August 26, 2009: An excerpt from a story in the Boston Globe:
Kennedy dead at 77
Liberal lion of the Senate, symbol of family dynasty succumbs to brain cancer
By MARTIN F. NOLAN
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who carried aloft the torch of a Massachusetts dynasty and a liberal ideology to the citadel of Senate power, but whose personal and political failings may have prevented him from realizing the ultimate prize of the presidency, died at his home in Hyannis Port last night after a battle with brain cancer. He was 77.
“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,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
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August 26, 2009: An excerpt from a story in the Boston Herald:
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy dies at age 77
By DAVE WEDGE
Iconic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the last surviving brother of the storied political clan, has died, ending his heartbreaking brain cancer battle and bringing to a close a pivotal and historic era of state and national politics.
“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 senior senator’s family said early today in a statement.
The state’s longest-serving Washington, D.C. lawmaker, Kennedy, 77, continued working diligently until his last days, pushing fellow legislators and President Obama to pass a landmark national health care plan expected to be the senator’s lasting legacy.
Sworn into Senate in 1962, Kennedy rose through the ranks to become one of the most powerful and influential legislators in Washington and arguably the most accomplished in Massachusetts history.
