Save Dealey Plaza

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas. In 1993 the plaza was deemed a “National Historic Landmark.” Despite this, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson (214.670.3301) and his City Council have developed plans to renovate and/or destroy Dealey Plaza. Citizens of Dallas, America and the world fiercely oppose such a negligent and abrasive action against history. We're uniting to stop any and all modifications to this revered and respected landmark. Please join us!

Reasons 5--9 (continued).
5. Dealey Plaza was built via a Roosevelt WPA project, exemplifying the art deco style of 1940. While it’s not the Chrysler Building, it’s unique to downtown Dallas which is quickly being overtaken by modern, soulless buildings.
6. It was deemed a National Historical Landmark in 1993. If the structures, façade and layout is to be changed, what is the purpose of such a designation? What is being preserved? The air and space above Dealey Plaza?
7. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world have toured Dealey Plaza in respect and appreciation of John Kennedy. Many have told this author how impressed they are that Dallas has done such an excellent job of preserving it. Why would the city destroy all that goodwill now for an un-needed promenade?
8. A case can easily be made that Dealey Plaza is the most important historical site west of the thirteen colonies. It is certainly equal to the Alamo and Pearl Harbor both of which were events preceding inevitable wars. Both have been rightly preserved and honored. Honolulu, San Antonio, Dallas do not own these sites but are given the respect to be their historical custodians. Would Washington DC ever tear-down the Ford Theater where Pres Lincoln was shot?
9. Rather than appreciating Dealey Plaza through the lens of history and humanity, the Dallas City Council seems to view it a public relations eyesore. Preferring Dealey to be a modern, benign walkway – from what, into what? Altering the plaza will alter history – destroying its essence destroys history. We must ask the Council: “Do you want to be the authors of that?”

Below are the nine reasons why we are For Dealey Plaza being preserved as it has for the last 60 years and Against any alterations or modifications. (continued next post)
1. John Kennedy was a unique president who faced down at least two possible nuclear wars with the USSR. He also issued orders to remove all troops from Viet Nam by 1965 (NSAM 263, Oct 11, 1963). The death of John Kennedy led directly to the invasion of Viet Nam where at least 1.5 million people died. JFK also created a détente with Khrushchev/USSR, reduced Cold War tensions that had been spiraling out of control and advanced the cause of Civil Rights.
2. Kennedy was not just another president. He actively and aggressively faced down both the Pentagon and CIA in their unchecked aggression against third world countries around the world. He may have been the last president to do so.
3. While Civil Rights were high on his agenda, he chose the passage of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty with Russia, putting off CR for 1964. As the world had just been forced to the precipice of a Nuclear Holocaust over the Cuban missiles, the world celebrated the first de-escalation of the Cold War between America and the USSR.
4. The Secret Service had told Kennedy that Dallas hated him so not to expect a crowd of over 10 thousand. JFK rolled into downtown Dallas to be overwhelmed by 80,000+ adoring and cheering supporters on a rainy morning. As the presidential limo glided down Houston St, Nellie Connelly turned to JFK and said: “Mr President, you sure can’t say Dallas doesn’t love you now!” He replied: “No, Nellie, you sure can’t!” John Kennedy’s last words spoken were ones of appreciation for the city of Dallas.