Brody's Notes... "The Lion sleeps tonight..."

Photo by The New York Times

Edward M. Kennedy, 1932 - 2009

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts and a member of one of the country's most influential political families, was one of the most effective senators in American history.

By Brody Levesque (Washington DC) Aug 26 | The death of Senator Edward Kennedy was announced earlier today in this statement released by the Kennedy family:

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. 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. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.

President Barack Obama, vacationing with his family in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, near Hyannis Port, released this statement:

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

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.

I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I’ve profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

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.

And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.

Our hearts and prayers go out to them today–to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

The Senator, one of the longest serving members of the Senate with 46 years, was eulogized by his colleague and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) of Nevada:

The Kennedy family and the Senate family have together lost our patriarch. My thoughts, and those of the entire United States Senate, are with Vicki, Senator Kennedy’s children, his many nieces and nephews, and his entire family.

It was the thrill of my lifetime to work with Ted Kennedy. He was a friend, the model of public service and an American icon.

As we mourn his loss, we rededicate ourselves to the causes for which he so dutifully dedicated his life. Senator Kennedy’s legacy stands with the greatest, the most devoted, the most patriotic men and women to ever serve in these halls.

Because of Ted Kennedy, more young children could afford to become healthy. More young adults could afford to become students. More of our oldest citizens and our poorest citizens could get the care they need to live longer, fuller lives. More minorities, women and immigrants could realize the rights our founding documents promised them. And more Americans could be proud of their country.

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 his brothers sought to realize.

The liberal lion’s mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die.

Senator Kennedy's bipartisanship and the Senator's extending his reach across the entire spectrum of the American political scene, in his work on many of the important issues that affected all American's, has left an impact that most likely will be considered his most important legacy. Senator Kennedy was also a noted friend and proponent of civil rights for all American's, including those of colour and LGBT Americans.

A comprehensive obituary of Senator Kennedy is available at the New York Times website here.