Senator Edward M. Kennedy, 1932 - 2009.
'The Dream Shall Never Die'
America Honors Teddy Kennedy
The life of Ted Kennedy, compassionate lion of the Senate and patriarch of the Kennedy family, not only touched the citizens of Massachusetts, whom he represented for 37 years, but all Americans, many of whom could not speak for themselves.Edward M. Kennedy - the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply - died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port.
We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. -- from the Kennedy family statement
In the Senate, Kennedy was the driving force behind dozens of landmark bills that changed the social fabric of the nation, expanding the availability of health care, education and housing and advancing the rights of immigrants, women, minorities, gays and the disabled.
Battling brain cancer, Sen. Kennedy, 77, died without realizing what he called "the cause of my life," an overhaul of the nation's health care system.
His death followed by two weeks that of his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88, who founded the Special Olympics and championed the rights of the mentally disabled.
Besides online media, official websites of interest include Senator Kennedy.org and Edward M. Kennedy Institute. At Ted Kennedy.org, citizens can share memories, view photographs and video highlights of the Senator's life, and read the latest news.
As I gathered information for this blog, Clay Aiken's "Measure of a Man" track seemed to be on constant replay in my mind. The photo of Senator Kennedy (from his website) links to Measure of a Man, a montage by gerwhisp.
While the images honor the singer's work as a UNICEF Ambassador, the lyrics and music also describe the life, compassion, and service of the Massachusetts senator.
Photo links to Measure of a Man montage by gerwhisp.
Tributes to the legendary lawmaker's life, marked by tragedy and triumph, headline media telecasts, websites, and conversations around the world. Here are some:
President Barack Obama - For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.
An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.
Peter S. Canellos (Boston Globe) - Over 2500 pieces of legislation affecting all of us in one way or another. Who among us will leave behind over 2500 accomplishments in our lives.What an amazing individual life. Overcoming tragedy, fighting demons, and often making poor choices, Teddy surely lived a life of privilege and fought for all that do not.
Bill by bill, provision by provision, he expanded government health support to millions of children and the elderly, helped millions more go to college, opened the immigration doors to millions of new Americans from continents other than Europe, and protected the civil rights bulwark of the '60s through a long period of conservative domination.
Richard Lacayo (Time Magazine) - When people were getting tired of hearing about racism or the poor or the decay of American cities, he kept talking.
When liberalism was flickering, there was Kennedy, holding the torch, insisting that "we can light those beacon fires again."
Dupont Circle Candlelight Vigil
Clickable by xiann
The unique thing about Teddy was he was never about him; it was always about you. We will never see the likes of him again.
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) - Ted Kennedy’s America was one in which all could pursue justice, enjoy equality, and know freedom. Ted Kennedy’s life was driven by his love of a family that loved him, and his belief in a country that believed in him.
Ted Kennedy’s dream was the one for which the founding fathers fought and for which his brothers sought to realize. The liberal lion’s mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die.
Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) - He taught us how to fight, how to laugh, how to treat each other, and how to turn idealism into action, and in these last fourteen months he taught us much more about how to live life.
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) -Ted was always willing to not only reach across the aisle, but had the unique ability to pull people together to get things done, with both substance and a great sense of humor. He was undoubtedly one of the single most effective senators in this history of our country.
Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister - "Senator Edward Kennedy will be mourned not just in America but in every continent. He is admired around the world as the Senator of Senators.
He led the world in championing children's education and health care, and believed that every single child should have the chance to realise their potential to the full.
More reactions to the senator's death can be read at NPR and Legacy.
The Kennedys: Jack, Bobby, and Teddy. (Getty Image)
Kennedy Clan Committed to Service
On Nov. 22, 1963, I was participating in a college student recital when I learned of the death of President John F. Kennedy. A stricken department head, who was also my oboe professor, interrupted the performance with the announcement that "our president has been shot."
Assassination was the farthest thought from my mind, and I remember wondering, "Who in the world would want to kill Dr. Vardell?" [the college president] My suite mates and I literally camped out in front of dorm TV sets as we followed proceedings around the clock for the next few days.
Keeping up with Sen. Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign, I was watching television the night he was shot in June 1968. Again, I mourned the loss of a Kennedy whose life was tragically cut short.
In Memory of Edward M. Kennedy
Montage by Copingincalifornia
Set to "An Irish Lullaby" (Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra), the above montage can be viewed at YouTube in a larger player.
In the days ahead, this country honors the legacy of Senator Kennedy, a man of privilege who fought for the powerless throughout a life of service:
For all my years in public life, I have believed that America must sail toward the shores of liberty and justice for all. There is no end to that journey, only the next great voyage.
We know the future will outlast all of us, but I believe that all of us will live on in the future we make. -- Senator Edward Kennedy
Among the specials scheduled are MSNBC's The Kennedy Brothers: A Hardball Documentary at 9 p.m. ET Wednesday (replay at 7 p.m. Thursday) and Teddy: In His Own Words, a CNN documentary from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday.
Ted Kennedy will be buried beside his brothers in Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday. A prolific sailor, he has told his own story in his memoir, appropriately titled True Compass, scheduled for release Sept. 14.
Rest in peace, Senator Kennedy -- compassionate advocate, champion of all people, and true "Measure of a Man"!
Caro
TECHNORATI TAGS: Senator Edward Kennedy, True Compass, Lion of Senate, lifetime of service, Clay Aiken, Measure of a Man, montage, Clayonline, Clay Nation
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24 comments:
Thank you, Caro. I did not realize everything that Senator Kennedy did in his long career.
May he rest in peace.
Thank you Caro, I've been watching programs on Sen. Kennedy and the rest of the family today.
The family has always been of interest to me.
The Senator gave a lot to so many with the good causes he worked so hard for.
Clay Aiken's Measure of a Man is very fitting.
Thank you, Caro. What a wonderful tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public service. Clay Aiken's "Measure of a Man" is quite fitting when you think about Ted Kennedy and the impact his life has had on so many others.
Beautiful work, Caro. Thank you so much for presenting us with this wonderful info on a great man and a great senator. And Clay's Measure of a Man is so very fitting to describe Ted Kennedy. He surely was the Measure of a Man.
Thanks, Caro. This is so sad to see an end to the Kennedy brothers. I dont know how the family remained so strong through everything they endured. True champions.
What a lovely tribute to Sen. Kennedy Caro! He dedicated his life to public service and should be remembered that way. Thank you!
Being a politician is a thankless job. I will never understand why anyone would put themselves through the microscope for all the world to judge. I was not a big fan of Edward Kennedy. He was surrounded by controversy for many years and yet he was so resilient. In the end, I believe he made a more positive difference, for the American people.
Wishing his family strength and peace.
Thanks Caro for another outstanding blog.
Sharrie
GREAT blog. I remember when I was very young they referred to John F. Kennedy as the " patriarch of the Kennedy family" (actually before that, in magazines/newspapers I remember they referred to Joe Kennedy as the " patriarch of the Kennedy family" - Joe Kennedy made his money from the 20's and 30's from illegal liquor (which was a scandal of sorts at that time), but the Kennedy dynasty overcame the slings and arrows of the time.
It's sad that the last true "political" influence of the Kennedy dynasty has passed (of course, there is Michael Kennedy and Robert Kennedy Jr., it's just not the same). It is a sad passing, and I wish their family God speed as they go through this difficult situation following the passage of another great American, Eunice Shriver.
You have said it well, caro! And Clay Aiken's MOAM is most fitting. Senator Kennedy gave his life in service to the american people. He may have been flawed in his personal life, as most of us are, but his political values and record stand above most! We shall miss him and his dedication to "the greater good".
Great tribute to a fine statesman; sad loss for the political society. Your tribute of his career is most fitting and done with grace and dignity; it is also extremely informational. Thank you for the hard work in researching your blog - I too believe that Clay Aiken's MOAM would be a perfect choice.
RIP Sen. Kennedy.
Measure of a man by Clay Aiken is quite fitting for this tribute.
Fascinating man, fascinating family dynasty. I can not think of another family in the history of the US with more influence, dedication and willingness to serve the public's interests. Many may not agree with his politics, but none can disagree with his life's efforts to make things better for the American people.
Interesting blog, so much information; thank you.
I Remember Ted Kennedy at the CONVENTION last year when he meet Obama and I WORK with the DNC at the event I will miss TED AS OUR SENATOR HE CHANGE THE WORLD FOR EVERY ONE.
Thank you Caro. Ted Kennedy was certainly a voice for those who couldn't speak or advocate for themselves. Clay Aiken singing Measure of a Man is very apt.
This is a beautiful remembrance of Ted Kennedy. Thank you, Caro!!
Kennedy gave many years of service to public service.
Thank you for sharing with us!
Beautiful tribute to Senator Kennedy.
Wasn't his years of service 47 years rather than 36? He became a Senator when he was 30 years old.
Caro, I see a new photo is added to your blog for Senator Edward Kennedy, it's beautiful.
Nice summary of Kennedy's contributions and the respect he earned while serving in congress. I was not aware of all he had done either.
Whether or not you were in sync with the Kennedy politics, this is still a sad time for all of us; it is the end of a long journey of the Kennedy dynasty, who gave of themselves wholeheartly to better the living conditions of the American citizens. I know that Joseph Kennedy [son of Robert Kennedy Jr] is into politics and I hope that he would carry on the tradition, I highly doubt it though since it's a tradition of longstanding. I agree with the politics of the Kennedy's, have since I was a wee child (and my parentals were Republican so you can imagine what a shock it was for them to know their not even yet teenage daughter found the politics of the Kennedy's to be the most forthright in the 20'th century).
Sad loss for all of us.
Wonderful blog. The video tribute is a perfect touch. :)
What a beautiful tribute blog to Ted Kennedy and all his achievements. I'm saddened with him no longer there but know that he's given a lot.
I salute you for bringing always the best in your blogs.
Thanks so much & cheers!
Thanks Caro. I've been a fan (even worked on RFK's campaign) and admirer of the Kennedy family for many years. Thanks also for using my montage.
Thank you for this fitting tribute to Edward Kennedy. The Kennedy dynsty has been longstanding representatives of political causes, whether or not you agree with the Kennedy politics, they certainly have made many inroads into policies for so many, especially those that were considered to be the least "worthy" groups of the American society. Sad passing.
I've always loved the song "An Irish Lullaby" - thanks to Coping for the beautiful tribute montage.
Senator Kennedy had a long history of fighting for the rights of not only the African Americans, but ALL Americans; Wish him a sweet journey home.
Thank you.
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