British composer Herbert Howells was commissioned to write a piece in memoriam of President John F. Kennedy for a joint Canadian/American Memorial Service not long after the assassination. This 9-minute motet was completed the following spring, and was first performed November 22, 1964 – the first anniversary of Kennedy's death. Appropriate for college, community, and professional choirs sung in memory of President Kennedy or other memorial-related services.
The 60th anniversary edition cover of the piece features the oil on canvas portrait of President John F. Kennedy, painted by Aaron Shikler and is President Kennedy's official White House portrait. It is utilized for this publication through special permission of The White House Historical Association.