re: 53 years ago today. Where were you?

McDonnell Aircraft Company simulator lab in St. Louis, MO - running preliminary rendezvous scenarios for Project Gemini. Phones started ringing and word got out that something had happened in Dallas and then the switchboard was shut down.

I cut ties with a bunch of acquaintances who were cheering the possibility that JFK was dead. Turns out they were John Birch Society advocates. First time I had heard of that group.

Announcement care around noon over the PA that JFK was dead. No work was done the rest of the day. Sad weekend. Watched in real time as Ruby shot Oswald. Seeds of conspiracy were planted. My first thoughts were that LBJ was the ultimate evil behind the assassination. Still believe that, although I am convinced that Oswald was the lone shooter.