way. I’m sorry about your brother. I lost my sister in a car accident and I stopped going up to caskets too.

[@ronniemo_1622]

Well done again. Thank you for your time, research, and care with which you submit this information to the public.

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

I suspect the reason that the funeral was closed casket was because half his head was blown away. That fancy casket is not what he was in when he showed up at Bethesda NH for his autopsy. It was a cheap shipping casket and he was in a standard body bag.

[@bethroesch2156]

This is what made her an icon. She handled it with so much dignity and grace and managed to comfort the entire country.

[@dziobaczka18]

@what now ok.... :D hahaha

[@AxxLAfriku]

🚨🚨🚨 AAAAAAHHHHH!!! 🚨🚨🚨 school is sooooo boring i am in 8th grate and its so boring i am having sucess on youtube so i think i will drop out of school. i dont have friends so i need your opinon beth

[@mixaliskokkinos1496]

Well trained...?!And then she get married one of the rich man in the world...Greetings from Greece

[@MuseMarketing]

@@AxxLAfriku before you do be sure you master the English language. If you think 8th grade is "boring" wait until you're 27 and living to pay taxes. Also, don't put all your hopes in one source of income. If KZbin is your only source of income, what is your backup plan, not mention what other side hustles do you have going on?

[@isabellind1292]

@@AxxLAfriku Being bored isn't your problem if that's the best you can spell. It's not going to get you far in life. Good luck.

[@janicesullivan8942]

I cannot imagine the horror of witnessing your husband’s head being blown away. Absolutely tragic, and it happened shortly after they had lost their son Patrick. Horror upon tragedy, upon tragedy.

[@DashSpaceski]

I had no idea about a loss of a kid. Sad as.

[@Iamsickofts]

Shitttt I would be happy. He was an extreme cheater with multiple affairs

[@arthursebastiany7311]

imagien the horror when american bombs rained in Cuba Oswald did nothing wrong

[@jimj2683]

@@Iamsickofts You really believe cheating is worse than getting your head blown up by a bullet? Then you must be a terrible person. Cheating is bad. But far far far away from murder. Please just grow up and get over your cheater. The only way to move on is to forgive and forget.

[@xiphos8219]

And then Bobby Kennedy shortly after.

[@colleenregan9130]

I have watched this multiple times. In my opinion, this video is amongst your finest work. Thanks for all you do, you’re a wonderful teacher!!

[@dircia7754]

I think considering how Mangled his face was I’m sure Jackie who organized the entire event did not want other people seeing him like that least of all his children. I can remember the narrative mentioning at the time the fact that Mrs. Kennedy requested it be closed. I watched the entire event unfold including seeing Oswald get shot on live tv. I was 11 and was shocked to actually see someone get shot and killed.

[@laurenconrad1799]

When the world needed her most, she returned. ❤️

[@torquettalk]

Happy (late) Easter!!!

[@cruisingcory5414]

Lmao

[@PrometheusV]

Because she's the Mortician we deserve, AND the one we need right now

[@laurenc.2889]

Exactly my thoughts! Our death mother has returned and we have been blessed! 🖤

[@TracyTuten-sh5tr]

I think Jackie carried out her role as First Lady flawlessly. She did a wonderful job with the funeral for the family and nation.

[@JackieOwl94]

My mother studied the Kennedy’s and admired them. I’m named after Jackie Kennedy. I learned of her sacrifice and love for the president as a small child. I can’t imagine her grief and her resolve.

[@mattwilliam5522]

Jackie be pure evil

[@Abkeda]

@@mattwilliam5522 you knew her personally? I think not. Keep your comments to yourself. Just because this is KZbin you don't get to speak ill of the dead.

[@mattwilliam5522]

@@Abkeda I'm sorry to hurt your feelings lol but the deal is I don't care what you think so you should be quiet

[@mattwilliam5522]

@@Kennedy_77441 history says it she's pure evil

[@Dennis_J._Aitken]

Caitlin Doughty, You did an awesome video with dignity towards the Kennedy Family. I am in my 70's and remember his death all to well, It was just after noon as the nuns that taught us were all crying and we were let out of school early. It wasn't a happy early day as we were all told about his passing. One thing I will always remember is that every time I saw Jackie, on TV before this tragic incident, I saw a beautiful woman who was caring and loving with her husband and children, something I never experienced at home. I learned a LOT of new and important things today and I appreciate your research and video.

[@Awannabestylist]

This was very well done. As a retired cop/crime scene tech, I always wondered about some of the things you researched and reported.

[@smang7866]

I recently lost my son. The costs at the funeral home were revolting. The cost to have my son transported from the neighboring city he was found in, closer to home, permits etc, added insult to injury. There’s little empathy and compassion for the mourning. A prime opportunity to prey on the vulnerable and add emotional stress for the lack of financials for the proper burial, cremation and resting place. It’s inhumane.

[@brandondavidson2200]

I'm so sorry for not only your loss but that you had to deal with all of that. I can't even imagine what you're going through. You sincerely have my deepest condolences.

[@scottnyc6572]

So sorry for your loss.Theres a level of compassion that should be expected your absolutely correct.

[@ragtopannie]

I’m so sorry about the loss of your son. My deepest condolences.

[@pdkrace]

Our family sends our condolences to you.

[@jademusic1211]

I'm so deeply sorry about your son and the cruel unfairness of the financial burden that resulted.😥💔 Sending you and your family love and healing prayers.😔❤️

[@Eloraurora]

The choice of driver really hit me for some reason. To look out from that welter of shock and grief, see someone else's suffering, and offer him a gesture of redemption from his own self-blame... this video was bound to make me cry at some point, but that part really got me.

[@hannatude]

Ugh, right? I have a hard time sussing out other people’s emotions on a good day - I can’t fathom being able to pick up on someone else’s turmoil and taking steps to assuage it while suffering from even a fraction of the grief Jackie had to have been experiencing.

[@Totalinternalreflection]

That got me too.

[@judithfurmston3731]

Yes I noticed that too. Before Caitlin even clarified the point it struck me that he must have been really shaken.

[@evercuriousmichelle]

I'm not in the right mental place to watch the video, but I'm really curious, what did Jackie do for the driver?

[@Totalinternalreflection]

@@evercuriousmichelle he had terrible survivers guilt, he felt he failed to protect them, that if only he swerved this way or that he could somehow prevented it. He was broken by it and in shock of course. If I remember right,( I'll check in a minute and edit my comment accordingly, its been a long day and i have foggy brain) the next significant drive, this time Jackie, her son and the the coffin, Jackie requested that he drive. That touched him deeply as you can imagine. Watch it when you're in a better place. Best wishes.

[@cmasse64]

This was so interesting! I've seen many of your videos and I always enjoy them but this one by far was the best. Thank you!

[@pkducklett944]

I remember reading people who were suspicious and critical of Jackie's actions after the assassination. It's truly horrific how they attempted to demonize her for grieving her husband. It's refreshing to see a very humanizing perspective of Jackie Kennedy.

[@christystewart4567]

When my dad died in 2000 we had to choose a casket for him to be cremated in. We chose something that I swear looked like a shoe box from the 60s. Cardboard, but I knew if we’d chosen anything else dad would have reanimated, charged out of the cold storage, and demanded what the heck I was thinking.

[@denisefoxcroft8920]

My Dad was like your Dad. If you're deceased, that's it. What does it matter what you're buried in. Why make your family financially suffer with a grand piece of wood 🪵 to bury you in. He said tomato boxes would be fine and a patch of earth under the African sky he loved so much would do just fine. Of course we didn't bury him in a tomato box coffin, but we did bury him next to Dhlinza Forest in Eshowe South African with God's glorious sky above him. We also buried my 2 brothers near him. Bet they're happy!

[@ridingmoon1617]

If you are going to be cremated, spending lots of money on a coffin is a total waste. The coffin will be burned to a crisp anyway, so why spend more money on a expensive coffin?

[@sandralynn6817]

The "relationship" with the funeral home when my mother in law died was not good. After we picked out the coffin (which was very modest), and talked to the director about the other arrangements, they threw a huge price at us. My mother in law didn't have insurance so we asked if we could make payments. The director refused, saying they wanted the full amount and they refused to release the body until it was paid. Somehow we managed to scrape the money together. That wasn't all of it. When the truck with the vault arrived at the cemetery, it hit the stone archway leading into the cemetery. The funeral home demanded we pay for repairs to the truck and archway, but we threatened to take it to court and they backed down. And then on the day of the funeral the guy driving the hearse was just going to dump the casket at the cemetery and leave, but a 6' 7" 300 lb friend of my stepson's told him that if he did he was going into the hole before the casket went in. The driver stayed until we were ready.

[@rjay7019]

Same with my mom, she passed in 1994. Just a word of advice and I need to do this myself. Make those final arrangements. It was so hard to choose the cardboard box. Even though I know that's what she would have wanted. I've always felt 😞

[@geester2123]

Some morticians pull the old bait and switch. Selling the high end casket, removing the body and cremating the body in a pine box, whose to know, reselling the original box for. $$$. An easy scam. Why would you buy a casket for several grand only to burn it. Makes zero sense, especially financially.

[@TheBikerjim666]

My son was murdered and the funeral home owner and director had a lot of compassion for me and my wife for losing our son in such a horrible way he didn't charge us a penny and I appreciate what he did from the bottom of our hearts.

[@kristencalifra6421]

We did that for people who lost babies n young children. Everyone donated. Casket was donated, embalming was free, plot was free.

[@nrdalrt15]

I remember when a family member died young and we went to the funeral home. When my dad brought up paying, the funeral director immediately interrupted and said "no, don't worry about that now, go take care of your family and we will worry about that afterwards. Really impressive.

[@jakkernsa]

I just became a father myself the very tought of that little man departing this world before me is unbearable. Words can't express what i want to say to you but i hope justice was served and you and your wife may find that little bid of peace left on this world.

[@donamills863]

My son passes away at 16. He shot himself in the head. We had him cremated. We didn't have a wake. He was brought from the funeral home to the church.

[@sophiajakel4098]

No parents should ever have to deal with the death of a child... and definitely no child should be murdered! My heart is with you; sincere condolences and empathy.

[@markarich159]

Wow, I have to agree about the sheer greed and ruthlessness of funeral directors. My father died in March 2022. He had requested himself, in order to spare the family, the least expense possible, that he be cremated and have a modest service. We followed his instructions to the letter. When I got the bill from the funeral Director, I almost died myself $7000!!! The funeral director had charged $5000 for a one hour usage of his space for the memorial service. Five grand to use a space for one hour. I had assumed the bill would be no more than two grand since my father wasn’t embalmed or anything like that. P.s. I know you requested not to talk about conspiracy theories, but when you said, Jackie said “it isn’t Jack“. It probably wasn’t. One of the main theories is the reason JD Tippett was killed is because he looked so much like John Kennedy his fellow officers nicknamed him JFK because the resemblance was so striking. The conspiracy theory goes that tippet was actually the one who was autopsied and buried so that they could make the wound on Tippet conform to the traditional narrative that was said to the American public - that being that he was killed by three shots from Lee Harvey Oswald from the back from the book depository. The truth being Kennedy was shot from the front from thetriple overpass, not the grassy knoll. There was no way they could manipulate the real Kennedy’s body to conform to the traditional narrative, so Tippet was replaced, and the wounds were re-created on his body.

[@DennisVanScoy]

I was in Kindergarten when this happened. This brings back a lot of memories, thank you.

[@dalehammond1704]

I can't even imagine how Jackie was able to endure everything. One minute they're smiling and waving at the crowds and suddenly her husband is dead. Then she has to deal with all the events after that fatal shot. How many people could hold up through this type of nightmare? She was some special person.

[@Jeremiah13tears]

I think she knew about her husbands affairs for years Not that she didn’t love him. I think she did what looked morally well of the times.

[@iuliagribanova7019]

@@Jeremiah13tears It's still horrible to see your husband being killed in front of your eyes. I doubt she wanted him dead

[@B-ch6uk]

Probably shock and disbelief. I'm sure reality hit her after everything settled down.

[@imaginaryvintage2695]

Ariana Grande could NEVER

[@s-unrise]

@@imaginaryvintage2695 wtf does ariana grande have to do with it

[@jpkmcg]

Jackie's decision to have the casket sealed was because she was appalled at how make-up made up her husband looked. I, for one, believe sealing the casket was a much more dignified way of honoring the assassinated president, allowing people to remember him as he was in life, not in death.

[@larryaldama1673]

😔🇺🇸🙏🏽🇺🇸

[@jenn7753]

I agree. She prevented the chance for photographs of him in that condition to live on for eternity and let him be remembered as when he was alive.

[@ellejay2021]

@@larryaldama1673 I see that one of the replies here was deleted; I wonder if mine will be as well. I believe JFK's casket was sealed because our government ordered it to be sealed because JFK's wounds were not of those stated in the official autopsy report. I also believe that JFK was assassinated per gov't orders, therefore, no one else was to see his wounds. Interesting video.

[@rahulmenon4357]

I doubt makeup can cover up what happened to him (the bolt action bullet thing, not tinfoil hat fantasies)

[@glamdolly30]

Jackie showed great wisdom in wanting her husband to be remembered in life, not in death. After all, the person is no longer there once their spirit has left their body - it's merely the shell that's left behind. I am sure Jackie knew her husband better than anyone, and knew he would not want his dignity compromised with an open casket. I personally think it's very morbid to want to view someone after they have died - and even more so when their death was unnatural and violent! I am baffled though that the professional morticians made such a hash of the cosmetic work on JFK's face. Autopsy photos reveal his face was pretty much undamaged - it was the back of his head that was devastated (proving he was fatally shot from the front, not by fall guy/patsy Lee Harvey Oswald in the Book Depository behind the motorcade - but I digress). I suspect the people who did the work on JFK felt such pressure and weight of expectation knowing their efforts would potentially be judged by millions (had it been an open casket), that they overdid the wax and face paint, and made him look like a dummy. That said, I am glad there was no open casket, regardless of how he looked - the fact is, the man was dead, and violently murdered in the most humiliating public way. He deserved the dignity and privacy of a closed coffin, and I'm glad his widow was wise enough to ensure he got that.

[@jeffreydamato8702]

Wow, I watched that whole thing in one sitting so quickly, I can't believe how fascinated I was by it when I really needed something to distract my attention so thank you! Great stuff! My first piece from you, instant subscribe.

[@frances-if5fp]

Thank you for how you thoroughly, yet compassionately handled this subject. I tear up no matter how many times I see videos about the assassinations of Jack Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy...all the good that could have come of their efforts, had they not been wrenched from life prematurely.

[@miaomiaochan]

I can't imagine what it must have been like to have lived through the 1960s. Death after death after death of major public figures must have felt like the death of hope itself.

[@skittstuff]

I never knew how much Jackie was involved in all of the aftermath. She really seems like an unsung hero here. I can't imagine the strength it would take to be so calm, dignified, and compassionate after sitting next to your husband as he's assassinated and having his blood all over you.

[@handsomesag4668]

she blew his brains out with a pistol, truth in plain sight

[@silentsmilez503]

She killed her husband shot him w a single shot revolver

[@vivinamorrison]

I know! Did you know she herself ordered the Cason that carried Abraham Lincoln’s body? 😮❤

[@peggyjones7687]

@@silentsmilez503 you are misinformed. Oswald killed JFK.

[@peggyjones7687]

@@vivinamorrison as was her right. I was 12 when he was assassinated and if I lived to be 171 I would never forget that week. It is tatooed to the inside of my skull. And now I hear they don't even teach it anymore. How sad.

[@cooperationiskey]

I've learned WAY more about the human side of the Kennedy assassination through this video than I have through decades of bigger-production documentaries and the America school system. Thank you for a beautiful, educational video.

[@anitarosetorres420]

Same

[@1971dave]

You too have learnt nothing then have you, on the day there were several snipers, JFK to 911 a rich man's trick, 3 hour-long documentary you may want to watch that,

[@julzmgrforll7278]

Could not have said it better!

[@susanpalle3199]

I know exactly what you mean.

[@mnkee11]

I highly recommend Clint Hill’s books. I learned so much from his recollections in both Five Presidents and Mrs Kennedy and Me.

[@sunday6092]

Nicely covered Caitlyn. I was 5yrs old when JFK was assassinated. I wondered why the world seem to be crying. JFK jr & I shared the same birthday. The images on our black & white TV played over & over, burning that day forever in my mind. I can still recall it all as if were yesterday.

[@JennieBanks]

Incredible video. Wow. I had no idea. Thank you so much for giving this a level of respect it richly deserved.

[@indigohammer5732]

Sixty years later, it's still a horrifying, shocking event. That poor, poor woman. No one deserves that. No one.

[@BigRatNuggz]

Wow it’s been 60 years?! My aunt was probably 12 or 14 when he past

[@denisefoxcroft8920]

It feels like yesterday. I'm 71 and remember the shock of the assassination. Really horrifying event.

[@jadenharris4960]

Its 59 years honey I was born in 63 & I’ll be 59 this year ....smh Don’t rush it

[@miaomiaochan]

A lot of things had been bungled between the time Kennedy was shot to the time he was buried, but we have to give the people involved some grace, as this event was unforeseen, shocking, world-changing, and deeply traumatizing. No one could have prepared adequately for it.

[@piecesofgold1086]

the treatment jackie received from both the public and the kennedy family after her husbands death was abhorrent. bobby was the only one who was kind to her and he was murdered the same way as his brother not long after. she lived with severe PTSD for the rest of her life and never recovered from it. i rarely see anyone talk about her after his death, so i really appreciate this video. EDIT: Barbara Leamimg wrote a fantastic biography about Jackie for anyone who’d like to know more!

[@staceykelly4211]

Jackie remained a public figure for the rest of her life. She was later known as Jackie O. She married Aristotle Onassis. Her every move was followed.

[@PungiFungi]

Let's not do revisionist history.

[@ghoulishtoad]

@@PungiFungi ?

[@carstennn]

I really agree. I remember learning about this in school and having so many questions about her, with my history teacher having no answers for me. He did end up doing research and telling me another day but it wasn’t something he had thought of before.

[@ReflectedMiles]

@@ghoulishtoad It's a reference to Jackie being central to the story and a comfort to the country in her own way, controversial as all political figures are but also shown much compassion and the nation grieving with her, which I can attest to from having been part of that time in the US--not quite as the OP would have it.

[@electrojones]

I love to see clips of The Loved One used in this video. It's one of my favorites and I always assumed it to be one of yours too, Caitlin.

[@egordrozdenko7920]

Caitlin, thank you for addressing this story from a very unusual angle. A great video, with many facts, photos and footages probably never seen by many people, including myself, before.

[@moonluna464]

My uncle was the first child ever with a complex heart disease in the 60's (Now they can literally do a simple surgery and after a few days the kids can go home). He died at age 3. Scientists asked my grandparents to keep his body to experiment on to see what exactly was the issue, but as extreme Christians, they didn't want that. In a weird coincidence, the mortuary was filled so the casket with my 'uncle' in it had to stay in their house for days until the funeral. However they said 'NEVER OPEN THE CASKET, NO MATTER WHAT'! Everyone complyed..except for my 6 year old mum. She finally got the casket open after a few days and found..rocks. There was no body whatsoever. So the hospital stole my uncle's body. My grandparents never knew but had a hunch. So even though this means my uncle probably helped thousands of people with his autopsy, it's disgusting they did this behind my grandparents back.

[@All_Loves_Lost]

Wow that’s crazy

[@mspink2150]

Did they ever recover your uncles body for a Funeral?

[@HavenNemiroff]

I think it's a complicated situation, I understand your disgust and it's valid. But I also think that the hospital did the right thing. I don't like the idea of denying anyone autonomy over their body after death, but I believe when your body can advance science and save lives you have a responsibility to do so. I have a rare genetic disease and have signed all the paperwork for scientific donation.

[@whoisharo4689]

whoa...

[@sarahholmes2277]

I am so sorry this happen to your family. At such an unfathomable time, person (s) took advantage and stole the most precious. Disgusting and absolutely beyond words. I lost my son when he was very young too, and the pain is indescribable but to then face the horror of your child being stolen is something even else.

[@davidroddick91]

Jackie was a remarkably strong woman. I can't imagine going through what she went through and being so in control. And finding out here that she was already in mourning for her infant son.

[@LuvBorderCollies]

Plus she was well aware of John's wandering eyes and hands, but she kept up the facade.

[@lizadivine3785]

@@LuvBorderCollies as caroline once said that’s between them. There is no doubt to me that jfk and jbk did love each other.

[@seanbrown9048]

@@LuvBorderCollies “Happy birthday mister president…” lol

[@seanbrown9048]

@@lizadivine3785 it was an arranged marriage, a power coupling insisted on by Joe, the fixer who made JFK president.

[@AdoptThisDog]

This is a wonderful video covering such a sensitive subject with clarity and grace. Thank you

[@bored_flamingo9064]

Thank you so much for this wonderful addition to the main storyline. That adds so much more to the emotional trauma that everyone had to go through even postmortem including JFK himself. It is insane to know that so many issues could’ve been avoided if only they could ask/accept help.

[@RubyBlueUwU]

I’ve really never known much about JFK as a president or Jackie as a person, but this story has always been so heartbreaking and I am forever amazed at her strength and presence after something so unimaginably traumatising and horrific

[@LorienInksong]

Honestly when stuff like this happens, even to politicians, I just see horrible trauma. Its just awful the way Jackie got treated. I mean gosh you already got a reply callously pointing out her faults just 'cause.

[@sophierobinson2738]

@@poppynogood6097 Your name fits you quite well.

[@RubyBlueUwU]

@@poppynogood6097 that’s a really awful way to judge someone’s character. Addicts are not inherently bad people, although people like you are.

[@slugluv1313]

agreed -- i was only 4 years old when JFK was assassinated -- my earliest memory is of his funeral procession on TV -- i do not think that i even understood the concept of "President" -- but i knew by what i was watching on TV and by what i was feeling around me that something had gone horribly wrong -- not just on a small, local level but all over the world -- you could sense the trauma everywhere

[@FilthyBitchGunClub]

True, it's odd to see so many kids criticizing how she handled things when people these days are easily triggered by a simple word. People were built tougher back then.

[@niferanne53]

My mom went to school with Jackie and my grandfather David C. Mearns, who was a Lincoln historian and worked at the Library of Congress was called the night of JFKs assassination. He and my grandmother went to the Library with flashlights in hand and retrieved all the documentation related to the funeral of Lincoln, so that those details might be incorporated for Kennedy’s funeral.

[@jessica.L.edwards]

This is fascinating. Thank you for sharing! I would love to hear more about their experiences related to the Kennedy’s, if you are willing to share!

[@GildaLee27]

Your grandfather David Mearns did a great service to this nation that night. I am grateful that he and your mother were there and knew what to do. May God bless the United States of America.

[@louisebrandon5950]

Thanks so much for sharing 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@pamela5250]

That’s an incredible family history.

[@niferanne53]

@@jessica.L.edwards there aren’t many more stories related to the Kennedy’s. My mom ran into Jackie a few times in DC and she was always warm and gracious with her. My grandfather had more interesting experiences through the Library. He was sent to catalog the White House library. This was when Taft was in office. The president’s dog and he did not get along. One day after returning from lunch, he found the dog again in the library behind a window curtain. My grandfather gave him a good kick only to find out it was the President opening up a window. It’s reported they both laughed! While at LOC he met Robert Todd Lincoln who asked that he curate his father’s papers after Robert died, which he did do. He was close friends with Carl Sandburg , Archibald MacLeish and other notables, but he was just my grandfather to me.

[@Rsysas]

This story has fascinated me since childhood. So much has been said about the caskets and damage to the body. Great job- one of the best jfk videos. Thank you

[@rezzy8590]

I'm with Jackie on her choosing a closed casket. A cousin of mine died in an accident that caused major head trauma and seeing her at the open casket funeral made me say the same things, that it didn't look like her. The waxy description also fits. Her face was...almost like it like belonged to a fuller-bodied person, not the skinny, delicate ballerina that she was. But I can't speak for anything the family wanted and I never can or will. They did an amazing job with the shit they had to go through and I think I see my aunt (her mom) in Jackie's actions since my cousin was also arranged to have a public funeral for their entire small town I grew up in. Thanks for reminding me that I should reassure them for the decisions they made.

[@groovymovie3213]

Jackie’s own mother was totally dismissive of her trauma even when Jackie was standing in front of her in the suit that STILL HAD JOHN’S BLOOD ON IT. Poor Jackie. I hope she managed to find some sort of peace in her life.

[@bigdindallas1]

She wanted everyone to see what was done,,,

[@lizh1988]

Mrs Bouvier, Jackie's mom, was really mean to her daughter when she was young, slapping her and telling her to get a rich man. I don't think she was very human.

[@Apollo_Blaze]

I think Jackie found some sort of peace, but not totally...I do not think you can be totally healed from something like that event without hypnosis...I think she found her own type of peace through her children

[@bobjones2041]

Trump laughed there's late night footage of it

[@themerlynn]

Everyone focuses on the controversy and conspiracies theories surrounding jfk's death. No one really looks at the human side of it. Thanks you for the video Caitlin.

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Urgent attention! ✌👉 The Connections (2021) [short documentary] 💖✌

[@Slim4Hunnad]

us understanding the 'human' side is what pisses us off about the situation dumbazz. Hes a man who got his face blew off, something wasnt right about it and MF's wanted answers.

[@balanced-shez8226]

There's was conspiring alright

[@JFK-ir7yz]

The human side is bringing the true murdered and conspirators to justice. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors. Come on man. Wake up already .

[@knightofcydonia1192]

@@balanced-shez8226 Liar

[@Shirtgama]

This has one of my top ten favorite thumbnails

[@letsgetreal3076]

I wasn't born until 1976, but I always had a complete fascination with JFK and his untimely death. I aimed to visit Dealey Plaza and I did in 1999, early on the day news began breaking that JFK Jnr had been killed. It was so freaky, and tragic all over again. Thanks for your sociological look at American funeral rituals via JFK's sad story

[@glendafulton]

She had just lost her baby then her husband I always thought of Jackie as a strong lady but with all this added information I don't think I have ever seen anyone male or female that can come close to the strength of this amazing Lady I pray you have found the peace you so deserve

[@rulerofomicronpersei8]

The Kennedys are terrible terrible people, you don’t know the half of it.

[@pooryorick831]

A lot of people don't realize that when Jackie turned around and reached out over the back hood of the car, she was not trying to help Clint hill get into the car. She was actually reaching for a chunk of Jack's skull and brains. Jackie's courage and poise in the hours and days after she witnessed something so horrible was nothing short of amazing. It helped calm the grieving nation. For that at least she should be remembered as a hero.

[@christianhight5774]

Actually I did! In high school i did a presentation on JFK, so yeah I did my research

[@ellendaniels8715]

Poor thing might've thought getting the piece of his flesh back might save him or help somewhat in her state of mind.

[@dwighta8215]

Paul, you’re so wrong it’s not even funny.

[@snakesnoteyes]

@Terri Kay this is like the shadows argument for moon landing conspiracy folks, you know just enough to ask questions, but not enough to understand the answers. The way that high caliber ammo works and LHO’s angle easily explains that.

[@maternalheart66]

I feel like it’s a misconception that people don’t know that, as I see this fact posted very frequently

[@melanieahrens6739]

This was the most moving documentary I’ve ever seen on this subject, and I was a little girl when JFK died. I well remember my mother weeping in front of the television watching his funeral.

[@justadreamin1004]

Well done Caitlin! I am 68 years old and didn't know any of this! ----- Well done!

[@katmorrison6078]

Honestly…..I get the closed casket thing completely. My mom died after multiple months of being sick in the hospital and the funeral home tried to restore her. I remember being asked to see her in the casket and for my opinion and went to look and……I literally blocked it out of my memory because she didn’t look like my mom at all. Not the funeral home’s fault, she had been sick for a long time, but I couldn’t even look without completely dissociating. We ended up having a closed casket funeral and I’m glad we did. It was better to remember her full of life and healthy instead of being reminded of the months of hell at the end of her life.

[@ejrose1339]

This is also why we had a closed casket for my grandparents funerals, it was better to invasion them the way I did in life rather than what they looked like in a casket.

[@Crrly]

I,as a Swede, don't get the open casket funerals, nor embalming. And we don't use caskets, we have coffins. Of course I understand it's different around the world, I don't wanna come off as disrespectful.

[@nmhg]

All of my grandparents had open caskets but one of them died after being in a coma in the hospital for like a month. She had had a lot of brain bleeding and she didn't look at all like herself. It was awful to see, tbh. But my mom and her siblings and my grandma's siblings wanted to see her one last time so of course we respected that

[@someidiot420]

oh my god same, my aunt died in a drunk driving accident and my mom straight up didnt let me go to the funeral bc when we went to view her my 7 yr old self pretty much had a breakdown and insisted that they had replaced her with someone else. it didnt look like her. i still remember it vividly and it still doesnt look like her. now that i think about it, it was kinda traumatizing. like you said, not the funeral home's fault at all. but i think a closed casket wouldve been best. if that had been the case i probably wouldve been able to go and say goodbye. im still kinda angry abt that.

[@douglasgriffiths3534]

@@nmhg I didn't want to see my parents or in-laws after they passed. We were asked if we wanted to, but declined. It would have been the last image of them, and I'd rather remember them as they were in life. We have many photos to remember them by. (Jan Griffiths).

[@dorkydoodle3573]

I can’t get over how strong of a woman Jackie was. Having to go through all of that while still maintaining firm on her and her husband’s wishes, all while still grieving for her other child.

[@ct4074]

And the CIA sociopaths continue committing heinous crimes and genocides against American Citizens and innocent peoples around the world to this very day.

[@andrewgates8158]

While lbj was hitting on her, too.

[@rollo9428]

@Andrew Gates Just curios of who is lbj

[@annahuff1699]

Lyndon b Johnson the vice president

[@63Baggies]

She was in shock.

[@markbenavidez6398]

Thank you. That was very interesting and informative. I was 4 years old when President Kennedy was Assanated but have always been fascinated by him and we even went to the museum in Dallas which was a humbling place to see and stand on the 5th floor and look out that window. Thank you again for your work !

[@juliaknight6544]

I really do enjoy your commentary. A lot of people are freaked out about death but people have to realize it’s all a part of life and it’s an interesting part that no one ever talks about and I like your commentary you’re not ghoulish at all you’re very straightforward and you cross things over veryinterestingly with Carismatic if I use for lack of a better word, look forward to more post on your channel

[@felicitybywater8012]

I had no idea she'd lost her child just before losing her husband. Two stunning blows, one so soon after the other. She held up very well for someone in her position.

[@marilyngordy3670]

Yeah, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy

[@stephenbarabas6286]

I guess you never red a history book?

[@gloss6969]

@@stephenbarabas6286 hi stephen

[@johngore7744]

@@stephenbarabas6286 or greened one either. Lol

[@StrawberryMilky69]

@@stephenbarabas6286 and I guess you never read a spelling one.

[@summercucumber4964]

I can't imagine trying to mourn the violent loss of a spouse and the death of a child while the whole country watches you.

[@_ZeroQueen_]

I tried so hard to be like her, cool and collected and graceful, after my dad's passing. I failed but I tried. I do wonder, if she broke down like I did and who was there to see it and I hope she had someone there to comfort her.

[@rebelgirl9436]

And burying your baby boy's father on his 3rd birthday

[@erind2261]

Yes, I think of Vanessa Bryant.

[@marcellatompkins4675]

Caitlyn, everything you do is amazing! Thank you for all this great information

[@ABSOLUTfiftytwo]

Caitlin Omg! I totally love you! You and your videos, explaining with just a touch of levity are special and yes, amazing. Thank you 🙏

[@reginamachamer821]

Honestly the fact that they tried to not let Jackie in when he was literally dying will never not bother me. Fck hospital policy.. hospital policy shouldn't be forcing people to die alone without their loved ones there. I'm glad they let her in.

[@jasonshackleford1306]

Yeah. I mean clearly it's not about maintaining a sterile field at that point. Dude's dead, his body just doesn't know it yet. There's not even theoretical harm.

[@TH-eb5ro]

While I agree to let her in because that was her wish there are also persons who become ill, are in an ER who do not want their family with them. The policy is to protect the patient for as long as possible.

[@patriciagarrett5526]

Doubtful after that bullet hit his head, he knew nothing.

[@patriciagarrett5526]

They do that all the time. When the dying need family or friends the most and the doctors know the patient isn't going to make it they act like the person is going to be contaminated by their loved ones. Pitiful.

[@TJ347]

He wasn't "literally dying"... He was dead and had been dead for quite some time. And as someone else stated, this isn't uncommon.

[@Zuckerpuppekopf]

Part of JFK's head was blown off, - in the old movie footage you can see Jackie trying to catch the piece of skull that blew off his forehead. Even if there wasn't an autopsy, I'd imagine patching up that kind of damage would be difficult to disguise. Better to remember a person as they were while living rather than how they looked after they died.

[@kadymedina]

You can even see in this video, thats what she was doing when she went diving over the seat after he got shot.

[@that.neurodivergent]

Ohhhhh my goodness I can't even imagine that level of trauma... 💔

[@USNCBSLIXXX]

Amen.

[@mwrcrft]

If they could make Sonny Corleone presentable then they can do about anything with the right motivation.

[@widowrumstrypze9705]

@@mwrcrft I know, right? The Irish Mafia were slackers!

[@StuMcAlister.]

Another excellent explainer. Thank you, Caitlin 👍

[@pumpthebrakes]

Brilliantly narrated Caitlyn. No one tells a story quite like you

[@heatherwhatever7714]

Jackie was such a young lady. My Mom wrote her a letter of condolences. She received back a hand written letter of thanks. Jackie’s hand must have hurt from all those notes.

[@saguirre760]

Do you still have the letter?

[@stormbunnie6966]

Wow. My mom also loved Jackie.

[@aprilgray9705]

Awe that's so kind I pray she is at peace.

[@docadams7099]

But the pain in her hand was nothing compared to the pain in her heart. She was so dignified.

[@jaggirl]

That's really lovely of her.

[@CatMomMarina]

The way Jackie was treated throughout the whole process is insane, it's a great example of how we dehumanize public figures even in their most fragile moments.

[@fjb3544]

Fragile? She was only with him because of the aftermath of the damage it would have called if she divorced him. He was cheating on her and she knew it. He told Monroe he was going to leave Jacky for her.

[@shaynewheeler9249]

Pine coffins

[@debracarey9944]

It was a set up. It was all planned and Jackie tried to talk President JFK out of going, but he wanted to go, because he was going to spill the beans.

[@MichaelChong100]

Lol, Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy aren’t perfect women but these rumors of the Kennedy affairs have been debunked time and time again and yet you guys still believe the bull****.

[@megan-1600]

@@fjb3544she was literally sat next to him when he was shot in the head, her clothes soaked in his blood. That was her husband, whom she loved. Wtf are you talking about

[@ohok3608]

I've seen every JFK video there is and learn more about this whole thing from your video than almost any other

[@johnemanuele8695]

I was in 3rd grade and still to this day recall being on the playground when we were called back into school. Recall crying coming from the behind the 6th grade classroom closed door. I still recall solemnity following that day for days.

[@ronakane9959]

I never knew about Patrick the son Jack and Jackie lost. Jackie still grieving the loss of an infant and then to lose Jack. Grace and strength and love never lived in finer a being than Jackie. Thank you always for high quality edutainment, Ms. Doughty!

[@sophierobinson2738]

I remember him. Everyone was waiting with great explanation for the baby, and mourned when he died.

[@bugsbunny3107]

There was also a daughter stillborn before Caroline

[@Coffeeisnecessarynowpepper]

I knew about his son

[@francrespo553]

She lost child the he passed.

[@bugsbunny3107]

@@sophierobinson2738 how heartbreaking 💔

[@chomama1628]

This was the most detailed account of what occurred after Jack’s death that I had ever heard. Thank you from someone who was alive at the time and felt the grief as a citizen to this senseless act. Our world was never the same. It is seared into the fabric of America. Well done.

[@pamelagay3303]

Yes I was alive also at the time. I was age 12.

[@abhinavpatil759]

You cry this hard when they lynched MLK Jr.? What about Malcolm X?

[@Redhand1949]

Agreed. I was a sixth-grader in school when the unbelievable news came that day over the PA system. The event was an absolute turning point in our history. As you state it so well, "Our world was never the same" after it. And yes, this video is excellent.

[@MommaZim2]

Cheryl..I just posted a comment..please read it

[@curbozerboomer1773]

This woman got a few things wrong...that fancy casket did indeed get the interior covered up, to keep the blood and gore from ruining the interior...but it was not several rubber bags...the nurses installed a large, plastic bedliner they took from a hospital bed...it was quite broad, and covered very well. Then, the body ws wrapped in two sheets...one was wrapped round JFKs very bloody head; the 2nd one was wrapped around the rest of his body...when his body was removed from the fancy casket at Bethesda, prior to autopsy, the two people transferring the body actually thought that large plastic liner was a type of body bag!...Their mistake triggered quite a few theories concerning JFKs body being somehow messed with...but none of that was true. BTW...for the most complete, thorough accounting of how JFKs autopsy went, please read the book-Reclaiming History"...an incredibly well-researched book, using only factual information. Much more detailed than this shallow video could ever be!

[@denisemond1882]

@Caitlin Doughty Your video are always full of new knowledge for us to grab. Keep the good work running dear :)

[@user-zy3zd3sx2d]

Thank you for an incredibly presented video and all the work you put into it.

[@scarymonsterzz]

Thank you for mentioning their son, Patrick. I remember hearing about how he died because he was born only 5 weeks premature. I recently had a baby who was born 11 weeks premature yet he surived his birth and is healthy and gaining weight everyday. Aparently the science of neonatalogy owes a lot to Patrick Kennedy. Because of his death there was a big push in the medical field for advancements to be made to save babies born prematurely. A lot of new techniques to help babies survive being born earlier and earlier eventually came about because of his death. It's amazing to me that my baby and millions of other babies born much earlier than Patrick can now live and grow to be healthy happy children all because of the advancements made in medical science that came about in the past few decades.

[@charlayned]

So glad to hear your baby's doing well. I had a couple of early (4 week) kids who have given me grandkids now (and almost great grandkids). My husband was a 12.5 week early in 1956. I have pictures of him in the isolette. He's survived, is doing great.

[@maureenogorman8740]

I remember reading about their very preemie baby and how his death was such an impact on jfk/jbk. When I realized he was only 5 weeks early and yet had at best a 50/50 chance, it was stunning. My kid was only a week later and while she was in the NICU for a few days, it was almost routine. Patrick Kennedy's death was on the president's mind constantly for the last few months of his life. Taking this hidden and almost shameful event and putting it into the public view, spurred so much research. My kid benefited from this tragedy.

[@lindashepard4621]

I have an elderly friend whose first child was born early and died from the same issues as Patrick. Interesting that both Jackie and my friend were smokers, which can be linked to premature births. I believe Mrs Kennedy had a miscarriage or still birth previously.

[@gamerbabexo6558]

Happy to know your little guy is growing and thriving, I've learned something new today, thanks for sharing.

[@khowler]

Learn something new every day. I had no idea that Patrick Kennedy was the reason we have more technology for premies. Glad your child is doing good.