The Kennedys

Search and rescue has become search and recover. Barring a miracle that refutes the wreckage washing ashore, John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife, Carolyn, and sister-in-law, Lauren Bessette, have perished in the waters off Martha’s Vineyard.

For the circle of family and friends, the joy of that most joyous of celebrations, a wedding, was shattered by simple, straightforward tragedy — the loss of three young people they loved and cherished. For millions of others, this sad event cuts the heart with two-edged sword: it stirs intensely personal memories of the premature loss experienced by all but the most blessed families; it reminds us of the national loss that is the consequence of fate’s shockingly cruel treatment of this particular family, the Kennedys.

Since the weekend, the public has been deluged with a depressing chronology of violent death, disease and accident that seems to be the Kennedy history. The facts are irrefutable, but mixing them all together into one great stew of calamity cheapens the real and honorable sacrifices this family has made.

Joe Jr.,the first Kennedy destined for political greatness, was killed in World War II on an extraordinarily dangerous bombing mission he volunteered to lead. President Kennedy proved his courage in the same war; he was leading the nation away from Cold War paranoia and into space when he was murdered in 1963. Robert Kennedy was struck down less than five years later while campaigning not so much for the presidency as for social justice.

They were heroes. They risked their lives for a higher cause and paid the ultimate price. They acted nobly and deserve much better than to be part of a bulleted list that includes family members whose fame springs from substance abuse and reckless, even criminal, conduct.

John F. Kennedy Jr. was not a hero, but he seemed cut from the same cloth as his father and two uncles. He believed he had an obligation to public service. He refused to run for political office until he had something to offer besides a famous name. From the heartbreakingly brave toddler saluting his matyred father’s casket to America’s most eligible bachelor, he bore his celebrity with grace and humor. He publically scolded family members who misbehaved.

Like the best of his family, he took chances. He participated in daredevil sports. He failed the bar exam twice — with the whole world watching, he took it a third time and passed. He started a political magazine, well aware that such an enterprise had a high probability of embarrassing failure. He tried to pilot an airplane in conditions calling for more training and experience.

The Kennedys would prefer to grieve in private, but that is impossible. It is inevitable that this will be a public spectacle. It is not, however, just another peek into the lives of the rich and famous. It’s an opportunity to reflect upon a family that has served with distinction and paid an awful price.