By Brandon Wolf

July 8, 2015: I've only seen Jackie once in my life, but it was an exciting experience. In June of 1972, I was living in the DC area, working as a public relations officer at a community college. 

The local papers announced that Jackie would be visiting the Kennedy Center for the first time on June 5, 1972. She didn't attend the opening the year before, Leonard Bernstein returned and performed the work he wrote for the opening, "Mass". 

At the time, I was disappointed with the pictures, but with the passage of the years, they now seem fun. They certainly capture the pandemonium that is resident when Jackie makes a appearance like this.

I was lucky to be in the press section by accident. I had arrived early, and was wearing a corduroy blazer and had at least two cameras around my neck. I just sort of looked like a press photographer and no one asked.

We were positioned up on an 'island' - Jackie passed by us three times - first, coming down the hall - then she turned and went up the steps, and turned again and passed us on the other side - and finally, for some reason, the velvet ropes maneuvered her back past us once again as she made her way up to the Presidential Box. 

At the time, I rarely used a flash, but brought one. The first picture fired off fine. Then I noticed it was taking a long time to recycle, so I quickly opened the shutter wide and reduced the shutter speed. As soon as the flash was activated again, I'd push the settings back the opposite way. In the process, I got a crazy collection of photos. 

The next day was an RFK Memorial Mass which she attended at Arlington. I've included the local media coverage of her visit. The tabloid is humorous - she 'drove a priest to sin', by taking communion.

My memory of her is that she was truly ethereal. I was surprised how tiny she was - both short and thin. She had a radiant smile.

And honestly, she seemed to just float. I'm glad I saw her in person once - she projects even more charisma in person than she possibly could ever do so in a photograph. And yes, it was like looking at history walking by me.

Image copyright Brandon Wolf.