Kennedy To Be Buried At Arlington

BOSTON — Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's body and members of his family will travel for at least two hours from his Cape Cod home to Boston, where he will lie in repose for two days before his funeral at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Kennedy's body will leave his Hyannis Port compound around lunchtime Thursday and pass through sites that were significant to him as the hearse heads to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, a family spokesman said late Wednesday.

Kennedy, who died Tuesday at age 77 after a yearlong struggle with brain cancer, will lie in repose at Smith Hall, ringed by an honor guard including representatives from each of the four military branches. Members of his family, including his wife, Vicki, are expected to greet well-wishers filing past his casket.

A memorial service will be held at the presidential library Friday evening.

President Barack Obama will deliver a eulogy at a funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica, commonly known as the Mission Church, in the Mission Hill neighborhood on Saturday. The cavernous basilica, built in the 1870s, was where Kennedy prayed daily while his daughter, Kara, successfully battled cancer.

"Over time, the basilica took on special meaning for him as a place of hope and optimism," a family statement said.

A burial service for Kennedy at Arlington was scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Kennedy, who served in the Senate for nearly half a century, will be laid to rest near his slain brothers, former President John F. Kennedy and former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, on the famous hillside that serves as the burial site of others from the storied clan, including former first lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.

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At the site of the eternal flame rest four Kennedy family members: the former president and his wife; their baby son, Patrick, who died after two days; and a stillborn child. Robert Kennedy's grave is a short distance away, and near it is the most likely site for Edward Kennedy's burial.

Kennedy, the family statement said, "spent more days than most at Arlington visiting the graves of his beloved brothers and paying tribute to the fallen men and women of Massachusetts who gave their lives for our country."

A senior defense official said the Kennedy family some time ago approached the Army to explore the possibility of burying the senator at Arlington, the nation's most celebrated burial ground of fallen military and the resting place of astronauts, Supreme Court justices and other giants in American history.

Kennedy is eligible for burial at Arlington by virtue of his service in Congress and his two years in the Army, 1951 to 1953. He was a private first class and served in the military police at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, then located in Paris and now in Belgium.

The family met with Arlington officials again Wednesday to finalize the plans, a second defense official said.

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Associated Press writers Laurie Kellman and Pauline Jelinek in Washington and Philip Elliott in Oak Bluffs, Mass., contributed to this story.

Comments

[SeriouslySarah]

This may not be the place for this post, and if it isn't, it's okay with me if you delete it. I want to honor Ted Kennedy. I am just so angry, shocked, dismayed at some email rampage done days ago against this fine man, just shortly before his death, by the so-called righteous.

I had to cut, and copy and paste so I don't have any idea how badly I may have messed up my very long post. I am sorry and it is okay if you want to delete all or any of it.

[SeriouslySarah]

For me, I can't believe the Republican line, followers...it scares me to death that the middle class followers such as my father and stepmother don't get - if they aren't rich, the Repubs are not, have not been looking out for them and brought our country to ruin. Instead, they villify Ted Kennedy and don't see what he has done for the not rich (them.)

I have considered myself to be a Christian. It occurred to me today, I don't want to go to their Heaven. I can't imagine being anywhere for eternity with Republican­s/Christia­ns. That would be truly Hell for me. I also think I can't see them (my family in Tulsa) again.

It wasn't Ted and the last email. It was the last 8 yrs of them glorifying everything GWB did. It's knowing they are racists and hope Obama will fail (or much worse.) It's knowing they are completely closed and can't, no, won't look at anything (and there are thousands) of positive about EMK. Only some tragic accident decades ago. So much for Christian forgiveness.

I'm sorry to vent.
My condolences to the family. I feel honored to have lived in this time where I remember Jack, Bobby, and have seen what Teddy has done for Americans.

[Solja]

If you ever get the chance to visit Washington, DC, please make it a point to visit Arlington Cemetery. I was born and raised in DC, and oddly enough, Arlington Cemetery has always been my favorite historical place to visit. It is the most peaceful place you'll ever encounter, and it is drenched in history and also sadness. It brings real life smack dab in your face, and you realize how many thousands of people fought for your own personal freedom. I've always thought it should be named something different, like Freedom Fighters Cemetery, or something of that nature. It is an awe-inspiring place.

Once in Arlington Cemetery, you've got to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, along with the Kennedy graves. I know I've probably been there all of 20 times, and each time the place has brought me to tears. We used to ride our bikes there by way of the Rock Creek Park bike trails. The longest and most painful bike ride ever for a young kid coming from uptown DC. Just go there and you will see what I mean. The place will make you feel all American and such.

[napasonoma]

You are so right. I attended a funeral there a couple of years ago and I still get extremely emotional when I think about it.
From the beautiful and heart wrenching protocol of the military personnel who attend the burials to the incredible aura of this final resting place.
The Lee Mansion, Jack and Jackie's gravesite --- RFK -- the innumerable service men and women who gave their lives for a cause they believed in. The Vietnam Memorial -- it's one thing to talk about these places and an absolutely and totally different thing to experience them. I too hope that all Americans find the opportunity to visit this very moving and extremely important monument to who we are as Americans.

[spiritpony1]

agree for sure----

[crablover]

I agree. I lived and worked in DC for 25 years and I always made a point of visiting Arlington and watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb at least once a year. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of the sacrifices required to enjoy the blessings of liberty.

[SeriouslySarah]

I agree. It is the first place I visited before I moved to DC to be with my soon to be husband. He encouraged me to go. I cannot express the feelings I had. I cried. I was filled with pride. And peace. Arlington is simply a very beautiful and emotional experience. I'd like to attend on Sat. Do you think they let the public in?

[Solja]

I just signed this petition (below) to honor Ted Kennedy, which will be delivered to senators on Monday:

"Ted Kennedy was a courageous champion for health care reform his entire life. In his honor, name the reform bill that passed Kennedy's health committee 'The Kennedy Bill' -- then pass it, and nothing less, through the Senate."

Kennedy's bill includes a public health insurance option, and it would be an honor to Kennedy's memory if it passed the Senate. Will you sign the petition? You can sign here.

Thanks! Here's the petition (pass it on!)
http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5649/t/4922/content.jsp?content_KEY=2763&tag=hk2_auto1

[CTtransplant]

My deepest condolences to the Kennedy family. We sure do feel your loss!

We did indeed lose a great man in Kennedy yesterday - and one of our greatest champions of health care reform. It has become even more important than ever that we get this done! And rightfully call it the TeddyPlan in honor of the man who made this his life's work! He carried the torch for a long time...and now it is up to us to continue to carry it for him!

We cannot let the scare tactics dissuade us from reaching our goal!

While many of us are struggling to afford medical insurance/medical bills.

While Congress people try to stop healthcare reform.

While Congress people accept large contributions from lobbyists to prevent health care reform.

Our elected officials in Congress receive health care mostly paid for by us tax payers, yet many are trying to make it impossible for us to purchase an affordable plan of our own.

Please sign both petitions! Thank you!

http://www.petitiononline.com/PubOp676/petition.html

http://www.democrats.com/honor-ted-kennedy?cid=ZGVtczQ0MTA5OGRlbXM=

[talkingdog]

Very fitting of his life to be honored so.

Now can we now know who actually killed JFK?

[napasonoma]

Mafia. No brainer -- you don't double cross the mafia and live. It's just not they way they operate. Doesn't matter what else was going on in the politics of the 60's (CIA, Castro, etc.). You do not double cross the mafia -- and your brother doesn't double cross the mafia either. Mafia 101.

[SeriouslySarah]

I have always thought that. You don't. Double cross the Mafia. I think it's probably more a possiblity for Robert. For JFK, I wouldn't be surprised if it was inside government. But, Mafia, a good guess.

[thepathforward]

To the Kennedy family I extend my deepest condolences, and great respect for Ted, as a champion for the quality of life of millions of the less privileged and less fortunate in our land.

The first thing that came to mind when I heard of Ted’s passing were the words of Job, from the book of Job.

“ For when the ear heard, it called me blessed,
And when the eye saw, it gave witness of me,
Because I delivered the poor who cried for help,
And the orphan who had no helper.
The blessing of the one ready to perish came upon me,
And I made the widow's heart sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
My justice was like a robe and a turban.
I was eyes to the blind
And feet to the lame.
I was a father to the needy,
And I investigated the case which I did not know.
I broke the jaws of the wicked
And snatched the prey from his teeth”.

Ted surely experienced many of the same personal challenges and heartaches in life as Job, and IMO also shared the good heart of Job in tangible care and concern for others, particularly the less fortunate. As Jobs, Ted’s was a life well lived, and an example of service toward others, for others to follow.

[mj4justice]

Congress - please honor his memory by passing universal health care. The U.S. has lost a great advocate for the poor and oppressed.

[FreezePop]

What a fine, good man. He lived a life to be proud of, and we are all the better for it. Rest in peace, Teddy. Memories of you will never die.

[wadenelson1]

As suggested by StarDagger, erecting a Kennedy memorial in D.C. on the National Lawn would now be appropriate, honoring Teddy, Joe, Bobby, and John F. Kennedy.

This family has provided this nation with selfless politicians who have consistently put the interests of the American people BEFORE their own self-interests, time after time.

Were they perfect? No. Was it Camelot? No. Did they have character flaws? You betcha. But that never stopped these men from serving, STANDING TALL both in the military, AND in American politics.

Chickenhawks they were not.

From Civil Rights to putting a Man on the Moon, the Peace Corp, to Healthcare, and the environment, the Kennedy's were right there.

I am proud of them, and I deeply respect the sacrifices this family made to help better our nation.

Who will join StarDagger and myself in calling for a Kennedy Memorial.

[sarimn00]

I would love to see a memorial for the Kennedy brothers. They have helped millions, even the ones that curse their name every time they open their mouths. The family has given so much, gone through so much grief, so that our country could know these men. Count me in.

[spiritpony1]

ahem-----JOE (the father) was NO peach-------

[crablover]

Ahem - neither was W's grand dad (Prescott Bush).

[Blakely]

None of us is perfect. We are all in a state of becoming. Ted Kennedy become a devoted senator. He learned the role of service to his fellow man better than many. At the top of that service was his passion for universal healthcare. Too bad it wasn't passed before his death.

[njgal4obama]

My husband is a union man, and I own an Irish shop. Hanging on the wall behind the cash register is a big framed photo of Ted Kennedy with his "big beefy" arm around my husband and sons, taken a few years back at union rally.

He was such an icon in the Irish-American community, and over the past year, I've had so many people see the picture and share their stories of how Ted Kennedy touched their lives, either by fighting for their rights in the senate, or through personal experiences of having met him. I almost came to feel like I actually knew him through the people who he touched, and I'm profoundly saddened by his passing.

Rest in peace, Senator Kennedy.

[SouthernYankeeBelle]

Nice story. I remember when his brother the president came to Italy. My Italian Nonna loved him. She even had a picture of him. She never came to america. She love her american grandkids and told us how proud she was to see the first catholic president. LOL. He was so loved in Italy back then. I remember when his motoracde came through the streets of Naples and the place was crowded on both sides of the street people waving and screaming his name. My dad yelled out. I guess it caught his attention and he turned and waved at my dad. What a day. I was only 13 yrs old. Now am 61 and can still remember.

[hoodrat]

I truly believe he will be in good company - rest in peace sir, your brothers (blood kin and others) await you.

[musicisourhigh]

Praying for his family.

[Jackie228]

Senator Ted Kennedy was a flawed man and had lots to atone for. More probably than we'll ever know. I'm sure his first wife has dozens of horror stories. But the good news is that he really tried to make up for how he lived the first 40-50 years of his life and to do some good in this world. There is no excuse for his bad behavior, but one explanation is the unspeakable tragedy that surrounded his life and all of his family. Ted Kennedy was far from perfect, but he did more to help people less fortunate than himself than most of us ever will. I respect his accomplishments and how in his later years - he did everything he could to hold his family together.

[FightingTheRight]

I've always wondered how much having your 3 eldest brothers killed, 2 publicly, might have account for his drinking, and the problems that led to.

[GunneraGirl]

photo

I posted this elsewhere, but back 1972 I was helping my sister, who was running the local McGovern campaign, on the day Ted Kennedy made a whistle stop at a Bay Area shopping mall. Huge crowd. Huge. At one point, throngs of people surged forward in a mass effort to shake Kennedy's hand, breaking past the rope barrier, hundreds of hands outstretched. I was maybe 7 feet from Kennedy and the depth of abject terror that passed across his face was unlike anything I've ever seen. In a flash, it passed and he then moved with great gusto toward the crowd, getting hugs, & shaking hands.

We call him 'Lion' & we applaud his courage & commitment to speak truth to power, to struggle in govt. bureaucracy. But I don't think most of us realise what I glimpsed that day : the utter courage - not as a one-time decision, but day in and day out, moment by moment - it took to be him. To be Ted Kennedy leading a very public life, all the while being accompanied by horrific memories and profound sorrow. And to still love Americans and America. To still care about people.

So when I hear some of the people here on the website make derogatory comments about Ted Kennedy and his lack of heroism or character or this or that, I just have to scoff and wonder how such ugly people would fare under like circumstances.

[sarimn00]

Well, I don't know about him, but I can guarantee it would mess me up something fierce. I couldn't imagine.