Witness History The funeral train for Robert Kennedy
Jun 25, 2025
In June 1968, the assassination of Senator Robert Kennedy sparked a nationwide outpouring of grief. The funeral train journeyed from New York to Washington D.C., with thousands of mourners lining the tracks to pay their respects. Eye-witness accounts reveal the emotional reactions of the public and personal stories from those close to him, such as his bodyguard and press secretary. A poignant moment at the Lincoln Memorial captured the collective sorrow and hope for change among diverse groups, creating a powerful memory still felt today.
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Massive Mourning on Funeral Train
- Tens of thousands lined the funeral train route from New York to Washington in June 1968.
- Frank Mankiewicz saw groups saluting and signs that expressed love even from those who hated Kennedy.
Crowds Packed the Platform
- Rosie Greer witnessed massive crowds lining the entire 21-car funeral train platform.
- People of all races and celebrities joined ordinary Americans in a sorrowful farewell.
Fatal Collision During Funeral Train
- A crowd standing on the tracks in Elizabeth, New Jersey, was struck by a train coming the other way during the funeral train journey.
- Two people were tragically killed in this incident, which deeply affected those on board.