vc318

Senator Ted Kennedy dies at 77 - Edward Kennedy, 1932-2009- msnbc.com



BOSTON - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the liberal lion of the Senate and haunted bearer of the Camelot torch after two of his brothers fell to assassins' bullets, has died at his home in Hyannis Port after battling a brain tumor. He was 77.

For nearly a half-century in the Senate, Kennedy was a steadfast champion of the working class and the poor, a powerful voice on health care, civil rights, and war and peace. To the American public, though, he was best known as the last surviving son of America's most glamorous political family, the eulogist of a clan shattered again and again by tragedy.

His 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."

President Obama, on vacation in Martha's Vineyard, Mass., said he and the first lady were “heartbroken” to hear of Kennedy's passing.

“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.

I know that he was sick for so long but I'm saddened but relieved that this poor guy is not suffering anymore. I just can't believe that Arnold's wife has to bury another family member this month. Goodness. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones.

4N6 DNA

I heard about this this morning on the way to work. I hoped this day would not come for a long time. It is a terrible tragedy. Ted Kennedy was a great man. His few miss-steps will never catch up to everything he has done for the American people and policies he has supported to help the world. I hope he's in the upstairs now, knocking back beers with Jack and Bobby.

Those of us who loved him and who take him to his rest today, pray that what he was to us and what he wished for others will some day come to pass for all the world.

Sparkleyღ

I knew this was coming but I didn't think it would be this soon. RIP Ted Kennedy you were one heck of a senator.

mcdreamylover

Man what a sad summer this has been!

Leave it to FOX News to be the only network not really covering this just because he wasn't a Republican.

4N6 DNA

You aren't kidding.

47 years of public service, more then half of his life in the senate, he has done so much. Voting rights act, health care reform, childrens health insurance and all the other pushing he did for the American people will live on well beyond his person.

Was in the mood to make something:

Dana_Lana

I have been watching Fox News and they have been covering it all morning...

He is the big main pic on their site as well..

mcdreamylover

By saying not really I meant not as much as CNN and MSNBC. In fact right now they're talking about the bail out.

NikNak

That's a beautiful banner and a kind tribute to a great man.

It truly has been.

Jerry D

I feel so sad about this, and it's truly the end of an era. Ted Kennedy will go down in history as one of the greatest United States Senators in history, and his advocacy for liberal causes and his commitment to health care reform will be part of his enduring legacy. May he rest in peace.

Stacie18

RIP Teddy! I felt like crying this morning when I read the story on MSN. I'm happy he is no longer suffering and is with his parents and brothers again. He will forever be missed.

Will someone make me an icon of him please?

wanderer78

I was so sad to hear this. I wasn't surprised, but I was heartbroken. I don't think we'll ever have another senator like him. It really does feel like the end of an era. And that's making me a little scared for the future.

vc318

I bet he is, Jessie.

I thought the public memorial service on CNN was very nice. Quite a turnout.

attract your dreams ♥

That is a BEAUTIFUL banner

In case people dont know the funeral is currently on.

vc318

Just finished watching it. They're burying him at Arlington Cemetery now. I didn't know that was where his other two brothers were buried.

attract your dreams ♥

Yeah... I live in DC so im about to head down to Capitol Hill because the Kennedy family is having something brief there. Ill come back and let you know how it is.