22 November 1963 was my Dad's 44th birthday. I was nine, in Grade 5 at Manotick Public School. The death of President Kennedy was the lead item on the CBC news that evening, in odd contrast with the orange-flavoured birthday cake provided -- as always -- by Granny.

The first time I ever saw a television in school was for the funeral procession, of which I remember only the black horse and the backwards boots.