Remembering Edward M. Kennedy (1932–2009) The 'Lion of the Senate' Has Died
Senator Edward M. Kennedy passed away on the night of August 25, 2009, at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass. He was 77 years old. He died from brain cancer, which he had been battling since his diagnosis in May 2008.
Kennedy had served as a Democratic senator from Massachusetts since 1962. Known as "The Lion of the Senate," Kennedy was the third-longest-serving senator in U.S. history.
Kennedy was born into a very wealthy and famous political family. Known as "Ted," he was the youngest brother of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated in the 1960s.
Many people thought Ted Kennedy should follow in his brothers' footsteps and run for president. In 1980, he campaigned for that office but failed to win the Democratic Party's nomination. Although he never became president, Ted Kennedy had a long and influential career as a lawmaker. More than 300 bills that Kennedy wrote have been passed into law.
Kennedy worked with Republicans to find compromises and get laws passed. Republican senator John McCain called Kennedy "the single most effective member of the Senate if you want to get results."
He is best remembered for working to make life better for ordinary people as well as for those in need. He played a key role in passing many pieces of important legislation including the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program in 1997, and the No Child Left Behind Act 2002. Most recently, he fought for universal health care. He called health care reform "the cause of my life."
President Barack Obama is among Kennedy's many mourners. "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.
Kennedy's funeral will be held on Saturday, August 29 in Boston. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Kennedy is survived by his wife Vicki, his two sons Edward M. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, his daughter Kara Kennedy Allen, two stepchildren and four grandchildren, and his sister Jean Kennedy Smith.
A statement from Kennedy's family read: "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."
Kennedy was well known for his public speaking abilities. In his rallying speech to the Democratic National Convention in 1980, he famously said: "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."
Vocabulary
diagnosis—the identification of a disease in a patient
assassinated—killed for political reasons
compromises—agreements reached by arguing people in which each side gives up some of its demands
universal—relating to, or available to everyone
reform—improvement
optimism—hopefulness, cheerfulness
perseverance—the determination to keep going
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