JK email encouraging public celebration of Teddy's life

[Luftmensch067]

Hello Luftmensch,

These are difficult days feeling the loss of Ted Kennedy, an unbelievable force in our lives and our politics -- the best Senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague, and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times. We all marvel at the way he faced the last challenge of his life with the same grace, courage, and determination with which he fought for the causes and principles he held so dear.

But we also remember Teddy for his love of life - and the way he always kept faith with his friends and even with people from Massachusetts he'd never met but whose lives he changed for the better.

And we have a chance to do that for Ted Kennedy today.

Today, throughout Boston, people will gather to pay tribute to the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Ted Kennedy. A motorcade bringing Ted from home on the Cape to Boston this afternoon will wind its way through the city. It would be a terrific tribute to all Ted has done for all of us to come out, line the route of the motorcade, and share how much Ted has meant to us, to our politics, to our nation.

All of the details can be found by visiting this page:

http://www.tedkennedy.org/pages/arrangements

I'll put the schedule below, and there's a map of the route on that page.

Thank you, and I hope you join me in Boston over these next days to celebrate a man who gave so much, taught so much, and forever will mean so much to all who loved him.


Sincerely,
John Kerry

PS: And here's the schedule:

Senator Kennedy will travel Route 3 North to Route 93 North into Boston. (Approximately 3:00 PM)

Senator Kennedy will exit at Government Center, and travel down Hanover Street into the North End, past St. Stephen's Church, where his mother Rose was baptized and her funeral mass celebrated.

Continuing down Hanover and crossing over the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, the park Senator Kennedy joined community leaders in creating that gives mothers and their children green space in the heart of the city. The park sits on the same land young Rose Fitzgerald enjoyed as a child.

Senator Kennedy will pass Faneuil Hall where Mayor Menino will ring the bell 47 times.

Continuing to Bowdoin Street, Senator Kennedy will pass 122 Bowdoin, where he opened his first office as an Assistant District Attorney and President Kennedy lived while running for Congress in 1946.

He'll pass the JFK Federal Building where his Boston office has stood for decades, and and then travel to Dorchester Street into South Boston and to the JFK Presidential Library.

People who wish to honor Senator Kennedy are urged to line the motorcade route at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, City Hall Plaza and the Boston Common, in front of the Statehouse on Park Street

Approx. 4 p.m. - The motorcade will arrive at the JFK Library.

The arrival is open to the press and to the public.

Senator Kennedy spent decades building the Library built for his beloved brother, President John Kennedy, into a national treasure as a place of debate on the issues important to the American people, and source of inspiration for future generations of public servants.

6 p.m.-11 p.m. - The Senator will lie in repose at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

The Senator will be joined throughout the day and night by a civilian honor guard of family, friends, and current and former staff.

He will also be joined by a military honor guard.

This is event is open to the public.

[wisteria]

1. I wish I could be there to out of honor and respect for Senator Kennedy.

It was very good of Senator Kerry to provide the public with this information.

[Luftmensch067]

2. I agree!

I love that the Senator and his office are reaching out to a grieving Commonwealth in this way. I wish you could be here, too, in fact I wish everyone in this group could be. I'm trying to decide whether an errand I have to do downtown today will take me anywhere near the route, but it may not be possible.

[TayTay]

3. I can't go to this today either

One car, one person who has to go to work from 12-4 pm and 38 miles separate me from this event. But, I can follow it on TV.

Sigh! Sometimes life gets in the way of even the best of intentions.

[Blaukraut]

4. We can't go for the motorcade, but will go to the library tonight

I called Tony and told him we owe Teddy that much, so we're going to say goodbye to him later this evening.

[Luftmensch067]

6. I'm so glad you're going to be there for all of us! n/t

[Inuca]

5. Those of you who can

please say goodbye and Godspeed for all of us. There are times when symbolism matters.

[ObamaKerryDem]

8. Absolutely. We'll all be there in spirit!

This is a beautiful idea for a tribute to Sen. Kennedy and very thoughtful of Sen. Kerry to reach out to his constituents and others by sharing the news of it.

[Luftmensch067]

7. Updated info from Mass Dem Party

Yesterday was a very sad day for all of us. Senator Kennedy's passing makes us all pause to remember fondly times
when he or his work impacted us personally. Over the course of the last 24 hours, the State Party's office has
been inundated with calls requesting information and people looking for ways to express their love for Senator
Kennedy. As a Democratic leader, I am sure you are also receiving these kinds of requests so I wanted to be sure
you have all the information you need and to alert you to opportunities to remember Senator Kennedy.

Arrangements

For all updated information regarding arrangements and to celebrate the life and work of Senator Edward M. Kennedy
please visit www.tedkennedy.org. Motorcade information is below.

The public is invited to participate in services in honor of Senator Kennedy. The Massachusetts Democratic Party
would like to ask you to join us today along the motorcade route as we pay tribute to Senator Kennedy.

The motorcade will depart the Cape at 1:00 PM and travel north to Boston on Route 93. They will exit at Government
Center, and travel down Hanover St. into the North End, past St. Stephen’s Church, where his mother Rose was
baptized and her funeral Mass celebrated.

Continuing down Hanover St. and crossing over the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, the park Senator Kennedy
joined community leaders in creating that gives mothers and their children green space in the heart of the city.
The park sits on the same land young Rose Fitzgerald enjoyed as a child. Senator Kennedy will pass Faneuil Hall
where Mayor Menino will ring the bell 47 times.

Continuing to Bowdoin Street, Senator Kennedy will pass 122 Bowdoin, where he opened his first office as an
Assistant District Attorney and President Kennedy lived while running for Congress in 1946.

He’ll pass the JFK Federal Building where his Boston office has stood for decades, and then travel to Dorchester
Street into South Boston and to the JFK Presidential Library.

People who wish to honor Senator Kennedy are urged to line the motorcade route at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
Greenway, City Hall Plaza and the Boston Common, in front of the State House on Park Street.

Books of Condolence

At least three options exist for people to send their best wishes to the Senator's family:

The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum - In remembrance of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the library will have
condolence books available until Friday September 4th for the public to sign during normal Museum operating hours,
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Massachusetts State House - In remembrance of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Secretary of State William Galvin has
placed a condolence book at the State House in the Hall of Flags for the public to sign during normal business
hours through Friday August 28th.

Democratic Leaders - If getting to Boston is not easy for you, the Massachusetts Democratic Party is collecting
the thoughts, memories and condolences of citizens from around the country and we will deliver them to the Kennedy
family. You can do so online by ] . We are also encouraging people to
go out into their communities and ask others to participate by signing a condolence page. The condolence page,
which you can print, is attached to this email. All signed pages returned to the Massachusetts Democratic Party
offices by Friday September 4th will be bound and delivered to the Kennedy family. The address of the MDP office
is 56 Roland St. Suite 203 Boston, MA 02129.

Thank you,
John Walsh

[Luftmensch067]

9. I went downtown on an errand which took me right to Beacon Street

And when I was done, Park Street was on my way back to the T and the procession was rumored to be coming by any minute, so I took my place in the orderly group of people lining Park Street going up to the Statehouse. Up near the Statehouse itself, it was probably a little crazier and more crowded, but down where we were, it was very civilized and calm. Lots of people had tiny American flags and when I admired the ones my neighbors had, they said folks from Teddy's office had been by with a box full to hand out to people. They asked if they could pay for them, but of course the answer was no. It was exciting! The sky was so blue and the sun so bright that no one could see through the glare to make out what they were taking pictures of (which was mainly everyone else standing there, with their flags!) We were all full of anticipation and asking each other if anyone had heard anything about when they would arrive. First we saw several motorcycle cops zooming loudly by and then a Boston Police car. Then the first black car turned up the street and began to drive slowly by us.

I looked into one of the cars and it was full of kids. I looked right at the face of a tearstained, brokenhearted little girl and then, as the car passed us, she and all the other sad children looked right out the window at us, clapping and waving to them, and waved back and said "thank you" to us for being there. Right after that car, a big tour bus turned up the street, also full of kids and other family members, weeping and waving. It wasn't exciting or festive anymore. It was suddenly crystal clear in a visceral way it hadn't been before for me that this family had lost a beloved part of their lives. And I couldn't stop crying. I'm so glad I was there to be one of the people waving, and I'm so glad so many people are lining up at the Library tonight and leaving messages in all the condolence books and writing their memories and comforting wishes online. From what I saw, every one of them will be appreciated and every gesture of comfort will be needed.

[TayTay]

10. Oh bless your heart woman

Just when I think I have run out of tears.....

Bless you for doing that.

[ladym55]

11. Thanks for being there for all of us

I can only imagine how much it means to the Kennedy family to see all that love and all that support when they are hurting.

We're all hurting, but they have lost a member of their family, a much beloved member.

I really appreciate all you are posting here to keep us outside of Massachusetts up-to-date. I got a brief filmed glimpse of the visitation hours at the JFK Library. The outpouring from young and old and all walks of life should send everyone in the country the message of just how much Ted Kennedy meant to the people he represented for so many years.

[Luftmensch067]

12. Watching the solemn paying of respects at the Library on CSPAN now

Jesse Jackson is moving through the line now. A friend of mine got there by subway and shuttle bus around 8:30 and she figured she'd be lucky to get inside by 11 (I hope it won't take her that long!) She said when she got there, the line went all the way down to the harbor, winding around and around. Blaukraut, please let us know how it was for you to be there?

[TayTay]

13. Me too

and I need a hug. Sigh!

[Luftmensch067]

17. I saw your other post after I wrote this

What wonderful memories! Loved the dancing!!! It was indeed an awesome and amazing sight, all those Americans paying quiet tribute to one of our greatest heroes.

[wisteria]

14. Thank you for this moving account of the procession. n/t

[Blaukraut]

15. We just got home

Tony and I got to the Expo Center at around 6.30 and parked the car to walk down to the library. The line was huge, snaking through the parking lot numerous times before finally going along the water and doubling back to the entrance. We were in line for about 3 hours before we made it in.
It was very somber and quiet inside. Teddy Jr and family shook hands and thanked everyone. It was very sad to see the flag draped casket surrounded by honorguard, knowing that the man inside will never be on the senate floor doing us proud again, and will never get to sail on his Mya again.
I signed the condolence book on behalf of the kerrycrats:

'Good Bye and Godspeed, Teddy, and heartfelt condolences to the Kennedy Family from all of us in the John Kerry Group at Democraticunderground.com'

I hope that's ok with you guys :grouphug:

[Luftmensch067]

16. Oh, bless you!!!

What a totally thoughtful and cool thing to do!

And now that I know when you were there, maybe we can find you guys on CSPAN :-)

[Inuca]

18. Thank you n/t

[karynnj]

19. Thank you so much for including all of us

It really is hard to believe that such an immense presence can really be gone. It is great though that over the last year people have used the time to honor and celebrate his achievements.

[MBS]

21. oh, thanks so much for doing this

I couldn't go, but have been thinking of Teddy and family constantly. . .
So thoughtful of you-- makes me feel that I was there.

[Luftmensch067]

20. CSPAN 2 showing people paying respects live from 8-3 EST today

Watching family members greeting those passing by with unfailing graciousness, attention and respect for every person, even this early in the morning, after the past few days they've been through, I'm again impressed by this clan's loyalty and sense of responsibility and duty. Teddy would be proud.

Also that Twitter account is really cool!

[Luftmensch067]

22. I think JK may be on Larry King Live tonight?

Farewell to Ted Kennedy

Sen. John Kerry, Sen. John McCain and others remember their friend and colleague the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. The life and legacy of an American legend!


Tonight, 9 ET!


Email Your questions!
iReport.com: Send your video questions!

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/larry.king.live/

[TayTay]

23. Sen. Kerry is speaking at the Memorial tonight too

From the official site at tedkennedy.org

7 p.m.-9 p.m. A private memorial will be held for Senator Kennedy at the JFK Library and Museum with Senator Kennedy’s family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will honor Senator Kennedy and his love of family and friends, his passion for life and his commitment to public service. The memorial is a way for the people closest to Senator Kennedy to celebrate his life—with his love of music, laughter and stories with friends and family he adored. Many members of Senator Kennedy’s family and close friends will participate in the program, as will representatives of his Senate and Massachusetts families. The celebration is closed to the public and press corps size will be limited due to space constraints.

The speaking program includes:

- Paul G. Kirk, Jr.
- Father Gerry Creedon, S.J., Opening Prayer
- “God Bless America,” Boston Community Chorus
- Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy II
- Senator Christopher J. Dodd
- Nick Littlefield
- Governor Deval L. Patrick
- Senator John McCain
- Video Tribute
Directed by Ken Burns and Mark Herzog
- Senator John F. Kerry
- Senator Orrin G. Hatch
- “The Impossible Dream” sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell, soloist
- Mayor Thomas M. Menino
- Senator John C. Culver
- “Just A Closer Walk with Thee,” sung by Boston Community Chorus
- Vice President Joseph R. Biden
- Caroline Kennedy

Press coverage:

Network: NBC as POOL
Photos: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg, AFP, Boston Globe, Boston Herald
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Print: Boston Globe, Boston Herald
NOTE: additional reporters and photographer requests to cover the Celebration will be accommodated according to space capacity.


Oh dear -- - “The Impossible Dream” sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell, soloist
That is one of my favorite songs. How wonderfully appropriate for Teddy.