President John F. Kennedy delivered a Columbus Day speech in Newark at City Hall on October 12, 1962.

In his four-minute address, Kennedy recognized Governor Hughes, Senators Case and Williams, and Congressman Gallagher, and expressed his appreciation for being in Newark.  He joked that his grandfather, legendary Boston Mayor John F. Fitzgerald, used to claim that their family was Italian,  saying ‘I’ve never had the courage to make that claim, but I’ll make it on Columbus Day here in New Jersey on this day today’.

He singled out Congressman Rodino and Newark Mayor Addonizio for special recognition, reminiscing on their time served together in the House of Representatives, saying he’s proud of Newarkers for continuing to re-elect both.

Listen to the speech below, from the JFK Library’s Archives: