Ted Kennedy death in quotes
President Obama was visibly moved and upset by the passing of his "dear friend"
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By Will Haine. |  |
Wednesday, 26, Aug 2009 04:01
By Sarah Garrod.
It was announced earlier today Edward M Kennedy, long-standing senator, Barack Obama supporter and healthcare advocator had died at the age of 77.
Throughout the day tributes have poured in for the 'lion of the Senate', with a particularly moving speech from President Obama, who was visibly moved and upset by the passing of his "dear friend".
Obituary Edward Kennedy
In an address, Mr Obama took time out from his holiday to say: "Over the past several years I have had the honour to call him a colleague and a friend.
"He touched so many lives.
"I can think of no one in the US Senate who generated greater respect on both sides."
He went on to say America was "more equal and more just" because of Teddy Kennedy, and sent his condolences to the senator's family.
In a statement made this morning, after he first learnt of Kennedy's death, Mr Obama said: "Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
"For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.
"I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as president from his encouragement and wisdom.
"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."
A flood of tributes were also made on this side of the Atlantic, as UK politicians recognised the passing of Senator Kennedy.
Foreign secretary David Miliband said: "I was very sorry to hear of the death of Senator Edward Kennedy. All tributes to him will rightfully recognise the outstanding contribution he made to American life. It is also important to recognise his services to the UK.
"His support for the Kennedy Memorial Trust (named after his late brother) will be of lasting benefit, as I have good reason to know having spent a year in America as a Kennedy scholar. Senator Kennedy's values helped shape American life in the 20th century and remain vitally important today."
Mr Miliband's words were echoed by the prime minister Gordon Brown, who said he was proud to have counted the Senator a friend. He said: "Senator Edward Kennedy will be mourned not just in America but in every continent. He is admired around the world as the Senator of Senators.
"He led the world in championing children's education and health care, and believed that every single child should have the chance to realise their potential to the full. Even facing illness and death he never stopped fighting for the causes which were his life's work."
The Prime Minister's wife, Sarah Brown , also sent a tribute, saying on Twitter: "'For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on,..the hope still lives, & the dream shall never die' Senator Ted Kennedy."
For his role in the Northern Ireland peace process, Senator Kennedy was also remembered. Former Irish taoiseach Bertie Ahern said:"He lived to see two great chasms bridged, between Catholic and Protestant in Northern Ireland and between black and white in his own United States.
"These achievements, which were the dreams imagined by his brothers in his youth, were the legacy of a long life and of a good and great man who, no matter how often he stumbled or the cause stalled, continued with a tenacity and a great belief that was the hallmark of everything he did and of the man he was."
Italian president Giorgio Napolitano said Kennedy "has left a deep mark and deserves the homage of all the free world."
Senator Kennedy died of brain cancer, and remained an advocate of universal healthcare throughout his life, particularly following the diagnosis of his son Ted with bone cancer, and some years later his daughter Kara of lung cancer. On hearing the news, Lance Armstrong, a cancer survivor and seven times Tour de France winner, said on Twitter: "So sad to hear about Senator Ted Kennedy. I had the opportunity to work with him dozens of times & he was a good man. May he rest in peace."
In a statement following his death the senator's family said: "Edward M Kennedy - the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply.
"We've lost the irreplaceable centre 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.
"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."
His niece's husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California, said later in the day: "Teddy inspired our country through his dedication to healthcare reform, his commitment to social justice and his devotion to a life of public service."