ALS Maxine McNair (mother of Denise McNair, killed in the Birmingham Baptist Church bombing) to Jacqueline Kennedy, 4 February 1964

February 4, 1964 Dear Mrs. Kennedy, When the tragic news came across the air wover, again my heart said, "th isn't true, th didn't happen". Only after recovering from the shock did d realize - it was true. True here, as it was in the case of our only child Denise and three other girls on that tragic day in Birmingham September 15, 1963. wonderful display of Courage during that may d Commend you for your tragic weekend you helped many people ale over the world to realize that it is possible to be courageous under stress and strain my husband and d are praying for you and your wonderful children We 4 believe that only God can give strength and wisdom to face the future. card we wanted to send to you and Enclosed you will find a mourning your husband around the time the tragedy occurred However, l felt that later would be a better time. don't it strange how people with so much to give to the world are taken? I hat's God's will however and not for us to question. We pray some ultimate result will grow out of the investigation in to your hust ands death. & can't say that any amount of assurance can be given us that and arrest ar a conviction will Come to pass in the death of our Children here. may God's infinite wisdom Comfort and guide you, and your family yours in Christ, mapine P. Monain Carol Denise McNair Mr. and Mrs. J. Christopher McNair and families express our sincere thanks to you for your kind expressions of sympathies, flowers, letters, cards, phone calls, etc. over the tragic loss of our daughter May God give you courage to continue to speak out against injustices to mankind