Caroline Kennedy works to raise money for books, technology, and other resources for public school libraries in New York City.
Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, is perhaps the Kennedy family’s most famous living member. The Kennedy family has been active in politics for more than 75 years. Caroline Kennedy has been involved in public service for a long time. However, she has never held a position in government. That may soon change. In July, President Barack Obama nominated Kennedy to be the United States ambassador to Japan. An ambassador is a person who officially represents his or her government in another country.
If the U.S. Senate confirms her nomination as expected, Kennedy will represent the third generation of her family to serve in the role of ambassador. Her aunt, Jean Kennedy Smith, was ambassador to Ireland in the 1990s, and her grandfather, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., was ambassador to Britain from 1938 to 1940.
The Japanese government is pleased with the nomination. The Kennedy family is well respected in Japan. Also, Caroline Kennedy’s close friendship with President Obama means that the two of them will have many opportunities to discuss matters concerning Japan.
Kennedy is a lawyer and a strong supporter of public education, especially in New York City where she lives. She is also the author of several best-selling books on history, politics, and poetry. Her children’s book Poems to Learn by Heart was published this past spring. Reading and sharing poetry was an important part of her childhood. Family members would often recite poems to one another and exchange copies of poems on holidays and birthdays.
Kennedy is still passionate about poetry and its ability to inspire and bring comfort. In sharing her love of poetry, she is carrying on an important family tradition. As the next ambassador to Japan, Kennedy will be carrying on another, very public, family tradition.
Image credit: ©Jamie McCarthy/WireImage/Getty Images
Related Links
- “The Wind on the Hill” read by Caroline Kennedy
Listen to Caroline Kennedy recite a poem by A. A. Milne, the author of Winnie-the-Pooh. - Caroline Kennedy Through the Years
View a slide show of Caroline Kennedy.
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