Connie Lawn: Ted Kennedy’s State Funeral

WASHINGTON – The Funeral for Senator Ted Kennedy was majestic, poignant, emotional, stirring and, at times, very funny. It did not appear to be the end of Camelot. With at least 85 Kennedy relatives, there are many available to play a vital role in the history of this nation and the world.

The Funeral was planned for months. This was the only famous Kennedy son who had time to plan for a funeral. The others were cut down violently and suddenly, in the prime of their lives. But, Ted Kennedy had adequate time to chose the speakers, location, and music. His friends and adversaries had 15 months to praise him, and put history and their own lives in perspective.

The Funeral Mass in Boston was an amazing show of political power. President Obama gave the eulogy. The Obamas, the Clintons, the Carters, the George W Bushs, and many Vice Presidents were there. President and Mrs. George Bush Senior said they were unable to attend. At least 58 present members of the U.S. Senate and 21 former members were in attendance, along with dozens of members of Congress.

The actual Funeral began on the morning of his death. The entire Kennedy family lined up, to offer a dignified and emotional good bye to their leader; the man who had become a substitute father for so many of them. The funeral motorcade from the Hyannis Port Compound to Boston took several hours. Those who were able to line the streets applauded as the procession passed by. Many held signs which said, “thank you Teddy.”

The Senator’s body lay in repose at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library in Boston. Ted Kennedy worked hard to build the Library in honor of his brother. Later, he worked for other monuments to honor Bobby Kennedy. Thousands of ordinary citizens stood in line for hours. They filed past his casket, which was draped in an American flag. The flag had recently flown over the U.S. Capitol, where Kennedy served for 47 years.

On Friday night, Boston time, a three hour Irish Wake was held in the Kennedy Library. Senators, other famous people, and Caroline Kennedy said wonderful things about Ted Kennedy. His favorite songs were sung, including “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “To Dream the Impossible Dream,” and “Love Changes Everything.” But, there were moments of intense humor, as there are meant to be in any celebration of life. The funniest was a speech by former Senator John Culver of Iowa. He recounted their first sail boat race. The Senator from the land-locked state had never seen a sailboat before, was sea sick, cold, and miserable. Somehow their friendship endured, and they sailed together again for many years.

The next day, Saturday in Boston, had turned cold and rainy. The Senator’s casket was now draped in a splendid white cloth. The Mass was held in the Mission Basilica. It is there he prayed each day, while his daughter was fighting to survive lung cancer. So far, his daughter and one son have survived their own battles with cancer. His third son talked about his struggles with asthma, and the special attention he received from his father. Patrick continues to be plagued with substance abuse issues. Of the many speeches delivered, son Teddy Junior’s was the most powerful. He talked about his suffering, after losing a leg to cancer when he was twelve. His Father got him through those terrible days, by convincing him he could do anything.

President Obama also gave a powerful final speech, saying, “we cannot know God’s plan for us.” Musical renditions were also given by cellist Yo -Yo Ma and opera singer Placido Domingo. The Funeral Mass ended with a Recessional to the strains of “America the Beautiful.” Then Senator Kennedy’s casket was taken by a military honor guard, to be flown to final burial at the Arlington National Cemetery. The American Flag was again draped over it. Senator Kennedy joined his brothers John and Bobby to be buried on sacred ground, near the Eternal Flame. Two of his infant children, and John’s wife Jacquline, are also buried at Arlington, and more will follow in the future.

After the Military plane landed at Andrews Air Force Base, from Boston, a long motorcade was formed again. In Washington, thousands of people also lined the streets to honor Teddy. About 4,000 stood for hours on the steps and driveways of the Capitol They honored the man who had served there for nearly 50 years. About 100 of his former staff members were there – Kennedy was known to have the brightest and hardest working staff in Congress. Many of former staffers went onto serve in the White House and Supreme Court.

Prayers were said at the Capitol, and all members of the Kennedy family got out of their buses and greeted those they could . Then the crowd burst into song again – “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.” It reminded many of the patriotism they felt, after the attacks on America on 9/11/2001.

The motorcade regrouped and made it slow journey down Constitutional Avenue, across the Memorial Bridge, and onto the sacred hillsides of Arlington National Cemetery. About 200 people and a small group of reporters covered the actual burial. Ted Kennedy’s grave was marked, at this time, by a simple white cross. The surprise of the ceremony was provided by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. He read from the letter the Senator had recently sent to the Pope. The letter was delivered by President Obama. In it, Senator Kennedy talked about his intense Catholic faith, despite disagreements. He admitted he had been “an imperfect human being.” The Cardinal also read from the Pope’s letter, in which he gave Kennedy his blessing.

Then it was all over. Arlington Cemetery and the Kennedy grave sites are open to the public. In the U.S., the fight goes on over health care reform and other important issues of social welfare and world peace. As more bills are passed, they will carry Ted Kennedy’s name. There are already more than 300 he sponsored. Now, other Kennedy’s will carry the torch, sail his boats, and carry on the fight without him.

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

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