Historical Profile: Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

BOSTON – The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Garden is located in the North End section of Boston.  The garden is situated in between Christopher Columbus Park and the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway.  The garden is named after Rose Kennedy who was the mother of nine children, including Robert Kennedy – a U.S. Senator and John F. Kennedy – the 35th President of the United States.  The garden was dedicated on July 20, 1987. 

On July 22, 1890 Rose Kennedy was born in Boston.  Rose Kennedy was the daughter of John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, who served as mayor of Boston from 1906-1907 and again from 1910-1913.  In 1914, Rose married Joseph P. Kennedy, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain.  Three of their children died in service to their country.

There are two plaques located at the entrance of the Kennedy Garden.  In addition to the garden, there is a water fountain located next to the garden with a quote from Rose Kennedy inscribed on the bottom of the fountain.  The quote reads: “The most important element in human life is faith.  If God were to take away all his blessings and leave me but one gift, I would ask for faith.”     
The plaque on the right side of the garden entrance reads: “With this garden the people of Boston honor all gold star mothers.  Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald Kennedy became a gold star mother when her oldest son, Navy Lt. Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr. was lost on a WWII combat mission, August 12, 1944.  Two others of her nine children gave their lives in the service of their country, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, November 22, 1963 and Senator Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy, June 6, 1968.”
The Kennedy Garden is a symbolic reminder of Rose Kennedy’s inspiring life.  Her life embodied courage, sacrifice, and service to country.
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Garden

Comments

  1. CourageFebruary 5, 2014 at 5:45 AM

    When I was on a rare break from a courier driver job
    I was at this park and read the inscription on the fountain
    it was very profound when I read it and won't forget that day ,
    it's very inspiring for her to say that ,
    I'm glad I came across this article when I was researching to find out
    exactly how the quote went .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steven GilchristApril 27, 2014 at 6:28 PM

      Hello Courage. Thank you for taking the time to read this essay about the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Garden. Yes, the quote on the fountain is quite profound. I'm glad that you were inspired by her words of wisdom.
      Best wishes,
      Steven Gilchrist

      Delete

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