Robert F. Kennedy, often known as Bobby Kennedy or RFK, remains a pivotal figure in American history. Brother to President John F. Kennedy, he served as Attorney General and a U.S. Senator, and was a Democratic presidential candidate in 1968. His life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968, immediately after winning the California Democratic primary. He succumbed to his injuries the following morning, leaving the nation in grief. But one question that often arises when discussing his burial is: Why Was Bobby Kennedy Buried At Night?
The Journey from New York to Arlington
Following a funeral mass held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on June 8, 1968, the solemn journey of Robert F. Kennedy’s remains to his final resting place began. The decision was made to bury him next to his brother, President John F. Kennedy, at Arlington National Cemetery, a site of national reverence. To transport his casket from New York to Washington, D.C., a train was chosen. This mode of transport was not merely practical; it allowed the American public to partake in mourning along the route.
As the funeral train moved southward, it became an unforgettable spectacle of national grief. In towns and cities along the tracks, immense crowds of mourners gathered. They stood in silent tribute, many with bowed heads, as the train passed. This outpouring of public grief, while a testament to Kennedy’s impact, inadvertently led to a significant delay in the train’s schedule. Originally planned to arrive much earlier, the train was profoundly slowed by the numerous stops and the sheer volume of people paying their respects.
A Nighttime Burial at Arlington
The extensive public mourning caused the funeral train to arrive at Union Station in Washington, D.C., much later than anticipated, at 9:10 p.m. This delay presented Arlington National Cemetery officials with an unprecedented challenge. The plans for a daytime burial had to be swiftly adjusted. With darkness descending, the decision was made to proceed with an evening interment.
To accommodate the late-night burial, cemetery staff quickly mobilized. Floodlights were erected around the designated gravesite in Section 45, ensuring the area was illuminated for the ceremony. Adding to the poignant atmosphere, service members distributed 1,500 candles to the assembled mourners, casting a flickering, respectful glow over the scene. Despite the late hour, a large crowd remained, wanting to witness the final farewell to Robert F. Kennedy.
Thirteen pallbearers, a group that included notable figures such as astronaut John Glenn, former Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, General Maxwell Taylor, and RFK’s own brother, Senator Edward Kennedy, and his eldest son Joe Kennedy, solemnly carried the casket from the train. A ceremonial motorcade then proceeded, making a symbolic stop at the Lincoln Memorial. There, the U.S. Marine Corps Band played “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” a powerful and fitting tribute. Finally, the motorcade reached Arlington National Cemetery at 10:30 p.m.
The graveside service, brief and dignified, was conducted by Terence Cardinal Cooke, the Archbishop of New York. Following the service, in a moment of national respect, John Glenn presented a folded American flag to Ethel and Joe Kennedy on behalf of the United States. Thus, Robert F. Kennedy was laid to rest in the stillness of the night, a consequence of the nation’s desire to collectively mourn and pay tribute to a fallen leader.
The Enduring Gravesite
In 1971, to create a more permanent and fitting memorial, the Kennedy family commissioned a redesigned gravesite. Architect I.M. Pei, renowned for his design of the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, undertook this task. Pei’s design thoughtfully incorporated the original simple white Christian cross, a marker of faith and remembrance, and added a granite plaza, echoing the design of President Kennedy’s adjacent gravesite.
The gravesite is further distinguished by two powerful inscriptions, excerpts from Robert F. Kennedy’s notable speeches. One quote reflects his optimism and belief in collective action: “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped…”. The second, a quote from playwright George Bernard Shaw that Kennedy often used, encapsulates his visionary spirit: “Some men see things as they are and ask ‘Why?’ I dream things that never were and ask, ‘Why not?'”
These inscriptions serve as a lasting testament to Robert F. Kennedy’s ideals and his enduring impact on American society. The night burial, while initially a matter of circumstance due to the delayed train, has become an inextricable part of the poignant story of his final farewell, adding another layer of solemnity to his Arlington gravesite.
Further Reading:
For more in-depth information about Robert F. Kennedy, you can visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
