This memorial is situated in three acres of meadow and woodland, opposite Magna Carta Island, Runnymede, Egham. It was erected to honour the memory of President John F. Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963.
The memorial stone is accessed through a gate from the fields of Runnymede, at the end of a pathway and steps of irregular granite setts rising steeply through the woodland.
The central stone plinth was unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 14th May 1965 in the presence of Jacqueline Kennedy, the President’s two children, John Junior and Caroline, and his two brothers Bobby and Ted. The Queen formally handed over the land to Dean Rusk, the US Secretary of State, in memory of President Kennedy – a little piece of America in Surrey. This gesture cemented a long-standing link between Britain and the United States, which has come to be symbolized by the site of the sealing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede, a cornerstone of British and American civil liberties.
Designed by architect G.A. Jellicoe C.B.E., the centerpiece is a seven-ton block of Portland stone, carved with the dates of the President’s life and a quotation from the Declaration of Freedom contained in his inaugural address of the 20th January, 1961. The inscription reads:
“This acre of English ground was given to the united states of America by the people of Britain in memory of John F. Kennedy. Born 29 May 1917. President of the United States 1961 – 63. Died by an assassin’s hand 22 November 1963. Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend or oppose any foe in order to assure the survival and success of liberty”.
In 1963 Prince Philip flew to Washington, D.C. for the funeral. On Sunday, November 24, Jacqueline Kennedy was wandering the White House, looking for her son, John Jr. She opened the door to his playroom to find the Prince playing and laughing on the floor with the almost 3-year-old.
John had said earlier that he ‘didn’t have anybody to play with’ (also: ‘where’s Daddy?’) and her Majesty’s husband decided that he would entertain the boy.