Remembering a Leader
The nation is remembering the life of one of its best-known and most widely respected political leaders.
U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, known as Ted, died on Wednesday after battling cancer. He was 77. A Democrat, he served as a U.S. Senator of Massachusetts for 46 years. His many years of service in helping to make laws earned him respect in Congress and America.
"Our country has lost a great leader," President Barack Obama told reporters on Wednesday.
Political Family
Senator Kennedy was from a family that has been very important in American politics. His brother John F. Kennedy was President of the United States from 1961 to 1963. President Kennedy was assassinated, or murdered, in 1963.
Another Kennedy brother, Robert F. Kennedy, ran for President in 1968. He was assassinated that year. Senator Ted Kennedy was very sad about losing his brothers. But he continued to work hard as a lawmaker to help improve the lives of Americans.
Important Work
Kennedy helped pass laws meant to improve health care and education. He also worked to advance the cause of equal rights for all people.
Scholastic Kid Reporter Alexandra Conway got a chance to talk with Senator Kennedy at a political event in 2004. Alexandra asked the Senator how he would like to be remembered.
"I want to be remembered as someone who helped children, someone who cares for children," Kennedy said. "Children need good schools to go to, a place to live, good food to eat. The most important thing for children is to have a good education."
Get the latest on national and international events, movies, television, music, sports, and more from Scholastic News Online.
Scholastic News Editor Steph Smith contributed to this report.
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