The Olympic Torch was lit at 12:01 a.m. to mark one of the most tragic and shocking moments in American history. The torch will burn throughout the day. The tribute was spearheaded by Congresswoman Janice Hahn, and coordinated through Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge and USC officials.
The torch was also lit the day Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on Nov. 22, 1963. Three years later, the Coliseum would become a temporary makeshift memorial to the late president.
Watch archival news coverage of the JFK assassination here.
