Remembering Edward Kennedy: United States Senator dies at 77

By Zaina Adamu The youngest son of an influential American family and longtime Democratic legislator Senator Edward M. Kennedy died just before midnight August 25, 2009. Ted Kennedy lost his fight with brain cancer after he was diagnosed in late May 2008. He was 77. Lawmakers and political leaders flooded websites with statements on their condolences just hours after his death was announced. President Barack Obama, who considered Kennedy as one of his heroes at the Democratic National Convention last year, said in a written statement, 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. The Kennedy family released a statement early Wednesday morning to express their loss. Weve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live in our hearts forever. Kennedy is only the third senator to serve more than 45 years in Senate. He began his career in government as an ambitious solider in the U.S. Army. Shortly after being discharged, he served as manager for his brother John Kennedys presidential campaign. He eventually took office as Senator of Massachusetts in 1962, a position he would hold until his death. Throughout Kennedys career, he pushed for minority equality with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, and was a leader in the conception of National Teachers Corps. He also fought for labor rights and the social advancement of women. For decades, Senator Kennedy has been a stalwart in our community, fighting for our children, for our seniors and for the best interest of millions of families across the nation, said Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD). Through his last day, we witnessed in him the same courage, determination and selfless service that have characterized his constant efforts to lift up the lives of Americans. Kennedy was the eighth to die of nine children, who have all, in some way, helped to shape American politics and culture. He was the only brother to die after the age of 50, though he experienced a brush with death in 1964. He survived a plane crash, which gave him permanent back difficulties. Despite the many controversies surrounding his early career and personal life, Kennedy managed to stand tall amidst his colleagues, who overwhelmingly showed their appreciation of his presence in their lives. Dr. Claudia Baquet, professor of medicine and associate dean at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine knew Kennedy personally and acknowledged him as one of the best leaders of his time. He was just wonderful, she said repeatedly. He was so good to his staff and was a visionary in promoting health care access. He was about helping individuals who suffered from illnesses. Kennedy surprised millions last year when he made a last minute appearance at the opening night of the Democratic National Convention. Simply put, he left everyone with a sense of hope an idea then-Senator Obama pushed during his 2008 presidential campaign. Kennedy promised America he would be a witness to the swearing in of President Obama at the Inauguration. I pledge to you that I will be there next January on the floor of the United States Senate when we begin the great test, he said. After the death of his two brothers, he took on the role as father for their children. He revived the Kennedy spirit with the opening of the Kennedy Library in Boston, the Kennedy Center in Washington and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He was later given an honorary degree at Harvard, his alma mater. Kennedys collaboration with former Republican President George W. Bush was his most noted effort to increase educational advancement. The 2001 No Child Left Behind legislations success came after criticism from pundits suggesting he had anti-conservative spending philosophies and a heightened left-wing mindset. Even though we had known this day was coming for some time now, we awaited it with no small amount of dread," the president said. The outpouring of tributes is a testament to Kennedy's legislative legacy. He is survived by his 81-year-old sister, Jean Kennedy Smith; wife, Victoria Anne Kennedy; his children, Kara Anne, Edward Jr. and Patrick; two stepchildren and three grandchildren.

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