Death of Sen. Edward Kennedy Announced: Leave a Message Here as a Memorial to Senator Teddy Kennedy

At the age of 77, Senator Edward Kennedy (born 1932) finally lost his fight against brain cancer at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts . A thwarted presidential candidate, he became one of the Senate's most effective members.

The third-longest-serving senator in American history, Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2008 for which was treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Last of "The Kennedy Dynasty" Dies

Youngest of the four glamorous Kennedy boys, he became a Senator in 1962 while his brother, President John F Kennedy was still alive. He has gained a reputation for being a champion of the people, a supporter of peace, the civil rights movement and latterly, the health care movement. He was also a staunch supporter of Barak Obama's presidential campaign.

John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, five years before Bobby's assassination during his own presidential campaign in 1968. The eldest Kennedy brother, Joseph P Kennedy Jr, died on August 12th 1944 when his Air Force plane crashed. Their sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver (founder of the "Special Olympics) died just 15 days ago on August 11, 2009.

Edward Kennedy's own hopes of reaching the White House were irreparably damaged in 1969 by the Chappaquiddick incident, an auto accident that left a young woman dead. However this did not prevent him from becoming an extremely well respected member of the Senate and the author of more legislation than any other senator.

Statement from the Kennedy Family on the Death of Ted Kennedy

In a statement on the Kennedy family web site they say "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." They go on to thank all those who have helped Senator Kennedy during his illness, and who have stood with him over the years during his long political career.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Tribute to Edward Kennedy's Death

In the UK, where the news of Sen. Kennedy's death was announced in the early press, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown spoke on behalf of the British public when he remarked that Sen Kennedy was admired around the world as the senator of senators. He also paid tribute to Sen Kennedy for leading the world in championing children's education and health care, and for his belief that every single child should have the chance to realize their potential to the full.

In March, 2009, Senator Kennedy was awarded an honorary knighthood by the Queen for his services to the US-UK relationship and to the Northern Ireland peace process.

Aug 26, 2009 9:06 AM

Guest :

The year was 1963 and I've had Type 1 juvenile diabetes for 10 years.
While still in college I applied to John Hancock Insurance for employment.
Well they replied that because of my medical condition they could not offer ma a posistion.
The next week (Jul.63) my mother wrote to Senator Kennedy and within two weeks we received a copy of his letter to John Hancock and shortly thereafter they called to say they reconsidered and offered me the posistion.
III
I am now 65 and doing quite well, and I will always remember what Senator Kennedy did for me, and may God bless him
Arthur Penachio

Aug 26, 2009 11:11 AM

Guest :

n a life that is littered with ironies, here's the biggest one of all: His three older brothers - Joe, Jack and Bobby - are eternally frozen in our imagination as the personifications of youth and vigor (or "vigah"). How poignant that our final image of the baby of that family will be as an old man, frail and mortally ill.
His was the most impressive evolution in American political history. Let's be honest; in 1962 the guy was a lightweight. He ran for the Democratic nomination against another young man, Edward McCormick, whose uncle was the speaker of the House of Representatives. During a debate McCormick told him that were it not for his name, his candidacy would be viewed as a joke. It was a point well made. It is obvious when looking at film of that campaign that our boy Ted is in way over his head.
Who would have dared dream all those years ago that this punk kid would one day evolve into the greatest senator ever to walk those halls?
An incredible realization just came to me: Teddy represented the state of Massachusetts for forty-six years, eight months and nineteen days. That is nearly three months longer than all the years his older brother Jack lived on earth. Forgive the cliche that is so overused it has become trite through repetition, but this really is the end of an era.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
Goshen, NY

Aug 27, 2009 5:12 AM

Guest :

This is to offer my sincere condolences on the demised senator Edward Kennedy. Who is not only a national Figure, but it also a personal of mine. I meet him first when I came to the US in 1974, for graduate studies at the University of Pennsylania. We meet on Martha’s Vineyard at a restaurant called a Cat on a Hot Roof owned by Carly Simon, and there after numerous meetings in Boston. I Loved him dearly and still consider him a driving force in American Democracy. I just wish that there were more people like him.
With great appreciation yours
Syed Raza Muhammad Shah
Village Haji Peer Shah
Post office Shadi Palli
District Umerkot Sindh, Pakistan

Aug 27, 2009 12:02 PM

Guest :

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has witnessed the longest storm ever with Senator Edward M Kennedy. The storms path lasted from 1962 to 2009. This storm has regrettably died out but the path it took and all the changes made will always be remembered in his legacy. Rest in Peace SpringMagnolia