A U.S. U2 flight over Cuba uncovered the Soviet Union was installing nuclear missile launchers in Cuba, just 90 miles from U.S. shores. The October 14^th discovery was the first palatable, direct threat to the U.S. mainland since the War of 1812. In response President John F. Kennedy ordered a naval quarantine or blockade around Cuba, a risky option rather than the direct air strikes, or an actual invasion of Cuba demanded by Congressional hawks.

Kennedy’s resolve was soon tested. On October 27, a Russian convoy presumed to be carrying additional missiles and military “advisers” was being closely monitored by the government and most television networks.

As the flotilla approached the U.S. blockade the nation and the world held its breadth and prayed a military conflict could be avoided. Ultimately, the ships “turned tail”, as we like to say, retreating to Russia. Nikita Khrushchev agreed to remove the missiles from Cuba with UN supervision and the signing of the 1963 Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. 

Listening to history live on the school intercom, I was struck by our sudden exposure. However, the President’s gamble paid off. Slowly the sense of invulnerability returned to America. Ultimately Americans would fight and die in multiple wars on others’ soil. Thirty-nine years after the Cuban Missile Crisis the illusion was shattered with the 9/11 attacks on American soil.