Edward Moore Kennedy, 1932-2009

Anyone who knows me, even a little bit, knows how much I admire the Kennedy Family. The Kennedys inspired me to study political science and enter public service, and I am a better person for having done so. Ted has always held a special place in my heart, and I absolutely believe that he is one of the best Senators to have ever served in Washington. The praise for Kennedy and his contribution to Massachusetts, the United States, and the World has been fittingly robust, so I'll cut my fulsome words short.

A quote from the JFK Library and Museum sums it all up for me:

"The political valor of Edward Moore Kennedy exceeds what can be told in a single volume. When principle demanded that he stand alone, he stood alone. When the public interest called for compromise, he compromised. When hope and human dignity could be advanced by reaching across the aisle, he extended his hand. He carried the nation on his shoulders through the most important struggles of our time – for justice, for equality, for opportunity, for freedom."

God speed Teddy, may Jack, Bobby, and the rest of the family greet you with open arms.

Thank you.

Victoria Lawford, daughter of Patricia Kennedy,

and her daughter Victoria Jr, thank well-wishers

Kara Kennedy, Ted's only daughter, and her children Max and Grace speak with the crowd

Tim Shriver, son of the recently deceased Eunice Kennedy Shriver, thanks those entering the library

The American Red Cross as well as various Boy Scouts and City Year volunteers hand out free water and provide assistance to those waiting in line.

25,000 people visited the Kennedy Library yesterday, and thousands more waited in line to pay their respects to the Senator

Well-wishers waited in another line to sign condolence books for the family