Obamas, Clintons to visit John Kennedy's gravesite; Obama to pay tribute to JFK's initiatives

The gravesite of former President John F. Kennedy as it burns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The gravesite of former President John F. Kennedy as it burns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will visit John F. Kennedy’s gravesite next week and pay tribute to two of Kennedy’s lasting initiatives as the nation observes the 50th anniversary of his assassination.

Obama and his wife, Michelle, will be joined by former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, at a wreath-laying ceremony Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery.

Clinton is one of 16 recipients scheduled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Wednesday. Kennedy created the modern version of the award in the months before his death.

Obama is to deliver a speech on Kennedy’s legacy at a dinner attended by recipients and members of the Kennedy family.

On Friday, Obama plans to meet privately at the White House with leaders and volunteers from the Peace Corps program that Kennedy established.