JFK's heartwarming letter to girl worried about Santa resurfaces

In 1961, 8-year-old Michelle Rochon overheard her parents talking about Soviet nuclear tests at the North Pole, and wrote a letter to President John F. Kennedy imploring him to protect Santa Claus.

"Please stop the Russians from bombing the North Pole because they will kill Santa Claus," Rochon wrote. "I am 8 years old. I am in the third grade at Holy Cross School."

Kennedy wrote back in a thoughtful letter that recently resurfaced on the website Letters of Note.

The President of the United States assured young Rochon that he had spoken to Santa, and that she need not worry.

Dear Michelle, I was glad to get your letter about trying to stop the Russians from bombing the North Pole and risking the life of Santa Claus.

I share your concern about the atmospheric testing of the Soviet Union, not only for the North Pole but for countries throughout the world; not only for Santa Claus but for people throughout the world.

However, you must not worry about Santa Claus. I talked with him yesterday and he is fine. He will be making his rounds again this Christmas.

Sincerely,

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(Signed, 'John Kennedy')

The heartwarming exchange was previously brought to public attention in 2007 when Rochon and Caroline Kennedy, JFK's daughter, met on "Good Morning America." At the time, Rochon said that Christmas was "huge" for her father, who empathized with her fears.

"President Kennedy was a hero to everybody back then," said Rochon, now in her late 50s. "Everybody just loved him."