For better or for worse, President John F. Kennedy will forever be known for his death, among other things. Kennedy's very public assassination in 1963 is one of the most well-known historic events. And his even more public funeral doubled as a national a television event. JFK's grand funeral procession, which traveled from the White House to the Capitol, carried Kennedy's casket to the Capitol Rotunda, where it stayed for 21 hours before Kennedy was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This long funeral procession, planned immaculately by Jackie Kennedy, is painstakingly recreated in the new film, Jackie , to great effect in the film. Before you see Jackie, take a look at some photos of JFK's funeral procession so you can compare for yourself.
Modeled after the funeral of Abraham Lincoln, JFK's funeral procession was a pretty stunning event. Kennedy's casket was drawn by six horses and a riderless black horse, according to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, along with a band of funeral bagpipes. Jackie Kennedy walked behind the casket with Kennedy's brothers, Robert and Edward Kennedy. The procession is both central to the history of JFK and the new film, which tried to recreate the event as faithfully as possible. The production was even briefly moved to Washington, D.C., to film the sequence.
Putting the movie's commitment to detail aside, here are a few photos of JFK's funeral procession you should see before going to the movie theaters.
The Jackie filmmakers made sure to be as faithful to Jackie Kennedy's funeral attire and demeanor, depicted directly above with her children.
Jackie, Robert and Edward Kennedy walked down Pennsylvania Avenue as hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered around the street.
Kennedy's casket was then taken to the Capitol, where mourners gathered to pay their respects throughout the night.
President Lyndon B. Johnson brought a wreath to the Capitol.
And the next morning, the casket was moved once more to Arlington National Cemetery for burial.
It's always strange to see history recreated for entertainment, but no matter how eery it is to relive history, it is always impressive. And Jackie is no different.
Images: Fox Searchlight Pictures; Abbie Rowe/Wikimedia Commons (2); Wikimedia Commons (2)
