(Images courtesy of Washington State Archives)

One of the darkest dates in U.S. history is upon us. It was on Nov. 22, 1963, when U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade in downtown Dallas, Texas. Kennedy was America’s 35th president.

In memory of this shocking and tragic event 50 years ago, our State Archives has retrieved two documents related to the fateful day that shook our nation.

Here is the telegram (above) sent to Gov. Albert Rosellini on the afternoon of Nov. 22, 1963, informing him that Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson had been sworn in as president after Kennedy died.

And here is Rosellini’s proclamation (below) declaring a period of mourning that extended through the day of Kennedy’s funeral services.  Part of Rosellini’s proclamation reads:

“I urge the people of the State of Washington to offer prayers for the comforting of his beloved family in their time of grief and for the memory of a great and good man and noble American.”