UP Ibalon Bicol: Posthumous tributes to Sen. Edward Kennedy pours in from the world

Posthumous tributes to Sen. Edward Kennedy pours in from the world

8/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Statement from Kennedy family:

“Edward M. Kennedy - the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply - died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. 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. 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.“---Source: NBC 10 News (08/26/09) (Photo Credit: learfieldnews)

"Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. -For five decades, virtually every piece of major legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.”--- Pres. Barack Obama

“Today we mourn the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and we extend our heartfelt prayers and sincere condolences to his wife Victoria and their children, Kara, Edward, Patrick, Curran and Caroline. Senator Kennedy was blessed with a dedicated and loving family who stood by his side, particularly during the past year as he faced his illness with courage, dignity and strength. We join with his colleagues in Congress and the people of Massachusetts in reflecting on his life and his commitment to public service. For nearly half a century, Senator Kennedy was often a champion for the poor, the less fortunate and those seeking a better life. Across Massachusetts and the nation, his legacy will be carried on through the lives of those he served. ---Cardinal O’Malley

"I had hoped and prayed that this day would never come. My heart and soul weeps at the lost of my best friend in the Senate, my beloved friend, Ted Kennedy."----Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W-VA.

While we didn't see eye-to-eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service - so much so, in fact, that I invited him to my library in 2003 to receive the Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. Ted Kennedy was a seminal figure in the United States Senate - a leader who answered the call to duty for some 47 years, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter in that body's history.---Former President George H.W. Bush

“ America had "lost a great elder statesman ... and I lost a treasured friend." ---Sen. Orrin Hatch (Utah-R)

“Even facing illness and death he never stopped fighting for the causes which were his life’s work. I am proud to have counted him as a friend and proud that the United Kingdom recognized his service earlier this year with the award of an honorary knighthood.“ ----British Prime Minister Gordon Brown

I would like to extend our sympathies to the Kennedy family as we hear word about the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. He believed in our country and fought passionately for his convictions.---Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin

"Personally benefited and grown from his experience and advice, and I know countless others have as well. Teddy taught us all that public service isn't a hobby or even an occupation, but a way of life and his legacy will live on."----- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California (AP)

“Kennedy has been a friend for 30 years, a great American patriot, a great champion of a better world, a great friend of Israel. He will be sorely missed.“----Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“I saw his focus and determination first hand in Northern Ireland where his passionate commitment was matched with a practical understanding of what needed to be done to bring about peace and to sustain it. I was delighted he could join us in Belfast the day devolved government was restored.” ---Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister

“The best tribute we could pay him is a renewed vigor in the fight to see his dreams realized. The world is going to miss Ted Kennedy. I already do.“ ----Rep. Jim McGovern (Massachusettes-D)

“Ted hailed from a most famous Irish-American family, and through his own endeavours and achievement, he has added further lustre to the reputation of a great family ... In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island. He played a particularly important role in the formative days of the Northern Ireland Peace Process in the early to mid-1990s...Today, America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a long-standing and true friend.” ---Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen

“Ted Kennedy was a great American, a great Democrat and also a great friend of Australia. He has made an extraordinary contribution to American politics, an extraordinary contribution to America’s role in the world.“ ----Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

"Given our political differences, people are sometimes surprised by how close Ronnie and I have been to the Kennedy family. But Ronnie and Ted could always find common ground, and they had great respect for one another. In recent years, Ted and I found our common ground in stem cell research, and I considered him an ally and dear friend. I will miss him."---Frist Lady Nancy Reagan

“The last son of Rose Fitzgerald and Joseph Kennedy was granted a much longer life than his brothers, and he filled those years with endeavor and achievement that would have made them proud.“ ---Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

“A great protagonist of American public life has disappeared, a combative and coherent interpreter of the role of the U.S. Congress, a constant defender of that democratic balance and the guarantees of freedom which have given strength and prestige to his country. In this sense, Ted Kennedy has left a profound mark and deserves the homage of the free world.” ---Giorgio Napolitano, President of Italy

"For decades Edward Kennedy was a towering figure in U.S. politics. His battle for justice and equality was defined by persistence and resoluteness. In Senator Kennedy both Germany and Europe have lost a great and dear friend." ---German Chancelor Angela Merkel

"He was not just a friend to those of power and high position, but even more to those who had neither. He was a voice for those who would otherwise go unheard, a defender of the rights and interests of the defenseless. Those who feel that government can too often be faceless and inhumane did not know Senator Kennedy. He stood for the best in all of us, and he will be missed." ---UN Sec. Gen. Ban Ki-Mon

"He was a great politician who supported Chilean democracy during very difficult times for our country. He raised his voice strongly to denounce the trampling of human rights, asking that democracy be re-established."---Chile Pres. Michelle Bachelet

Sources: AP/ TimesOnline/ CNN Politics.com

RELATED BLOGS: Sen. Edward Kennedy, 77 dies of brain cancer Posted by mesiamd at 8/26/2009; Sen. Edward Kennedy survives longer under the world’s best medicine available Posted by mesiamd at 7/07/2009

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Labels: death, homage, Milestone, Sen. Edward Kennedy, Totie Mesia, transition, tribute

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Posthumous tributes to Sen. Edward Kennedy pours in from the world

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