Welcome to the JFK Eternal Flame, a poignant and enduring symbol of remembrance located at Arlington National Cemetery. This flame marks the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy, whose life and presidency were tragically cut short on November 22, 1963. The Eternal Flame was conceived in the immediate aftermath of Kennedy’s assassination, a result of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s vision inspired by a similar memorial she had seen in Paris.
As the nation mourned, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers faced the daunting task of designing and installing the Eternal Flame within a mere 24 hours. Led by Colonel Clayton B. Lyle, the team ingeniously repurposed a tiki torch to create a makeshift eternal flame that would stand through the funeral ceremonies. This temporary solution was swiftly put in place in time for the state funeral on November 25, where dignitaries from around the world gathered to pay their respects. During the ceremony, Jacqueline Kennedy lit the flame, establishing a lasting tribute to her late husband.
The original gravesite quickly became a pilgrimage site for millions, with up to 3,000 visitors per hour in the year following Kennedy’s death. Recognizing the need for a more permanent memorial, the Kennedy family and cemetery officials oversaw the construction of the current site. By March 15, 1967, the permanent Eternal Flame was consecrated, featuring a granite base and a continuous gas supply to ensure its perpetual burn.
This memorial not only honors President Kennedy but also embodies the spirit of resilience and hope he inspired in America. The gravesite is positioned with a view aligning with both the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, connecting Kennedy’s legacy to the broader narrative of American history. Visitors today can reflect on the contributions of a president who, despite a brief time in office, left an indelible mark on the nation and the world.
