1902

Born on September 12 in Diamantina, Minas Gerais state.

1905

Juscelino’s father dies. The death of JK’s father, João César de Oliveira (see photo), worsened the family’s situation. He had been a traveling salesman, and his family lived through difficult times, having only narrow means of survival at their disposal. Although Dona Júlia had nobody with whom she could leave her children, she was determined to give them the best. So she took them to school every day, the classroom being a room at home. This way, Nonô (as Juscelino was called) and Naná, his sister, finished primary school. Juscelino had always been a diligent and interested boy. When Juscelino’s father died on January 10, 1905, Juscelino was only two years old. Despite the little contact he had had with his father, there was always a certain similarity between their personalities, a fact that pleased Juscelino. According to his own words, this made him feel closer to his father. Dona Júlia, on the other hand, was a reserved and unpretentious person, she seldom participated in social activities. A teacher since 1895, she dedicated most of her time and commitment to the school where she taught. She was the granddaughter of Jan Nepomusky Kubitscheck, also called João Alemão (German John, see photo), a Roman Catholic immigrant from Bohemia who established himself in Brazil as a carpenter at the time of the first Brazilian empire. It was he who assumed the responsibilities of the family when João César died at the age of 33. Dona Júlia died in 1971, she was over 90 years old. Juscelino had two sisters. Eufrosina who only lived for a few months, and Maria da Conceição (see photo), also called Naná (1901-1966).

1914

Joining the seminary of Lazarist priests, the only high school in Diamantina At the age of 12, Juscelino joined the seminary of Diamantina in order to get his secondary school education. His mother had made a special request to the Lazarist priests. This was the only possible place in the city to get his secondary education. As soon as he entered the seminary, Juscelino made clear to the priests that he felt no vocation to religious life. After three years, even before his 15th birthday, he concluded his studies at the seminary.
The idea to become a physician had always been strong and present, and made him continue searching for new ways to further his knowledge. He still lacked some courses to conclude his high school education, and they were only offered in other cities. He soon found out that it was possible to take these courses through a system called “exame por decreto” at the time (governmentally certified exams). Under this system, candidates studied by themselves, took exams, and could work towards a high school diploma. Juscelino devoted himself to his studies even more than before. There were twelve exams to take. After completing them, the next step in reach would be university.

1921

Nominated assistant telegrapher in Belo Horizonte – Almost two years after having taken the exam to become a telegrapher in Belo Horizonte, JK finally received his nomination in May 1921. Meanwhile Juscelino had continued to study in private and under large sacrifices, but always determined.

1922

Admitted to the Medical Faculty of Minas Gerais In December 1921, Juscelino completed the necessary exams to be awarded a high school diploma. After all, he could make his dream come true and go to university. Juscelino took the “vestibular” (university entering exams), passed, and immediately enrolled as a student at the “Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Minas Gerais” (the medical school at the university of Minas Gerais state).

1927

Graduating from Medical School – The years at the Medical Faculty of Minas Gerais went by, despite the difficulties that his work schedule during the day created, the young Juscelino Kubitscheck proved, as always, to be an excellent student. Juscelino graduated on December 17, 1927. It was at the graduation ball that Dona Júlia, his mother, got to know Sarah Gomes de Lemos, the daughter of Dona Luísa Negrão and Jaime Gomes de Souza Lemos, a former senator for Minas Gerais state. Sarah would ultimately marry Juscelino in December 1931.

1928

Nominated Assistant Professor at the Medical Faculty of Minas Gerais – During his years in medical school, Juscelino kept working at the “Terceira Enfermaria da Clínica Cirúrgica da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Belo Horizonte” (the third surgical unit at a hospital in Belo Horizonte). After graduating, he became assistant to Dr. Júlio Soares, his brother-in-law and friend, who worked at the same hospital. He also became a partner of Júlio’s at his private practice. In this way, Juscelino came to finally pursue the career that he had chosen with so much determination.

1930

Course work and internships in Europe. – After graduation from medical school things went smoothly for Juscelino. Yet, he felt the need to go further. He wanted to specialize in an area of his choice: urology. And so he did. He traveled to Europe at the end of April 1930. Juscelino spent time in Paris where he studied with Dr. Maurice Chevassu, a famous urologist at the time. Juscelino also became a medical intern in Vienna and Berlin. Upon his return to Brazil in October 1930, he assumed both his previous positions again, at his former practice and as a volunteer at the hospital Santa Casa. In addition, he became a physician at the “Caixa Beneficente da Imprensa Oficial” (the social service of the official news agency). Absorbed by these professional obligations as he was, politics seemed to be something very distant to him, even though he was always a well informed citizen.

1931

Marries Sarah on December 30, 1931, in Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema, Church of Peace. The ceremony is simple and intimate with very few guests. The wedding night was spent at the old Hotel London, on Atlantic Avenue.

They spent New Year’s Eve at the Copacabana Palace Hotel. In Belo Horizonte, they chose to become neighbors of Nana and Julius Smith at Blvd Paraúna which later became Vargas Avenue. They dreamt of having many children. But Marcia was the only daughter born on October 22, 1943. In 1947, Maria Estela was adopted, raised and loved as a second daughter.

1932

Drafted to the “Força Pública” (Military Police) – In 1932, Juscelino joined the medical corps of the Força Pública de Minas Gerais, today’s military police, together with various other physicians and professors of medicine in Minas Gerais. JK followed an invitation of Gustavo Capanema, who was Secretary of the Interior at the time and as such chief-commander of the police force. This was the first step towards a radical change in the life of the young Juscelino Kubitscheck de Oliveira. When the “Revolução Constitucionalista” (the Constitutionalist Revolution) broke out on July 9, 1932, Juscelino was immediately convoked to the medical corps which served at the “front.”

During the four-month revolution Juscelino exercised his duties as physician with excellence. He worked in the city of Passa Quatro, located in an area called Túnel da Mantiqueira—the border region between São Paulo state and Minas Gerais state, where the conflict between the citizens of the two states was most ardent. At the front, he befriended persons who would, in the near future, exercise highly important political positions. Among these friends was Eurico Gaspar Dutra, colonel at the time, who would become secretary of defence and, later on, President of the republic. JK also got to know Benedito Valadares who had been nominated head of the police in the region of Túnel da Mantiqueira. Later on, Getúlio Vargas would appoint Benedito Valadares as “Interventor” (the federally appointed governor) of Minas Gerais.

1933

Appointed executive secretary by Valadares – The political life of Juscelino began with the “Revolução Constitucionalista” (the Constitutionalist Revolution) of 1932. The friendships made during his time at the front directed his life in ways he never would have thought of. How could that young physician ever have expected that Benedito Valadares would be appointed “Interventor de Minas Gerais” (federally appointed governor of Minas Gerais state) under the provisional government of Getúlio Vargas? And how could Juscelino ever have anticipated that this very Benedito (with whom a friendship had arisen during the revolution) would ask him to act as “Secretário do Governo de Minas Gerais” (chief-of-staff in the Minas Gerais state government)? Juscelino gave this offer much thought, especially since he did not want to quit his job as a physician. However, as the “Interventor” and friend kept insisting, Juscelino accepted the position in December 1933. So began the political career of JK.

1934

Running for Member of the House of Representatives – In 1933, Benedito Valadares appointed Juscelino “Secretário do Governo de Minas Gerais” (chief-of-staff in the Minas Gerais state government). From the very beginning, Juscelino conducted his job energetically and impressed everyone. He had daily contact with the public. As he tried to help whoever came to him, his popularity rose strongly in a short time, both in political and public circles. This led the Partido Progressista (PP, Progressive Party) to support JK in his candidacy for a seat in the House of Representatives in National Congress (Deputado Federal). Juscelino was elected with more votes than any other candidate.

He took his seat in parliament in 1934, but was a Member of the House of Representatives for only two years. In these two years, from 1935 to1937, Juscelino devoted himself mainly to politics. While in congress he also served as secretary of the Progressive Party  (PP). He played a key role in the restructuring of the party, and dedicated most of his time to interior matters of the state.

1937

“Estado Novo” (New State) closes down the House of Representatives – After Getúlio Vargas’ coup d’état and the institution of his so-called “Estado Novo” (New State) on November 10, 1937, the National Congress was closed down. A new structure of powers was created, establishing in effect Vargas’ dictatorship. Juscelino’s term as Member of the House of Representatives, which had only begun in 1935, ended abruptly. JK did not accept the emerging new system and decided to return to his job as a physician—this time for good, as he said to himself.

1940

Appointed Mayor of Belo Horizonte by Valadares – In 1937, the “Interventores Estaduais” (federally appointed state governors) who had remained in office after the coup d’état and the institution of the “Estado Novo” (New State) were called “Governadores” (governors). Having remained in office, Benedito Valadares called upon Juscelino in 1940 to join his government, and offered him the position of mayor of Belo Horizonte. Of course, this call caught Juscelino by surprise, since he had always left it very clear that he was against Vargas’ dictatorship. However, given the governor’s insistence and the fact that he had agreed to hold elections in short time, Juscelino accepted the offer.

JK effectively resumed his political career on April 16, 1940, when his nomination was announced in the journal Minas Gerais. In his new position as mayor, JK carried out his duties in a manner that would also have a favorable impact on his later political life. During his term as mayor JK never stopped practicing as a physician and pursued both professions as much as possible. Juscelino only came to leave medicine for good in 1945. During this period, JK took over the position of first secretary of the recently founded Partido Social Democrata (PSD, Social Democratic Party), in addition to his position as mayor and job as physician. Juscelino was a democratic and dynamic mayor. His political agenda was diverse.

His political achievements can be grouped under three main headlines: (i) public services and embellishment of the city; (ii) incentives for cultural life; (iii) social assistance for the poor. In the area of public services, JK repaired, paved and constructed dozens of avenues. Among his achievements in these areas are: the paving of Avenida Afonso Pena, an important street for the traffic in Belo Horizonte; the opening of grand avenues serving as spokes for traffic and facilitating the access to the center of the city, such as Av. da Pampulha, Av.Teresa Cristina, continuing in Av. do Contorno, Av. Silviano Brandão, Av. Pedro II; and, last but not least, the extension of Av. Amazonas.

Still in the area of public services, Juscelino installed a canalisation system for fresh water supply in order to guarantee basic hygiene in Belo Horizonte. He constructed bridges and flattened surroundings of the city in order to integrate the city center with various suburbs. He initiated the underground electrical and telephone grids in Belo Horizonte.

One of his most important achievements in the area of public services was the construction of one of the great national architectural innovations: the suburb of Pampulha. Pampulha was mainly intended for tourism and leisure. Oscar Niemeyer, who would later plan the buildings of Brasília, designed this new kind of suburb. A large artificial lake was created, and residences and leisure amenities were built around it. An avenue was laid out to facilitate access to Pampulha. The work on Pampulha lasted a mere nine months. In record time, a recreational area and a new tourist spot for the citizens of Belo Horizonte was established.

During his term as mayor, Juscelino also contributed much to the cultural life in Belo Horizonte. Among his achievements in this area, to mention only the most significant advances, were the foundation of the Belo Horizonte Museum, the Instituto de Belas Artes (Institute of Fine Arts) and the Curso de Extensão Musical (an extension course in musical education).

In beginning the construction of the Teatro Municipal (City Theatre), in establishing the symphony orchestra, and in providing municipal support to a number of cultural institutions—JK intended to give rise to a new generation of young people loving the arts.

In the area of social assistance to the poor, JK improved the program Assistência Social (social assistance). Beyond his support for existing social institutions in Belo Horizonte, JK promoted the creation of new facilities and developed a network of organizations to provide social assistance to workers, including medical assistance, free hospital and dental treatment, access to inexpensive food, and other welfare oriented institutions.

Moreover, the municipal administration of Belo Horizonte built the Municipal Hospital in the suburb of Lagoinha during Kubitscheck’s term. The hospital was intended to provide medical assistance to workers. The building had 306 beds and the most modern equipment of the time. Whoever could not afford the medical costs, received treatment at the hospital through a well-devised insurance program that would take the gravity of the disease into account. The costs were shared between the municipal administration and the hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia. JK also promoted a program of bars and restaurants for the people to facilitate the life of those who were mereley able to sustain themselves.

JK was an energetic mayor who paid attention to various fields of politics. The good results of his policies made his name known at a national level. This ultimately led his party colleagues at PSD to launch a campaign for his candidacy as Deputado Federal (a seat in the House of Representatives in National Congress) in 1945. This candidacy was the first step to his term as governor of Minas Gerais in 1950, and towards the presidency of the republic in 1955.

1945

Elected Deputado Federal for PSD – Having been appointed mayor of Belo Horizonte in 1940, Juscelino remained head of the city administration for five years. The regime of the Estado Novo (“New State”, Vargas’ dictatorship) came to an end, and new elections were scheduled for December 2, 1945. In these elections, Juscelino was elected Deputado Federal (Member of the House of Representatives) for the Partido Social Democrata (PSD, Social Democratic Party). His election results confirmed his high public esteem. At the same time, Eurico Gaspar Dutra was elected President and Getúlio Vargas senator. Tancredo Neves, José Maria Alkimim, Gustavo Capanema, and Benedito Valadares were elected to the Câmara dos Deputados (the House of Representatives) as well.

1950

Governor-Elect.

The 23 party members of PSD had to choose by vote who would be the party’s candidate for state governor of Minas Gerais in the coming elections: JK or Bias Fortes. JK won by a margin of three votes, and his candidacy was officially endorsed on July 30. His campaign was launched immediately. The campaign slogan “Energy and Transportation” would become a major theme of his platform, along with references to his achievements as mayor of Belo Horizonte. JK was elected governor of Minas Gerais on October 5, 1950. JK took office as governor of Minas Gerais on January 31, 1951.

The governorship was a rewarding and highly important experience for him, especially as the position demanded all his attention, capacity, and energy. JK wanted to meet the highest expectations of his voters during his administration. His proposals were audacious, and provoked a series of disputes with his opponents. However, he knew that the best way to prove his proposals right was through his work, and work he did. JK knew the condition of the state perfectly well. After all, he had been gathering precise information about the most important issues of his coming term before taking office.

Time seemed to have stood still in Minas Gerais. Despite showing spots of development in very few, scattered areas, such as for example in the region of Juiz de Fora, where an advanced industrial nucleus was located, the state did not even dispose of own energy generation nor did it have a network of good roads. JK chose to develop these two sectors as quickly as possible. He intended to advance what he had promised the people of Minas Gerais with the two key terms of his campaign “Energy and Transportation.”

It proved necessary to increase the state’s capacity for energy generation, which at the time attained 205 thousand kW, to at least 600 thousand kW, and to create a new and closer network of roads through the construction of three thousand additional kilometres (approx. 1,700 miles) of roads. To carry out these projects, strong public support was key. In order to demonstrate his devotion and respect for the people, JK worked out plans to increase the salaries of public servants as soon as he assumed his governorship. To do so, JK needed to reduce the public debt he had inherited from previous governments. At the time, the debt burden had reached 1,650,000 contos.

JK was able to gather the people behind his plans. His three concrete plans were:

To increase the energy generation capacity, a series of measures needed to be taken during the four years of his term. His energy team required a centralized agency to bundle the activities. For this purpose, “Centrais Elétricas de Minas Gerais” (CEMIG) the electricity agencies of Minas Gerais) was created. This agency was active not only during his government but also during the following ones.

Under Lucas Lopes chairmanship, CEMIG initiated a series of projects such as the construction of the power plants Usinas de Salto Grande, Itutinga, Piaú, Tronqueiras, Cajuru, Florestal, Fecho do Funil, and Ponte dos Peixotos. In addition, CEMIG installed 912 kilometers (approx. 540 miles) of electric wires for power transmission.

With electrification in place, the state could stimulate industrialization. The creation of a steel manufacturing sector within the state was of special importance for the promotion of industrialization. Minas Gerais succeeded in attracting the plant Metalúrgica de Mannesman, a subsidiary of the German metalworking company, which was to bring JK closer to the realization of his plans. He wanted to pull Minas Gerais out of a “crop and stock farming” state, and to lift the state to conditions more favorable to industrialization. It was necessary to build roads that facilitated transportation to the interior, that instilled social exchange, and that enhanced the trade in the state’s commodities. The economic situation of Minas Gerais improved. 3,087 kilometres (approx. 1,800 miles) of roads were built under the supervision of DER, and 251 bridges were erected all over the state. The construction of roads furthered economic integration in many respects, even agricultural production benefited. In order to create incentives for agricultural production itself, JK founded FRIMISA and FERTISA, two organizations that aimed at modernizing both crop and stock farming.

JK did not only focus on what he had promised during his campaign. Instead of merely pursuing the main goals expressed in his platform’s two key terms, he did much for public health and education too. More than 120 postos de saúde (health service posts) were created. Distributed throughout the interior of the state and intended to better the health of the people, these posts fostered the growth of Minas Gerais in many respects. Healthy citizens are better able to sustain themselves and to contribute to the community.

In the area of education, the enrolment figures at primary schools doubled. When JK took office as governor, only 680,000 pupils went to primary school, while 1,100,000 pupils were enrolled in primary school at the end of JK’s term. Moreover, “137 school buildings were erected, 37 new sports fields built, … two Medical Faculties were created, one Faculty of Law, one Faculty of Pharmacology and Dentistry, five Academies of Music, one Academy of Fine Arts,” and the construction of the municipal library in Belo Horizonte was begun.

JK’s term lasted from 1950 until 1954. His administration did not disappoint his voters. The development of the state was a visible and noticeable project, requiring a governor who knew how to calm opponents, and it laid the ground work for the next step: The one to the presidency of the republic. His ideals remained unaltered, hard work and accountability to the people who trusted in him.

1955

President Elect.

When JK became governor in 1950, Getúlio Vargas was elected President of the republic. Getúlio Vargas committed suicide in 1954, and his Vice President, Café Filho, took over the presidency. Café Filho would soon become one of JK’s competing candidates for President and would do everything possible to impede future candidates who did not confirm with his political convictions or those of UDN (União Democrática Nacional, the National Democratic Union). Café Filho would affiliate himself with this party mainly to obstruct JK’s candidacy—albeit not a member of this political party himself.
At PSD, the Social Democratic Party, Juscelino Kubitscheck’s candidacy for President had already been taken for granted. His candidacy was officially endorsed on February 10, 1955. The slogan of his campaign was “Fifty years in five” (fifty years of progress within five years of government). His running mate in the electoral campaign was João Goulart, also known as Jango. João Goulart was a member of PTB (Partido Trabalhista Brasileiro, the Brazilian Workers’ Party). Together, the two parties PSD and PTB would be critical for the stability of JK’s government.

The opponents’ massive pressure, mainly from UDN, triggered a process of feuds against the candidacy of JK and Jango. Yet, this pressure had hardly any impact. On October 3, 1955 JK was elected the twentieth President of Brazil and João Goulart his Vice President. Their opponents had been Ademar de Barros (PSP), Juarez Távora (UDN) and Plínio Salgado (Partido Integralista). JK was almost 500,000 votes ahead of Juarez Távora, the candidate with the second most votes.

1956

President-Elect of the Republic.

Even after JK had been elected President by popular vote, the opposition still attempted to nullify the election. Opposition circles tried to overthrow the government in a coup d’état. However, a faction in the military, under the lead of General Lott, secured that the election results were respected . JK took office on January 31, 1956. The military would play an important role for the political stability throughout JK’s administration.

JK was a leader entirely identified with his objectives of autonomous development, industrialization, and democracy for Brazil. He worked to realize the ideas that he considered basic components of economic and social development. Progress was the main characteristic of his government. The Plano de Metas (Target Plan) followed the goal to achieve “fifty years of development in five years of government.”
In its essence, this plan was intended to “accelerate the process of capital accumulation thus augmenting the productivity of investment in manufacturing.” In total, there were thirty targets and one additional “comprehensive target” (“meta síntese”): Brasília. These targets can be grouped under six big headlines:

(I) Energy generation;
(II) Transportation;
(III) Food;
(IV) Industrial base;
(V) Education; and
(VI) Comprehensive target.

The Target Plan was a far-reaching success. Only some targets were not fully achieved.

All in all, JK lead a dynamic administration during his term, which did not accept impositions by any means. His administration even clashed with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) in 1959 because of monetary policies that the IMF intended to require from the Brazilian government. JK left the President’s office on January 31, 1961, and passed the presidential powers on to his successor, Jânio da Silva Quadros.

1958

The Pan American Operation (OPA), was a Brazilian foreign policy initiative, under the government of President Juscelino Kubitschek aimed at uniting all countries of the American continent around a common goal to foster social and economic development across the continent.  The initiative sought to reduce poverty, underdevelopment and other deficiencies common to all the American nations.

President Kubitschek sent a letter to U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, describing his proposal to foster a new relationship among all American countries, in the form of a multilateral program of economic development that would also constitute a defense strategy of the continent.

The first concrete result was the creation of the Inter American Development Bank (IDB), consisting of 20 member countries in the Americas, with an initial capital of one billion dollars for development finance and technical assistance to member countries. Another initiative was the creation in 1960 of the Latin American Free Trade Association, with the signing of the Treaty of Montevideo by Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

1960

Brasilia was inaugurated on schedule according to the timeline established by JK.

1961

Elected Senator of Goiás state, and Defending João Goulart’s Presidency

JK passed on the presidential powers to his successor Jânio Quadros on January 31, 1961, exactly five years after he had assumed them himself. A peculiar period of the Brazilian history was to follow. President Jânio renounced the presidency of the republic seven months into his term. João Goulart, who had continued as Vice President of the republic after JK’s term, took over the presidency.

After having left office, JK travelled to Paris. He returned to Brazil in May, and immediately thereafter began campaigning for senator of Goiás state (state of Goiás). Elected senator on October 3, 1961, JK took his seat in the Senate. As senator, he continued to exhibit his usual energy. In the same year, PSD (the Social Democratic Party) asked JK to become President of the party. JK did not accept, mainly because of his frequent travels. He travelled in order to cultivate his political contacts and to understand the social and political conditions of the time. It seemed almost sure that JK would run for President again. All over Brazil, people spoke about “JK 65.” His candidacy should turn reality later; this time his slogan was to become “Education and Agriculture” (five years of agriculture for fifty years of abundance).

1964

With the coup d’état, his term as senator and his political rights are suspended.

After the coup d’état of March 31, 1964, the political situation in Brazil suffered considerable changes. The then President of the republic, João Goulart, was dismissed from office and left for exile, while a military junta assumed the government with the promise to bring order to the country.  A President was to be initially chosen for a one year mandate to bring order to the country, with direct presidential elections to follow.

However, after a short period of time, JK and other politicians began to realize what had been the true intention of the circle of people who had taken over the power. JK started to express ideas that were not in line with the government’s policies. As a consequence, JK’s mandate as senator and his political rights were suspended for 10 years on June 8, 1964. Under intense pressure, both as a politician and as a human being, JK decided to leave Brazil in a voluntary exile on June 14, 1964.

1965

He returned in October 1965 but had to endure a series of attacks of a personal nature. He left again for exile on November 9 of the same year, and remained abroad for two years. He finally returned to Brazil on April 9, 1967.

1974

Elected member of the “Academia Mineira de Letras” (Academy of Literature of Minas Gerais state).

1975

Back in Brazil, founded the Bank DENASA where he remained until 1975, when he left to dedicate himself solely to his farm in the interior of Goiás.

1976

JK's car after the accident

D. Sarah, Márcia e Maria Estela at JK’s funeral Foyer of Manchete Rio

JK’s funeral Foyer of Manchete Rio

JK’s funeral

JK’s funeral

JK’s funeral - Aterro do Flamengo Rio

JK’s funeral – arrival at Santos Dumont airport, Rio de Janeiro

Carlos Murilo, Ulysses Guimarães and Congress Comitee at JK’s funeral – arrival at Brasília airport

JK’s funeral – Metropolitan Cathedral, Brasilia

JK’s funeral – Metropolitan Cathedral, Brasilia

JK’s funeral – Metropolitan Cathedral, Brasilia

Dom José Nilton de Almeida Batista with D. Sarah at JK‘s funeral in Brasília at Campo da Esperança

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JK dies on August 22, 1976, in a car accident on the highway Rodovia Presidente Dutra in São Paulo state. His car crashes against a trailer, after a speeding bus accidentally cuts in front of his car.

1980

The commendations apprehended in 1964 are returned to the family. In 1980, President João Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo through a presidential decree repeals all penalties imposed to President Kubitschek in previous governments. The formal acquittal of JK for crimes not committed is completed. Even if late there is an official policy and moral rehabilitation.

1981

After night vigil of the people of Brasília at the National Congress

Departure from the National Congress towards the JK Memorial

Arrival of the body at the JK Memorial

Mortuary Chamber – JK Memorial

Mortuary Chamber – JK Memorial

Gov. José Aparecido, D. Sarah, Presidente Figueiredo and his wife Dulce at Inauguration of the JK Memorial

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Sticking strictly to plan D. Sarah Kubitschek, officially inaugurated the Memorial on September 12, 1981.

The official opening ceremony began, in fact, on September 10 in the Field of Hope cemetery, which carried out the exhumation of the remains of President Kubitschek.

The next day was the transfer of the body of former President to his final destination. The procession was led by the Fire Department of the House of Representatives, where his body spent the night under the watch of the people of Brasilia.

Recalling the story of JK with excitement and awe, people grieved once more the loss of their great leader, a man of optimistic spirit and vision, enlightened by an undeniable political tolerance that still had much to offer the country.

On September 12th, the procession left the Chamber of Deputies, continued through the Three Powers Square (Praça dos Três Poderes), and the Monumental Axis (Eixo Monumental). President Kubitschek received all the honors of a former head of state: the presidential guard paid him continence, arriving at the monument; he was received with honors and gun salute from the Brazilian Army. The three armed forces – Navy, Army and Air Force – in formal historical uniform paid him homage at the entrance of the Memorial.

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