Perhaps the most famous of all citizens of Boston is John F. Kennedy, who was president of the United States for 1000 days, between January 1961 and November 1963.
Even as a young child I was very aware of President Kennedy. Wherever he went and whatever he said or did, was global news. Of course, like many others, I remember feeling the shock when I heard the news that he had lost his life.
The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is situated at Columbia Point, Dorchester, just a few miles south of downtown Boston. The museum charts the life of the president from his childhood and student days, through his career in the U.S. Navy and then his service as a senator and president.
The museum uses lots of film and video footage, as well as the president’s own words, to tell the story of turbulent times including the Cuban missile crisis, the campaign for civil rights, the space program and the 1960 election.
Situated on Beacon Hill, and with its 23-carat gold dome, you cannot ignore this building.
This is where democracy works. Inside are the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate.
The cornerstone of this building was laid by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere in 1798. The design has been replicated in many other state buildings across the USA, including the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Despite this conclusive photographic evidence, I still cannot believe that I did this. Here I am, with the state gavel in my right hand, bringing the Massachusetts House of Representatives to order, in my role as Speaker of the House. The large plaque on the front of the rostrum marks the occasion when John F Kennedy spoke to the house in January 1961, just a few weeks after his election as President of the United States of America, and just a few days before his inauguration. The president’s address to the house became known as the “City Upon a Hill” speech.
The lady in the photograph is Katie. She is the First Lady of Massachusetts. Nothing happens in the House of Representatives without her permission. Thank you Katie. I will vote for you in the mid term elections.
A boat trip to Stellwagen Bank to see some of the largest creatures on the planet.
What a treat!
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is only about 30 miles from Boston, between Cape Ann and Cape Cod. Within an hour of leaving Boston Harbour, I sighted whales. At one moment I could see 5 whales. I will remember this excursion for a very long time.
Boston is a major city for sports so during my visit I was able to indulge myself.
The Boston Bruins are one of the strongest teams in the NHL. I saw them defeat Minnesota Wild in a ripsnorter of a game. The Bruins scored a winner with only 10 seconds remaining of overtime. 4-3 to the Bruins. I also saw the Bruins prevail over the Dallas Stars by 3-1.
The Bruins are serious contenders for this season’s Stanley Cup. Watch out for them when the play offs come around.
There was a great atmosphere at the Bruin’s games. The Bruin’s uniforms are similar to those of Castleford Tigers, so I felt at home. I met Kyle and Zach who are big fans of the Bruin’s. Kyle’s uncle is a doughnut magnet and Zach has aspirations to be a lineman for the county and to drive the main roads. It was great to meet you guys, don’t forget to look out for Yard Act.
In the NBA the Boston Celtics are going well and are placed highly in the Eastern Conference. I saw them demolish Washington Wizards by 112 to 94.
It was a big thrill for me to travel to Foxborough to visit the Gillette Stadium to see the New England Patriots host the Chicago Bears. The Patriots have won Superbowl many times. They are the Manchester United of the NFL. However, to my delight, the Chicago Bears mauled the Patriots and won the contest by 33 to 14.
Although I had missed the baseball season, I was still able to visit Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. I joined a stadium tour. Our guide was Rich who knows everything about the Red Sox and lots about Boston. Hopefully, one day I will return and enjoy the sport at this famous venue.
During a walk around Boston Harbour I met fellow Brits, David, Zena, Adrienne and Sid. We had a chat about West Ham, Tottenham Hotspurs and Leeds United. We shared memories of Jimmy Greaves, Bobby Moore, George Best, Ron Harris and Norman Hunter. Remember Jimmy Greaves’ shin, Sid!
Gordon's Gubbins. 