JFK Tribute Opens Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 In Downtown Fort Worth; Dedication Ceremony To Honor Ideals, Themes Of President's Historic Final Speeches Delivered In Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Joy Webster, Chair of Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. (DFWII), has announced a public ceremony to begin at 9:00 a.m. CST on Thursday, November 8, 2012, in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, to formally open The JFK Tribute, a permanent open air exhibit built within a 1.5 acre site in Fort Worth, where President John F. Kennedy presented his last speech to the general public on the morning of November 22, 1963.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121101/DA04439)

"The events of that day in 1963 have imbued the Fort Worth visit with extraordinary significance," said Taylor Gandy, JFK Tribute Co-Chair.  "President Kennedy's vision and the impact of his leadership are as relevant today as they were in 1963."

The JFK Tribute is the culmination of over a decade of work by a public-private partnership spearheaded by DFWII and Shirlee J. and Taylor Gandy to create a tribute to Kennedy commemorating his historic visit to Fort Worth and his immutable ideals of freedom, courage, discovery and leadership, which he shared in his speeches delivered here.

The Tribute exhibit was designed around an eight foot, heroic scale Lawrence Ludtke bronze sculpture, John F. Kennedy, cast in bronze in 2009 and installed in 2012.  General Worth Square improvements by the City of Fort Worth set the stage for the new Tribute. The design team was led by Jacobs and included Museumscapes, the Lighting Practice, and AUI Contractors, LLC.

"Everyone involved in this project is honored to create a lasting tribute to this part of Fort Worth's history and to present it in such a public location for all to enjoy," concluded Mrs. Gandy.

Tribute website: www.jfktribute.com. 

The Thursday, November 8, 2012, event begins 9:00 a.m. in General Worth Square, 916 Main Street.  On-street and garage parking are available nearby. Valet parking offered at the Hilton Fort Worth.

Dignitaries will include, among others:

• JFK Tribute co-chairs Shirlee J. and Taylor Gandy; honorary co-chairs former Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen and former U.S. Speaker of the House Jim Wright
• Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price
• Fort Worth City Council representatives

The Texas Boys Choir, who also performed on November 22, 1963, for President and Mrs. Kennedy's visit, will perform. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit DFWI.org or JFKTribute.com. Full media kit: http://www.jfktribute.com/news. Images of the Tribute will be available November 8, 2012.

About Downtown Fort Worth Inc., and Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.
In the early 1980s, Fort Worth began the urban revitalization of its downtown central business district aided by a private sector voice, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI).  DFWI was established by a group of dedicated downtown property owners in December of 1981.  This membership-based, 501(c)(6) organization has evolved into a significant champion for progress and excellence in downtown Fort Worth.  In 1988, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. formed Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. (DFWII), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to provide a pathway for foundation grants, philanthropic donations and other contributions to help fund charitable, educational and public-purpose downtown projects.  They are on the web at www.dfwi.org.

Contacts: Merianne Roth 817-698-7841 [email protected]
Jessica Dowdy 817-698-7842 [email protected]
Lauren Kwedar 800-776-9720 [email protected]

On site media preview Nov. 7 10:30a-11:30a CST
On Nov. 8: Video, still photo, interview opportunities.
Mult-box on site. Credentials 800-776-9720.

SOURCE Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.