John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963), often referred to as JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from January 20, 1961, until his tragic assassination on November 22, 1963. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917 into a wealthy and politically influential family in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the second son of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. After graduating from Harvard University, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he became a hero for his actions in the Pacific theater, particularly after the PT-109 incident, which garnered him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

Kennedy's political career began when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946. In 1952, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he earned a reputation for his advocacy on issues such as labor rights and foreign policy. In 1960, Kennedy ran for president against Richard Nixon in a historic election. He won the presidency by a narrow margin, becoming the youngest man ever elected to the office at the age of 43.

As president, Kennedy faced numerous challenges, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Berlin Crisis, and the growing tensions of the Cold War. His leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 is particularly remembered for preventing a potential nuclear conflict with the Soviet Union. He also launched the ambitious New Frontier domestic program, which aimed to address issues such as poverty, education, and civil rights, although some of his proposals were not fully realized during his presidency.

Kennedy was a strong advocate for civil rights, and his administration worked toward ending racial segregation and promoting equality. He also set the goal of landing a man on the Moon, which led to the Apollo space program's eventual success.

On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, by Lee Harvey Oswald. His death shocked the nation and left a profound impact on the world. Kennedy's presidency, though cut short, is often remembered for its optimism, vision, and the sense of hope it inspired. His legacy continues to shape American politics and culture today.