Remembering Ted Kennedy, 08.25.09
The nation may have seen a political dynasty end last week in the passing of Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, who was the last remaining son of the powerful political family. Kennedy, 77, lost his year-long battle with brain cancer last Tuesday within the comforts of his own home.
A funeral mass was held last Saturday after which the late Senator was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to being honored by many of his fellow politicians by their attendance, President Obama provided a eulogy. The next evening, more than 25,000 mourners paid their respects to Kennedy outside the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston, reported a local paper.
Born in February of 1932 in Boston, Edward (Ted) Moore Kennedy was the youngest of nine children. He eventually found his way into Harvard, and also served in the military during a two-year break from university. Instead of pursuing a blossoming career in football, Kennedy chose to go on to study law at the University of Virginia.
Kennedy’s service in the Senate began in 1962 — he was re-elected seven more times and was the second-longest serving member at the time of his death. While his life was surrounded by controversy at times, Kennedy was known for his leadership on policy reform, specifically regarding education and health care.
His influence and voice for the people he served will be dearly missed.
[photo: United States Senate]
Tags: Brain cancer, Democrat, Harvard, Massachusetts, politician, Senator, Ted Kennedy
