JFK Remembrance at CCP Focuses On Kennedy Half-Dollar

By Kim Glovas

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Community College of Philadelphia is hosting a day of remembrance today to mark the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Part of the focus is the Kennedy half dollar.

The college is opening a coin art exhibit showcasing the works of Gilroy Roberts of Upper Darby. He carved Kennedy's face for the half dollar. The exhibit is in the nation's third US Mint, which is now home to the college administrators. Greg Murphy, interim vice president of institutional advancement, says it features an interactive display of the coin, with hot spots, that show interesting facts.

"If you touch one spot, it says before the artist's commission was complete, he had to show the carving to Jacqueline Kennedy, the new widow. And you know, interestingly, she decided that she didn't like how the hair looked and wanted a little more curl and a little more volume."

A ceremony honoring Kennedy begins at noon. Students have also been asked to reflect on the famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country, " and write down their responses. They will be posted in the gallery.