Irish Cadets Reflect on JFK Funeral Honor 60 Years Later

On November 25, 1963, 26 Irish Army Cadets performed a ceremonial drill at the graveside of President John F. Kennedy, marking a poignant moment in history. To commemorate this significant event, five of those cadets returned to Dublin on November 25, 2023, for the launch of the EPIC Museum’s exhibition titled “Homecoming: JFK in Ireland.” This exhibition, organized in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, celebrates the 60th anniversary of Kennedy’s visit to Ireland.

The launch was attended by notable figures, including Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste of Ireland, and Claire Cronin, the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. The presence of the former cadets underscored the lasting impact of Kennedy’s legacy, particularly in Ireland, where he was received with great admiration during his visit in June 1963.

In a tragic twist of fate, just five months after his historic tour, Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. His state funeral took place on November 26 at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, where the Irish cadets served as the only foreign military presence, providing a guard of honor for the fallen president.

Recalling the experience, Colonel William Nott, one of the cadets, expressed the honor of being part of such a significant moment. “At that stage, we had never been on a plane with no passport,” he said. “We were training in the Curragh Camp, which is not the most exciting place to be. Then, suddenly, we were told we were on a plane the next morning to perform an honor guard at President Kennedy’s funeral. You can just imagine how we felt as young people.”

The cadets traveled alongside President Éamon De Valera, receiving warm welcomes from the U.S. military, including the Old Guard, which is responsible for guarding the Capitol. The invitation for the Irish cadets to attend the funeral came directly from Jackie Kennedy and Rose Kennedy, reflecting the bond that had formed during JFK’s visit.

During his visit to Ireland, Kennedy had witnessed the Irish Army cadets performing the “Funeral Drill” as part of a tribute to the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising at Arbor Hill in Dublin. Impressed by their precision, he requested footage to be sent back to the United States.

As the cadets arrived at Arlington, they were briefed on the significance of their role. “On the day, we were brought to the graveside early on,” Colonel Nott recalled. “We stood there for a number of hours. We could hear the drums coming as the cortege crossed the Potomac River and made its way to Arlington Cemetery.”

Nott noted the emotional atmosphere that enveloped the event, particularly for Jackie Kennedy. “One of my colleagues mentioned seeing Mrs. Kennedy very moved by the drill, as she had been listening to her husband speak about the wonderful guard of Ireland he had seen during his visit.”

The cadets understood the magnitude of their task. “We were very conscious that we weren’t just representing our country; we were representing the Defence Forces in Ireland,” Nott explained. “Ireland was not a big player on the world stage at that time, and we were determined to perform well.”

The memories of that day continue to resonate for those involved. The exhibition at the EPIC Museum serves not only as a reminder of Kennedy’s influence but also of the enduring ties between Ireland and the United States.

The event encapsulates a unique chapter in history, where the honor of duty met the sorrow of loss, and where a young nation stood in solidarity with a leader who had inspired many. The exhibition “Homecoming” allows a new generation to reflect on this shared history and the connections that transcend time and borders.