</s>EXECUTIVE. August 5, 1968 J.J. Kennedy, Robert. (2) FE-3/1/Hewdy, Robert, Central Files: DEFENSE FG1151 This file should be treated as "sensitive" ., 31 Muriel Hartley RESERVE AFFAIRS MEMORANDUM FOR HONORABLE LARRY LEVINSON MEMORDUM FOR KENNEDUM FOR HORONABLE LARMY LEVINSON Attached is the Kennedy burial after-action report which I had the Army get up for me. Two comments: (1) In addition to the planes shown in the Army's report, I had a Jetstar which took me to NYC to meet McNamara at 2000 on 6 June. Nick Katzenbach, Tom Powers, Barrett Pettitman, Lou Oberland, Nick Katenbach, and Tom Powers. Barrett Pettittman, at their disposal and kept two which were used to the rest of the night in NYC. I flew back to Washington arriving 0330 on 7 June, again giving Katzenbach and Powers a ride, plus Herbert Schmartz and Chris McGrath, two Kennedy advance men. (2). Bob Jordan's account about the candles is too laconic. We did not get the candle request until 1900 on the evening of the interment, and it took a wild dash across town by Jordan personally to pick up the candles offered by St. Matthews. I trust the attachment meets your requirement Miree. J. Jot Alfred B. Fitt Attachment Cepres made for Permanent Jiles 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail logistical arrangements for Robert F. Kennedy’s (RFK) funeral and aftermath following his assassination on June 5, 1968, including transportation via Air Force One and private jets, coordination of memorial activities, and correspondence with officials such as Lyndon B. Johnson. Mentions include the Kennedy family’s interactions with government personnel, condolences from religious figures, and administrative notes on printing materials related to RFK’s death. A commission involving Judge A. Leon Higginbotham is referenced in discussions about addressing societal violence. Additional records cover international reactions to RFK’s assassination, funeral logistics for foreign dignitaries, and internal White House communications regarding event planning. A separate Superior Court document in New Jersey describes an accident involving a train carrying RFK’s remains on June 8, 1966, resulting in casualties and a Grand Jury investigation.  

Key People  
- Robert F. Kennedy (RFK): Senator assassinated in June 1968; central figure in funeral arrangements and political context.  
- Lyndon B. Johnson: President of the United States, involved in funeral arrangements and condolences.  
- Ethel Kennedy: RFK’s wife, corresponded with officials about family support.  
- Judge A. Leon Higginbotham: U.S. District Court judge involved in a commission addressing societal violence.  
- Reverend Monsignor M.F. Kearney: Catholic priest who expressed condolences to the Kennedy family.  
- Cardinal Richard Cushing: Archbishop of Boston, expressed condolences for RFK’s death.  
- Peregrine Worsthorne: British journalist critical of U.S. Vietnam policy; discussed in a memorandum about his shift from pro-American to anti-war stance.  
- Victor Frenkill: Sentiments on gun control post-RFK assassination.  
- Elizabeth Taylor: Mentioned as a potential donor for funeral ads (donation unconfirmed).  
- Paul Schrade: Kennedy campaign aide injured during the assassination; later became a symbol of RFK’s political machine.  
- Walter Rostow, General Maxwell Taylor, John Macy, Joe Califano, Nick Katzenbach, Larry Eagleburger, John Stennis, Charley Zwick, Mike Manatos: Individuals involved in funeral logistics or White House coordination.  
- B.R. Bhagat: India’s Minister of State for External Affairs; planned to attend RFK’s funeral.  
- Ambassador Angier Biddle Duke: U.S. Chief of Protocol.  

Key Locations  
- Washington D.C.: Site of RFK’s funeral, White House correspondence, and presidential coordination.  
- New York City: Mentioned in transportation details for RFK’s funeral and as the location of St. Patrick’s Cathedral (planned funeral site).  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Address of Reverend M.F. Kearney.  
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Location of Judge Higginbotham’s court.  
- New Jersey: Site of a train accident involving RFK’s remains on June 8, 1966; Superior Court investigation conducted here.  
- Arlington National Cemetery: Planned burial site for RFK.  
- Berlin (Germany): Site of a memorial event following RFK’s assassination.  
- Rome (Italy), Swaziland (now Eswatini): Locations of international dignitaries attending RFK’s funeral.  

Key Events  
- Funeral arrangements for RFK, including use of Air Force One and private jets, VIP attendance, and contributions to funeral ads.  
- Correspondence between the Kennedy family and government officials regarding condolences and support.  
- Discussions about a commission to address societal violence following RFK’s assassination.  
- Printing plans for a presidential booklet commemorating RFK’s death.  
- Train accident investigation in New Jersey (June 8, 1966) involving RFK’s remains; casualties reported.  
- International reactions to RFK’s assassination, including memorial events in Berlin and diplomatic coordination for foreign dignitaries attending the funeral.  
- Coordination of internment ceremony logistics, including military transport and security.  
- Funeral planning with the Kennedy family’s preference to exclude military honors.  
- Diplomatic arrangements for Indian officials attending the funeral.  
- Senator John Stennis’s letter urging federal leadership in enforcing law and order post-assassination.  

Key Organizations  
- Democratic National Committee (DNC): Involved in coordination of funeral logistics and political activities.  
- United States Department of Defense: Mentioned in transportation and security arrangements.  
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania: Judge Higginbotham’s jurisdiction.  
- American Airlines: Provided transportation support for the DNC convention.  
- White House Communications Staff: Coordinated funeral and memorial efforts.  
- U.S. Department of State: Managed diplomatic logistics for foreign dignitaries attending RFK’s funeral.  
- National Security Council: Involved in logistical planning.  
- Kennedy family: Direct input on funeral preferences.  
- U.S. Army: Military transport and security for interment event.  
- Superior Court of New Jersey: Conducted investigation into the train accident involving RFK’s remains.

RFK Declassified Files

586452_lbj_whcf_subject_files_on_federal_government_b5_f6.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search