Friday, July 17, 2009

Walter Cronkite (1916-2009)

"The most trusted man in America", iconic CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite, passed away earlier tonight at 92. It would be appropriate to attach the term "icon" to Cronkite, who was the first newsman to be billed as an anchorman when he took over the CBS Evening News in 1962. Cronkite broke the news of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in November 1963, and anchored CBS' coverage of the Republican & Democratic conventions and Apollo moon missions.

Cronkite also stepped away from the anchor desk to serve as host of the historical re-enactment series, You Are There, and the historical magazine series, The 20th Century. Today's generation of youngsters may be familiar with Cronkite as the voice of Benjamin Franklin on Liberty's Kids, which has aired in syndication the last few years after a 1 year run on PBS (2003-04). To viewers who grew up during the 60's, 70's, and early 80's, he was "Uncle Walter", the calm, reassuring voice of reason in times of chaos. It feels as though we've all lost a member of our families.

Good night, Walter, and thanks for all the memories. God bless you.

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