John F. Kennedy bust restored, rededicated shortly before anniversary of assassination

ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) — Nov. 22 marks the 55th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, who was shot in Dallas, Texas in 1963.

Residents in Altoona can pay their respects at the Kennedy Memorial at Tuckahoe Park, where the newly refurbished Kennedy bust was rededicated just in time for the anniversary.

The bust, which was first erected in 1964, was vandalized. It was restored through the efforts of the Central Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Association. A local Eagle Scout member also worked on the grounds surrounding the monument.

"John Rita, who is a known sculptor in Altoona, refurbished the head of the JFK for free for us, and he erected it," said Ken Hollen, chairman of Memorials for Central Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Association.

"I feel honored and I hope other Eagle Scouts come out here and help do the other monuments," said Scout James Barry Jr.

The Tuckahoe Park is located at Union Avenue and 30th Street.

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