John Kerry Biography

One of the most discussed upon person who was in spotlight during the presidential elections in America, John Kerry was born on December 11, 1943 at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Colorado to Richard Kerry (who served US Air Force and worked as an Army Air Corps Test Pilot during World War II) and Rosemary who was an environmentalist, community activist and a Girl Scout Leader.

John spent early years of his childhood in Massachusetts where his family had moved some time after John was born. From his childhood, his parents played an important role in developing his character. He served as an altar boy in the Catholic Church at Massachusetts. As Kerry family often shifted from one place to another, John attended more than one schools in his childhood. John attended St. Albans School in Washington D.C. after which he attended a Swiss boarding school when he was 11, Fessenden School in West Newton in 1957. In 1962, John graduated from St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire. While at St. Paul's, Kerry's great-aunt, Clara Winthrop (who had no children) incurred tuition fees for Kerry, as his father's economical condition did not allow him pay for John.

As his father was serving the US government, right from his childhood John had developed interest in politics and started learning public speaking skills like developing public relation etc, the result of which was the John Winant Society which he had established in 1959 to debate on one particular topic every day when he was at St. Paul's. John also actively participated in games like ice hockey, lacrosse etc. and also played electronic bass for the band of his school. During his graduation, as he had grown interest in politics, he took active participation in many campaigns and in 1960 presidential elections when he gave a political speech (first time in his life) in support of John F. Kennedy. He also had few chances to meet John F. Kennedy in person and spent some time with him in 1962.

In year 1962 Kerry enrolled his name in Yale University for further study. While at Yale, Kerry played for the teams of hockey, soccer, lacrosse and fencing etc. He also took flying lessons during his curriculum. To support himself, he took on a job of loading trucks at a grocery warehouse and worked as a door-to-door salesman. At Yale, Kerry continued his involvement in politics and gained a prominent position in political field. He was selected as a President of The Yale Political Union and he also took part in many movements. During his graduation period he gained popularity for the public speeches he gave and was given many opportunities to speak live in front of public. John completed his graduation (B.A.) from Yale University with major in 'Political Science' in 1966.

After graduation, Kerry served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970. During his service to US Navy, he served as a Lieutenant and was honored with many medals such as Silver Star, Purple Hearts and Bronze star for the display of bravery and other important skills. After getting third time wounded, as a war policy, he was sent back to US and was released from the service in 1970.

After coming back from the War, Kerry joined a group 'Vietnam Veterans Against The War', a group of about 20000 people who were against the Vietnam War. In April end, 1971, Kerry was first veteran to get testified before Congress about the war and he spoke for about two hours. He put forward views of VVAW about the war, presented suggestions/proposals on ending the war etc in front of the Senate Committee. For next few years Kerry worked for VVAW and campaigned for it protesting against US Foreign Policies and War Policies.

In 1972, Kerry decided to jump in political field and filled in nomination for the general elections. He gave a tough fight to all those who were contending for the post. Ultimately after series of up and downs, he lost the elections to Cronin.

In September of 1973, John enrolled his name in Boston Law School at Newton in Massachusetts. In 1974, while his study still going on, he was nominated as Executive Director of Mass Action (for an Advocacy Association in Massachusetts). In 1976 John received degree in law from Boston. After completing his degree course, John joined as a prosecutor in the office of the District Attorney of Middlesex County, John J. Droney. John was promoted to the post of First Assistant District Attorney in 1977 from which he resigned after two years to set his own private law firm.

After few years in 1982, Kerry fought elections for the post of Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, which he won by a very close margin. In 1984, Kerry filled nomination for the US Senator post from Massachusetts after that time Senator Paul Tsongas had declared his retirement. Kerry won the seat and was sworn for the same in 1985. From here onwards, Kerry continually marked his presence in public politics in one or another issue, he played key roles in many political situations to bring about a final solution to the problems, many times he was made head of various commissions and committees which were formed to investigate political matters. During this time he also played an important role in exposing a Pakistan based bank (BCCI) and its connections with terrorist groups (around 1992).

By the year 2000, John Kerry had gained a very high position in the US politics and was considered as one of the contenders for the post of the President. Kerry filled his nomination for the presidential election of 2000 and 2004 in which he gave a tough fight to George Bush. In the 2004 elections, he won about 48% of popular votes (about 58 million votes) but lost to George Bush (both the times 2000 and 2004) by a very small margin. He is still considered a possible contender for the 2008 presidential elections.