The Cookie Crumbles No More…

I had to stop for a moment to reflect on the passing of an American legend today. Although I never had the opportunity to witness a newscast anchored by Missouri native Walter Cronkite, I'm sure most Americans who remember him in the anchor chair will pause and remember many moments from his 19-year stint as the anchor of the CBS Evening News.

This comes just three days prior to the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, where Cronkite sat in front of the camera, just as captivated and amazed as his audience when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the moon. But there are two moments I'll most remember and hope remain enshrined forever on YouTube and other video hosting Web sites:

First is that of Cronkite announcing to the world the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connally, and subsequently reacting to the official statement. (Uncut footage of coverage from the day can be found here; first of nine parts 10 minutes each.) Second is his breaking from his role as a reporter to deliver a stinging criticism of the handling of the Vietnam War. In both instances, Cronkite influenced the evolution of television and American History.

Tonight, America has lost a media pioneer and icon of a generation. His calm demeanor, his desire to provide to the audience the entire story, and his congenial and reassuring presence as America transitioned from postwar bliss into a world of uncertainty will reverberate for years, among journalists and viewers alike. In a world where a multitude of media options and tastes exist, few if any will ever be able to capture the unified trust and audience that Cronkite maintained for almost two decades.

Cronkite was 92. As a native of St. Joseph who received his broadcasting start at KCMO in Kansas City, Cronkite is enshrined in the Hall of Famous Missourians.

And that's the way it is, Friday, July 17, 2009. Er, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in the Eastern Hemisphere.