This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/16/2023
Offered is a photo signed and inscribed by President John F. Kennedy. The inscription reads "To General Turner-With every fond wish. John F. Kennedy." Kennedy signed on the mount with the 8 x 10 inch photograph of he and General Carl C. Turner shaking hands at the military air base Langendiebach near Hanau on June 25, 1963. General Turner was the Provost Marshall of the U.S. Army Forces in Europe at the time, and as such was responsible for the planning an logistics for the President's visit. The day after this photo, June 26, Kennedy gives his legendary speech at the Rudolph Wilde Platz in West Berlin. The speech produced one of the most famous moments not only in the Kennedy Presidency, but in American history, as it represented a rallying point for the American allies to stand strong against the rising Soviet Union's attempt to dominate Europe. The speech is best remembered for Kennedy's iconic declaration of solidarity with the citizens of West Germany in the form of the line:
"Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was "civis Romanus sum." Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is "Ich bin ein Berliner."
The large 12 x 12 inch mount is framed to an overall size of 19 x 19 inches with elaborate matting and a small gold plaque that reads "Upon Arrival in West Germany 25 June 1963." The signed photo emanates from General Turner's estate. Accompanied by an LOA from Beckett Authenticated. Near Mint condition.