May 16-18, 1961 – President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Canada
President and Mrs. Kennedy arrive in Ottawa, Canada for a two day state visit. The trip is the Presidents first outside the US as President. President Kennedy suffers severe back pain during a tree planting ceremony in Ottawa on the grounds of Government House. President Kennedy visits the American Embassy in Ottawa. President Kennedy places a wreath at the Canadian National War Memorial. Prime Minister Diefenbaker hosts a luncheon in honor of President and Mrs. Kennedy at the Prime Minister’s residence. President Kennedy addresses the Senate and the House of Commons of Canada saying that “what unites us is far greater than what divides us” and urging Canada to join the US in keeping communist influence out of the Western Hemisphere, strengthening NATO, and working to assist the underdeveloped nations.
