How does the nation’s grief for JFK parallel Elena’s grief for her foiled relationship with Eugene?

The nation's grief over the assassination of President Kennedy provides an appropriate backdrop to the crushing sense of disappointment felt by Elena after Eugene's mom puts a stop to their budding relationship. Initially, Elena was so excited by the prospect of meeting Eugene that she didn't share in the overwhelming sadness felt by her mom and by everyone else in the neighborhood over this tragic event.
But now that her relationship with Eugene effectively lies in ruins, she can begin to appreciate how other people are feeling in this hour of darkness. There are close parallels here, not just in the emotions expressed but also in the life-changing nature of the respective events that gave rise to these emotions. For Elena, as for her mom and for most of the other adults in the neighborhood, life will never be the same again.