Edward M. Kennedy

1932 - 2009

Edward M. Kennedy

1932 - 2009

BORN

1932

DIED

2009

Edward Kennedy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 26, 2009.
BOSTON (AP) — Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, the last surviving brother in a political dynasty and one of the most influential senators in history, died Tuesday night at his home on Cape Cod after a year-long struggle with brain cancer. He was 77.

In nearly 50 years in the Senate, Kennedy served alongside 10 presidents — his brother John Fitzgerald Kennedy among them — compiling an impressive list of legislative achievements on health care, civil rights, education, immigration and more. His only run for the White House ended in defeat in 1980. More than a quarter-century later, he handed then-Sen. Barack Obama an endorsement at a critical point in the campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, explicitly likening the young contender to President Kennedy.

To the American public, Kennedy was best known as the last surviving son of America's most glamorous political family, father figure and, memorably, eulogist of an Irish-American clan plagued again and again by tragedy.

Kennedy's death triggered an outpouring of superlatives, from Democrats and Republicans as well as foreign leaders.

"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," Obama said in a written statement.

"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," said Obama, vacationing at Martha's Vineyard off the Massachusetts coast.

Kennedy's family announced his death in a brief statement released early Wednesday.

"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," the statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada issued a statement that said, "It was the thrill of my lifetime to work with Ted Kennedy.....The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die."

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan said that her husband and Kennedy "could always find common ground, and they had great respect for one another."

Kennedy was elected to the Senate in 1962, taking the seat that his brother John had occupied before winning the White House, and served longer than all but two senators in history.

His own hopes of reaching the White House were damaged — perhaps doomed — in 1969 by the scandal that came to be known as Chappaquiddick, an auto accident that left a young woman dead. He sought the White House more than a decade later, lost the Democratic nomination to President Jimmy Carter, and bowed out with a stirring valedictory that echoed across the decades: "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."

Kennedy was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in May 2008 and underwent surgery and a grueling regimen of radiation and chemotherapy.

He made a surprise return to the Capitol last summer to cast the decisive vote for the Democrats on Medicare. He made sure he was there again last January to see his former Senate colleague Barack Obama sworn in as the nation's first black president, but suffered a seizure at a celebratory luncheon afterward.

He also made a surprise and forceful appearance at last summer's Democratic National Convention, where he spoke of his own illness and said health care was the cause of his life. His death occurred precisely one year later, almost to the hour.

He was away from the Senate for much of this year, leaving Republicans and Democrats to speculate about the impact what his absence meant for the fate of Obama's health care proposals.

Under state law, Kennedy's successor will be chosen by special election. In his last known public act, the senator urged state officials to give Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick the power to name an interim replacement. But that appears unlikely, leaving Democrats in Washington with one less vote for the next several months as they struggle to pass Obama's health care legislation.

His death came less than two weeks after that of his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver on Aug. 11. Kennedy was not present for the funeral, an indication of the precariousness of his own health.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Kennedy's son Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., said his father had defied the predictions of doctors by surviving more than a year with his fight against brain cancer.

The younger Kennedy said that gave family members a surprise blessing, as they were able to spend more time with the senator and to tell him how much he had meant to their lives.

"There are very few people who have touched the life of this nation in the same breadth and the same order of magnitude," Obama said in April as he signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law. Kennedy arrived at his place in the Senate after a string of family tragedies. He was the only one of the four Kennedy brothers to die of natural causes. Kennedy's eldest brother, Joseph, was killed in a plane crash in World War II. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was gunned down in Los Angeles as he campaigned for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination.Years later, in 1999, John F. Kennedy Jr. was killed in a plane crash at age 38 along with his wife.

It fell to Ted Kennedy to deliver the eulogies, to comfort his brothers' widows, to mentor fatherless nieces and nephews. It was Ted Kennedy who walked JFK's daughter, Caroline, down the aisle at her wedding.

Tragedy had a way of bringing out his eloquence.

Kennedy sketched a dream of a better future as he laid to rest his brother Robert in 1968: "My brother need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life; to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it."

After John Jr.'s death, the senator said: "We dared to think, in that other Irish phrase, that this John Kennedy would live to comb gray hair, with his beloved Carolyn by his side. But like his father, he had every gift but length of years."

His own legacy was blighted on the night of July 18, 1969, when Kennedy drove his car off a bridge and into a pond on Chappaquiddick Island, on Martha's Vineyard. Mary Jo Kopechne, a 28-year-old worker with RFK's campaign, was found dead in the submerged car's back seat 10 hours later.

Kennedy, then 37, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and received a two-month suspended sentence and a year's probation. A judge eventually determined there was "probable cause to believe that Kennedy operated his motor vehicle negligently ... and that such operation appears to have contributed to the death of Mary Jo Kopechne."

At the height of the scandal, Kennedy went on national television to explain himself in an extraordinary 13-minute address in which he denied driving drunk and rejected rumors of "immoral conduct" with Ms. Kopechne. He said he was haunted by "irrational" thoughts immediately after the accident, and wondered "whether some awful curse did actually hang over all the Kennedys." He said his failure to report the accident right away was "indefensible."

After Chappaquiddick especially, Kennedy gained a reputation as a heavy drinker and a womanizer, a tragically flawed figure haunted by the fear that he did not quite measure up to his brothers. As his weight ballooned, he was lampooned by comics and cartoonists in the 1980s and '90s as the very embodiment of government waste, bloat and decadence.

But in his later years, after he had remarried, he came to be regarded as a statesman on Capitol Hill, seen as one of the most effective, hardworking lawmakers Washington has ever seen.

A barrel-chested figure with a swath of white hair, a booming voice and a thick, widely imitated Boston accent, he coupled fist-pumping floor speeches with his well-honed Irish charm and formidable negotiating skills. He was both a passionate liberal and a clear-eyed pragmatist, willing to reach across the aisle to get things done.

Kennedy's speech in accepting defeat to Carter electrified the Democratic convention and turned out to be a defining moment. At 48, he seemed liberated from the towering expectations and high hopes invested in him after the death of his brothers, and he plunged into his work in the Senate.

First elected to the Senate in 1962 to his brother John's seat, easily re-elected in 2006, Kennedy served close to 47 years, longer than all but two senators in history: Robert Byrd of West Virginia (50 years and counting) and the late Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, who died after a tenure of nearly 47½ years. Kennedy's career spanned 10 presidencies.

His legislative achievements included bills to provide health insurance for children of the working poor, the landmark 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, Meals on Wheels for the elderly, abortion clinic access, family leave, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

He was also a key negotiator on legislation creating a Medicare prescription drug benefit for senior citizens and was a driving force for peace in Ireland and a persistent critic of the war in Iraq.

Kennedy did not always prevail. In late 2008, he unsuccessfully lobbied for niece Caroline's appointment to the Senate from New York. New York Gov. David Paterson chose then-Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand instead.

Wildly popular among Democrats, Kennedy routinely won re-election by large margins. He grew comfortable in his role as Republican foil and leader of his party's liberal wing.

President George W. Bush welcomed Kennedy to the Rose Garden on several occasions as he signed bills that the Democrat helped write.

"He's the kind of person who will state his case, sometimes quite eloquently and vociferously, and then on another issue will come along and you can work with him," Bush said shortly before his first term began in 2001.

But Bush was also the target of some of Kennedy's sharpest attacks. Kennedy assailed the Iraq war as Bush's Vietnam, a conflict "made up in Texas" and marketed by the Bush administration for political gain.

Kennedy and his niece Caroline shook up the Democratic establishment in January 2008 when they endorsed Obama over Hillary Rodham Clinton for the nomination for president.

After Obama won in November, Kennedy renewed words once spoken by his brother John, declaring: "The world is changing. The old ways will not do. ... It is time for a new generation of leadership."

Born in 1932, the youngest of Joseph and Rose Kennedy's nine children, Edward Moore Kennedy was part of a family bristling with political ambition, beginning with maternal grandfather John F. "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald, a congressman and mayor of Boston.

Round-cheeked Teddy was thrown out of Harvard in 1951 for cheating, after arranging for a classmate to take a freshman Spanish exam for him. He eventually returned, earning his degree in 1956.

He went on to the University of Virginia Law School, and in 1962, while his brother John was president, announced plans to run for the Senate seat JFK had vacated in 1960. A family friend had held the seat in the interim because Kennedy was not yet 30, the minimum age for a senator.

Kennedy was immediately involved in a bruising primary campaign against state Attorney General Edward J. McCormack, a nephew of U.S. House Speaker John W. McCormack.

"If your name was simply Edward Moore, your candidacy would be a joke," chided McCormack.

Kennedy won the primary by 300,000 votes and went on to overwhelmingly defeat Republican George Cabot Lodge, son of the late Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, in the general election.

Devastated by his brothers' assassinations and injured in a 1964 plane crash that left him with back pain that would plague him for decades, Kennedy temporarily withdrew from public life in 1968. But he re-emerged in 1969 to be elected majority whip of the Senate. Then came Chappaquiddick. Kennedy still handily won re-election in 1970, but he lost his leadership job. He remained outspoken in his opposition to the Vietnam War and support of social programs but ruled out a 1976 presidential bid. In the summer of 1978, a Gallup Poll showed that Democrats preferred Kennedy over President Carter 54 percent to 32 percent. A year later, Kennedy decided to run for the White House with a campaign that accused Carter of turning his back on the Democratic agenda.

The difficult task of dislodging a sitting president was compounded by Kennedy's fumbling answer to a question posed by CBS' Roger Mudd: Why do you want to be president?

"Well, it's um, you know you have to come to grips with the different issues that, ah, we're facing," Kennedy said. "I mean, we can, we have to deal with each of the various questions of the economy, whether it's in the area of energy ..."

He bowed out of the race after getting roundly beaten by Carter in the primaries and losing a rules battle at the Democratic convention. Later, when asked to assess the campaign, he replied: "Well, I learned to lose, and for a Kennedy that's hard."

Kennedy married Virginia Joan Bennett, known as Joan, in 1958. They divorced in 1982. In 1992, he married Washington lawyer Victoria Reggie. His survivors include a daughter, Kara Kennedy Allen; two sons, Edward Jr. and Patrick, a congressman from Rhode Island; and two stepchildren, Caroline and Curran Raclin.

In 1991, Kennedy roused his nephew William Kennedy Smith and his son Patrick from bed to go out for drinks while staying at the family's Palm Beach, Fla., estate. Later that night, a woman Smith met at a bar accused him of raping her at the home.

Smith was acquitted, but the senator's carousing — and testimony about him wandering about the house in his shirttails and no pants — further damaged his reputation.

Kennedy offered a mea culpa in a speech at Harvard that October, recognizing "my own shortcomings, the faults in the conduct of my private life."

Later on, his second wife appeared to have a calming influence on him, helping him rehabilitate his image.

Kennedy's family life has been marked by illness.

Edward Jr. lost a leg to bone cancer in 1973 at age 12. Kara had a cancerous tumor removed from her lung in 2003. In 1988, Patrick had a noncancerous tumor pressing on his spine removed. He has also struggled with depression and addiction and announced in June that he was re-entering rehab.

Kennedy's memoir, "True Compass," is set to be published in the fall.




Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press

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November 2, 2024

every saint and each sinner. posted to the memorial.

October 13, 2024

charles sadler posted to the memorial.

March 15, 2024

Carson Loveless posted to the memorial.

7549 Entries

every saint and each sinner.

November 2, 2024

Peace be with

charles sadler

October 13, 2024

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Carson Loveless

March 15, 2024

Condolences to his family and his friends

Meyoshian Bagadarish

July 18, 2020

Greatest ever Kennedy

August 6, 2018

His life was one of purpose and he really benefited life for the people of this country. My belated condolences. I hope you find comfort in that our heavenly Father knows of the oppressed. (Eccl. 4:1). He must take note of those who try to right the wrongs.

george turner

March 30, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

March 30, 2018

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Margaret

November 21, 2017

In loving memory of a life well lived.

M B

November 15, 2017

As the time move forward, and life gets back to normal, the loving memories easy the pain away.

Jane Kennedy Newcomb

April 10, 2017

Senator Ted Kennedy's Farewell -- the end of an American Era . . .

I was just a little girl when my parents taught me about the Kennedy Family from the state of Massachusetts.

Throughout my entire life -- John, Robert and Ted have been a tremendous inspiration and each Kennedy has made me proud to be an American.

A wholehearted thank you Ted Kennedy for so zealously dedicating your life to "fighting the good fight."

Brennen Garcia

March 13, 2017

I will missed you. Rest in Peace.

Valenda Newell

July 10, 2016

Such GREATNESS one gave to the world....THANKS FOR ALL ONE'S HARD WORK...ONE IS MISSED

Kathleen bueti

February 13, 2015

I was 10 when my parents and grandparents "introduced" me to the Kennedy's. We learned about what your family did for the country and the bright future we had with you. Ted made us happy and confident with his tremendous knowledge, great wit and love of country. We will always remember you and admire your greatness. God bless you.

Roscoe

November 4, 2013

Mr. Kennedy was very blessed while here on earth. His life was one that many people dreamed about but never experienced. His time on earth is measured in milliseconds compared to his life in eternity. I hope his experience in eternity is as good or better than his time here.

Jeannette Pompi

June 6, 2013

My husband and I are moving to Hyannis - and your family's presence is still VERY much everywhere. Peace to you all....

Daniel Horrigan

March 27, 2013

Men nor Women are not born into greatness or goodness they achive it and the kenndy Family have surly done this.

Catherine Runnals

December 10, 2012

I was only 16 years old when I first heard of the name Kennedy.
I am 67 today and I am proud to be born in Massachusetts homeland of the Kennedy's. I admire this family who have given so much to this country. I know that the likes of them will never happen again in my lifetime. Things were wonderful in that time. May they all rest in peace, they have given much and much was
taken.

Donielle Stenson

December 3, 2012

I will never forget you Mr.Kennedy.Your lovely gracious wife protects your legacy.The Senate seems broken without your leadership.If we could only turn back time.In appreciation~Donielle

anamarie guerra-mondragon

October 6, 2012

September 25, 2012

anamarie guerra-mondragon, johnathan jorgensen and eric jorgensen.

August 9, 2012

RIP Teddy

MaryBeth Weathersby

July 11, 2012

You did such great things for people of all races and creed....especially for the very poor of this country. For that I thank you; not many are willing to do that. Most don't want to be bothered.
I was born in Massachusetts; moved to Florida,and miss the northeast greatly.

I had just arrived at the cape for a weeks vacation with my daughter and two grandchildren the very day that you passed away. I stayed at the resort where your staff had breakfast one day, and your funeral procession passed by. I felt very honored to be witness to this. I had always wanted to visit Cape Cod, (my mom was from Massachusetts, and spent many summers on the Cape) and feel so very blessed that I was there that week.
God bless you and your family for all your charitable works, and dedication to those less fortunate. We love you, and miss you. Thank you for serving your country and it's people!!
May you rest in peace.

Sharon Holland

July 8, 2012

The dream never dies.

February 14, 2012

RIP Mr. Kennedy.

anamarie guerra-mondragon

December 28, 2011

anamarie guerra-mondragon

December 28, 2011

may owr love grow in the future, and wish you peace with god.

anamarie guerra

December 28, 2011

we loved you!

anamarie guerra

November 14, 2011

The kids...we loved you!

Bruce Sherman

November 3, 2011

Ted and I took basic training together in 1951 at Fort Dix. He was such a friendly guy! I shall always remember those fun times with Ted. I feel honored to have known him.

THA JORGENSENS

anamarie jorgensen

November 1, 2011

Wish you peace. God Bless.

Grateful Admirer

October 29, 2011

You were the last bastion of the Senate, and my favorite "fighter" in that body...your brothers are permanent fixtures in my mind and constant reminders of "democracy" in my heart...but you are my favorite of all!! Such a tremendous bulldog for the "have nots" and being the guardian of "the right thing to do"...you made a tremendous impact on my mind and you did it with such righteousness and commitment that I will never forget....I believed in you then and now I always will. You gave so much that I wonder how you were able to carry through to the end...I remember the "last" visit to the Senate and your 'last in a lifetime vote'...it broke my heart to know you would never visit again. From your passing to this day, I can still hear your pleading and determined voice ring out...and it is music to my ears. So on behalf of like-minded compatriots, we thank you Senator Kennedy for everything you did for this country, and for the way in which you represented us. I am grateful for your life and will remember your spirited family always. Peace evermore!!!

anamarie guerra-mondragon,gonzalez.

October 10, 2011

You were always in my thoughts, May you rest in peace. God Bless you and your family always.

Kristal L. Rosebrook Kristal L. Ryan

September 1, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Sabrina Nason

August 25, 2011

When I Hear about Sen Kennedy I wasthinking of his Borther To

August 23, 2011

Your missed by all and we all loved you and cared about you and your family. Rest In Peace.
Love & Prayers,
God Bless You always,
Amy Mahoney

John Salerno

August 14, 2011

I miss you my dear friend

Carmen Lebron

August 1, 2011

I wanted to said that I admire Senator Kenneedy because he did a lot for our country as well for the adult learners programs because his work to help ous as adult learner I have a job.

steven constancia

June 5, 2011

r i p

katrina gilloooly

May 25, 2011

may he and his family rest in peace.

Srinivasa Nalamalapu

April 28, 2011

Inspiration to succeed and dedication to work are my lessons from the great Kennedy family. May god rest their souls in peace.

Carl E

April 22, 2011

A truly remarkable, dedicated, hard-working man. His services, and his brothers', to this great country will never be forgotten. God bless this family and all the great Kennedy brothers.

H. Adrian Osborne

April 17, 2011

You and your family will live on in our hearts. The greatest family of all time.

Christie Osborne

April 17, 2011

What a wonderful family. We all thank you for your services to this country. You will be so missed.

Lynn Bennett

April 12, 2011

It is with sincere deep regret that I send my long overdue condolences to the Kennedy family for the loss of Senator Kennedy. Thank you for your many years of service to our country and always striving to make our world a better and more humane place. May God Bless you and your family eternally.

debbie deLorme

April 11, 2011

we will never forget you or your brothers service to our country.

Renee Lampkin

April 7, 2011

Your candle will never burn out in the hearts of Americans. God Bless you and your family

Renee Lampkin

April 7, 2011

Thank you and your family Mr. Kennedy for everything you have done for people, to better humanity.

Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas

March 28, 2011

THE KENNEDYS, AMERICA'S ROYAL FAMILY!
May your Memory Be Eternal Senator Kennedy!

February 22, 2011

Happy Birthday Senator Kennedy! You are dearly missed...

Sharon Kay

January 13, 2011

May our Lord and Savior Bless you and your family FOREVER. I am so sorry I thought I had put a message for you. Love, Sharon Kay Lees

Bethany Schryburt

November 9, 2010

I just finished reading True Compass, and as I suspected, I am in awe of the Kennedy family, but mostly Teddy Kennedy.

October 31, 2010

May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort your family and friends, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."" Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss.

D. Clark

GAIL TRABUCCO

September 27, 2010

Still can't believe you are gone. You helped me get out of the Army after being hit in the head with a grenade simulator and fracturing my skull You were the best. God Bless

Carolyn Green

September 5, 2010

We miss you Ted.

alyce greer

September 3, 2010

My son Brian played in the kennedy movie and believed that the president was his father and Ted was his uncle until I finally convinced him differently.we will all miss the great man and his family.
Alyce Greer

Don Taber

August 31, 2010

Another loss for "ole Cape Cod"......Sincerely, Donald Taber,LPN,EMT-P...........

muller family

August 27, 2010

the muller family - clifton , new jersey - met senator kennedy and his lovely wife - vicki - twice during our two vacations to hyannis / hyannis port - he was wonderful to us - a huge honor for a simple family from new jersey - we miss senator kennedy - he was a great part of our lives for decades - politically - meeting senator kennedy helped us to understand the impact this man had on so many americans - we send our love to the kennedy family - we will always treasure senator ted kennedys memory in our hearts - we have the picture taken with him - we treasure those meetings in hyannis port / barnstable - a few feet from the kennedy compound - ted is finally at peace with all his brothers - together again -

paul goldwin

August 25, 2010

you will be missed more than words can describe

Betsy Henry

August 25, 2010

It was a very sad day when Edward Kennedy died. Always thinking of you and your families

G. C. Roberts

August 25, 2010

It's not the end of the trail for me;
I've just traveled on, up ahead where greener pastures grow and cool water streams dance as they flow,

Flowers in bloom of every sort and kind, colors more vivid than any I left behind, family and friends I haven't seen in years, hugs and handshakes and no more tears.

They've welcomed me home here today, a place of peace for me to stay, they say it's my home for eternity; no, it's not the end of the trail for me.

Remembering with you the life of someone so special.

Nicola Gallagher

July 13, 2010

Ted Kennedy may he RIP. Very sad, the end of era for america.

jacob teddy

June 15, 2010

By Edward

Elaine Nystrom

June 7, 2010

It was a very sad day when Sen. Edward Kennedy died. He lived so much of his life for the people and within the US govenment; I just wish he could have lived a little longer to see President Obama's presidency through. What great changes these two men, along with former President Clinton, and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, would make as a team. They are all brilliant leaders.

I was 11 years old when Pres. John Kennedy was assassinated, and 16 when Sen. Robert Kennedy was gunned down. Each of these events was horrific. However, Senator Ted Kennedy admirably found strength to carry on for his country. He has left a legacy for his family and his country that will be difficult to match.

Cary-Andrew Crittenden

May 28, 2010

I was glad to have had the opportunity to meet with Ted Kenenedy in the early 90's to discuss enhancing Social Services in Middlesex County. It was a pleasure and an honor to work with him. He will be greatly missed, & will leave a void that cannot be filled. He lives on in the inspiration he planted in my heart & the hearts of others!

Cary-Andrew Crittenden

Tom Adams

May 11, 2010

Sir Edward, you, your brothers, John, and Robert, rescued a whole lot of people with your love for humanity..may you forever rest in peace.

LaDora Wilcox

May 5, 2010

Thank you Senator Kennedy for your
service to the public and the people
all across the world. We miss you greatly.

April 20, 2010

This candle is lit in memory of Ted Kennedy. May he rest in peace.

March 31, 2010

While serving in the US Army, I had opportunity to meet Senator Kennedy, on three different occasions. Each time I found him to VERY large in stature, though also VERY down to earth and always looking out for "the little guy".
Great memories of my time, I was able to spend with him and most grateful for the help he extended to me in military related issues... God Bless Teddy and the Kennedy Family ..

C. Roberts

Adam Andrilla

March 29, 2010

Though I did not know any family personally, they were and are amazing people! I am a 19 yr. old student who is absolutely facinated by history, and of any people most influential in history, the Kennedy's come first to my mind. I am deeply sorry and apologize for this terrible loss.

Doris Payton-Jacobs

March 23, 2010

I thought about Senator Kennedy today as I watched President Obama sign Health care reform.
This was the the senator's dream.
Thank you for caring so much about the American people.

Suzanne Tamiesie

March 19, 2010

I am praying that at least some part of the health reform you fought so hard for will be passed this coming week. Please send some grace down to quietly influence those who are waivering. Thank you, for all you did for all us "average Americans".

N. JUDD

March 15, 2010

Please accept my deepest condolences to the Senator's entire family. What a fine quality man! He truly cared about people and most of all, his dear family.

May the many treasured memories of him console you all. He would have wanted that.

And, may God's Holy Scriptures bring you comfort. Verses such as John 11:25 and Matthew 5:3-5:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. (KJV) Yes, Jesus Christ tells us about two destinies for believing mankind.

And my personal favourite: Revelation 21:3-5: God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5 Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (NIV)

God doesn't promise to preserve us from grief, but to help us through it. May Jehovah God comfort your hearts through this time.

In sincerest sympathy,

March 10, 2010

What a great and strong man you were to handle all that was given you in your life. You took care of all your family and were loved by all Americans. God Bless You.

The Higuera-Newton Family

Marjorie Zych

March 8, 2010

Dear Kennedy family, Although I am not from Massachusettes I really loved the Kennedy's. Ted was a great man and deserved great respect! God bless him.

True Statesman Extroidinaire...From Ferry Street to Heaven's Golden Path...His Journey Heavenward Still Lighting Our Way!

Linda Reggie Dowling

March 4, 2010

The King Lives

By Linda Reggie Dowling in Dedication to Senator Edward Moore Kennedy 1932-2009...Written Upon Hearing of His Death...For Those He Left Behind!

So great was he who loved so well,
That many knew he was just a swell.

Contained with heart, he dared it all,
We now must carry to grave with pall.

So rich beyond all gentlemen’s measure,
The candid talk his words true treasure.

A son, a brother, husband, father and more,
This Knight of Realms flew with eagle’s soar.

Filled so full his youthful years,
As to prepare for more mortal tears.

More thoughtful than most with kin and foe,
His head held high while good works did flow.

His nights of soulful searching did meet,
With regal carriage, courage and aa common beat.

This hearty man could hail the best,
Arise they all of greatest character tests.

Each day for him was yet to be,
The very taste of personal victory.

When man he was in natural state,
Sailed to and fro to greet his fate.

Not once did he so ever boast,
He dedicated days to do the most.

Of men’s dogs and sailor’s songs he loved,
So wise to remember all was from above.

That boy of ours who knew the grace,
Would not do that which slowed his pace.

Not verdant grass nor moss could grow,
Beneath the feet of some past defeat.

Cracks have we all in our own vessels’ call,
Yet time to bear there he’s strongest all.

While others might lay beneath the fissure,
This Celtic refused to very long dither.

Not double minded nor man confused,
He brought together all God could use.

Saint Patrick’s scepter did scatter snakes,
The broad lad had protection of angelic wakes.

So charmed was he amid unending seas of sadness,
He was loved so well beyond all threatened badness.

He found new love as his heart’s healing myrrh,
She there always close to be as his own Queen Esther.

A once unlikely marriage beyond chance or law,
A truly trusted woman never failed to devine awe.

In lightness of his joyous wonder,
He gladly shared his treasure and thunder.

His honeyed charms with his Irish on,
A lad that laughed oft beyond the dawn.

Be not so foolish to misjudge the best,
He stands still tall though now at rest.

Oh Teddy Boy, we hardly knew enough of you,
Though blessed you were the last child in the pew.

Enduring with us long now through to the last,
You’re still the gift of our remembered past.

You sailed for us against the winds,
And traveled true north, navigating false dins.

Oh rest ye will with those who’ve waited long
To welcome you with limericks and song.

Your words are left now for to recall,
For peace, health, safety, justice too for all.

So now you have angelic sight above the sea,
A view of those we are and who we can now be.

The lion’s heart that roared so loud,
Now leaves us better lives thus plowed.

The latter is greater, the Lord does promise,
This is the only strength we have to blow a kiss.

The passionate hero of personal action,
You’re still the voice who spoke like none.


Oh, sweet hearted youngest one,
How was it you now took our sun?

The moon glow now lights the rocky beach,
That handsome face alone now leaves us to seek.

This new beginning that will us teach,
The hopeful times lie still for us ahead.

The Irish Lassies and Laddies did not so long await,
Your well done good servant arrival at Heaven’s Gate.

So now you’ve gone and with faith we know,
You’re now with those who arms do hold you slow.

Your life beyond our Father’s promises met,
Deep footprints here remain for us as our own debt.

You laid in state so still, so darling dear,
So that we left here must now not fear.

Oh now our mentor of messianic scope.
You lived for elders, poor, and youthful hope.

Remains with us your legacy,
In trust with she who loved you most.

We’ll pray and dream a new way now,
You left us maps and compass to learn how.

How could we now ignore the greater good,
We must now be the best as we would.

Goodbye Our Round Table Prince to Our King,
Greets true this day you passed away to now dance and sing.

Now time perhaps will deliver fulfillment of longing desires;
baritone of Emerald Isle dreaming songs and fires.

Wait for us now at the golden gate to wave us in with toothy smile,
As we too pray to someday sure be privileged to walk along your mile.

We’ll see you then our dearest man faire,
Who waved our colors with gregarious flair,

With mindful thoughts, deeds and dreams to dare.
You’re still our very own patriot extraordinaire.


(In Dedication to the Great American Public Servant, Senator Edward Moore Kennedy)

Jordan Lavoie

February 27, 2010

I Alomost Got Done Reading True Compass,Great Book.Miss You Ted.

February 22, 2010

Happy Birthday Senator! We miss you...

February 19, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

January 31, 2010

To Edward Kennedy,
I thought you were a great senator. I'm sorry that you're no longer alive. God bless. Lisa Weiner

lorraine hutton

January 30, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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