Ted Kennedy’s body lay for a second day on Friday in a flag draped coffin at the John F. Kennedy Presidential library in his hometown of Boston, where thousands turned out to pay their respects.
It is estimated that some 45,000 persons–old, young, black, white, straight, gays–filed passed the casket over the two-day period where Kennedy’s body lay in repose.
Family members, including his beloved widow Vickie, were on hand throughout, mostly to greet people, thanking them for coming to bid final farewell to the man whom most agree was perhaps the greatest U.S. Senator of the second half of the 20th Century.
In a remembrance service on Friday evening which was closed to public, several of Teddy’s family members and friends had an opportunity to eulogize him.
One common thread running throughout the many tributes was that, Teddy was always there when anyone needed a helping hand and a champion for all.
Joseph, son of Robert Kennedy, recalled that his uncle Teddy made phone calls to the families of everyone from his home state who had died in 9/11 and also those who had lost loved ones in both wars in Iraq.
All the tributes to Ted Kennedy humanized him and perhaps provided insights into why he was so well liked, by friends, and even his political foes.
Senator Chris Dodd, (D-Connecticut), a close friend of Teddy’s, noted that he was a warm, passionate and thoughtful man, who loved his country deeply. A man full of sympathy and empathy, and one who again, was always there. Dodd recalled that Teddy’s was the first phone call that he received when his daughters were born, when his sister passed away last month and following his surgery for prostate cancer, two weeks ago.
Many, including historians, wonder why Teddy was such an effective legislature. Dodd says that, besides having great staff, “people liked Teddy”. Said Dodd, “John Kennedy inspired America, Robert Kennedy challenged America, but Teddy changed America.”
Senator John Kerry (D-Massachusetts), in paying tribute to his friend, Teddy, recalled his grace, courage, joy, laughter, and the much love and gratitude he lived on a daily basis. Upon being diagnosed with brain cancer 14 months ago, knowing that he had months to live, Kerry recalled that Teddy remained optimistic, a triumph of love that all who cherished him gave in abundance.
“Ted changed the course of history,”, said Kerry. He stood against the war in Iraq, which Kennedy has said was his best vote in his 47-year career in the Senate. And said Kerry, “Ted labored to make health care a right and we will do that in his honor.”
Not only did Democrats praise Kennedy for his lengthy public service and his live of country, but he was also eulogized by Republican Senators John McCain, (R-Arizona) and Orin Hatch (R-Utah).
McCain, noting that they disagreed on most issues said that, Teddy was good company, excellent company, who had an uncanny sense when differences could be bridged. McCain recalled that they had worked together on an immigration bill. “He taught me to be a better Senator,” said McCain, “the place won’t be the same without him”.
Senator Hatch, who worked with Kennedy for 33 years in the Senate said that they had built a strong working relationship and that he had become one of his closest friends. Hatch said that people called them the odd couple. “Despite out differences, we worked out a lot of things together,” Hatch said. This included, the health care program for children, assistance to AIDS victims, equal rights for the disabled, and the Edward M. Kennedy-Serve America Act.
Joe Biden, Vice President of the U.S. who served with Kennedy for 36 years in the Senate, said that as a young senator, he took on the role of elder brother and he was just always there for him. “I never saw him petty, never saw him act in a small way–he made us all bigger,” said Biden. “His lack of vitriol forced some to act bigger”.
Biden said that the legacy of Teddy Kennedy in no small part can be measured in “how we look at one another, and in turn how we look at ourselves.” “It was never about him, always about you,” said Biden.
“He met his death on the same brave, generous terms,” Biden said. “Your father was an historic figure,” he said.
Biden concluded that, in his view, this was not the end of the Kennedy era, as some seemed to suggest. Noting the talent, grit, and grace of the Kennedy family, “Because of you, the dream still lives,” he said.
Several other family and friends made tribute to Kennedy, including, Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts, Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino, John Culver, former U.S. Senator, and Caroline Kennedy.
There were musical tributes from, Nick Littlefield, Staff Director, who sang “Love Changes Everything”, one of Teddy Kennedy’s favorites; Brian Stokes Mitchell rendered “The Impossible Dream” and the Boston Community Chorus sang “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.”
A video tribute was also shown on the life and work of the late Senator, which demonstrated his “moral obligation” to do the right thing, for the most part.
On Saturday morning, a funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Boston, at which President Barack Obama will eulogize Kennedy. Also, past presidents, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter are all expected to attend.
Following the Saturday morning Mass, Kennedy’s remains will be flown to Washington, where a brief stop will be made outside the U.S. Capitol, whereupon his body will be taken to Arlington National Cemetery for interment, besides his brothers, John F. and Robert.
