In June 1963, U.S. President John F. Kennedy traveled to the Federal Republic of Germany. During his multi-day visit (June 23–26, 1963), he was received by jubilant crowds at various stops. The photograph shows a motorcade in which Kennedy greets the population from his vehicle, accompanied by security personnel and mounted police. The visit took place in the context of the Cold War and was intended to underscore the commitment of the United States to the security and freedom of West Germany.