John Kennedy knew a lot about West Virginia and it is safe to say he would never have won the White House were it not for the good will of the people of the Mountain State. On June 20, 1963, he returned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of West Virginia statehood and spoke from the Capitol steps under a light rain. Five months later he was dead, and the nation's heart was broken. This excellent photo of J.F.K. speaking to the overflow crowd brings back memories of his quick wit and skill in making friends. Looking back -- so much time has passed and we can only think how the world might have been different if they had left the roof on his limousine in Dallas -- or if he had lost in the state primary -- perhaps he would be alive today -- so many ifs. Photo from Frank Wilkin