Remembering Ted Kennedy

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Senator Edward M. Kennedy lived from February 22, 1932 to August 25, 2009. You might know him better by his nickname, “Ted” Kennedy. He was a U.S. senator, representing the state of Massachusetts for forty-six years. This makes him the third longest-serving senator in American history.

During his time in Congress, Kennedy fought for a wide variety of social issues, including voters’ rights, fair housing, and especially health care reform. He even became known as the “Lion of the Senate” for his strong presence and determination in politics.

He supported the No Child Left Behind Act, which is aimed at improving public education, and helped it get passed (put into action) by Congress. In Northern Ireland he is often remembered as a peacemaker for his work helping Protestants and Catholics there find a way to share power.

Kennedy died of brain cancer in 2009. In speaking of his death, President Barack Obama said, “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.”

The Kennedy Family

The Kennedy name stands out in the history of American politics. Though the U.S. does not have any kings or queens, many people have thought of the Kennedys as our version of a royal family. Ted was the youngest son of Joseph P. Kennedy (1888 – 1969), a businessman and politician, and Rose Fitzgerald (1890 – 1995), the daughter of the Mayor of Boston.

Their oldest son, Joseph Kennedy Jr. (1915 – 1944) might have become a major political figure but unfortunately died during World War II.

Younger brother, John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917 – 1963) became the 35^th President of the United States.

Rose Marie Kennedy (1918 – 2005) was the oldest daughter. She had a form of mental retardation and after a brain operation, was unable to take care of herself. Her younger sister, Eunice (1921 – 2009) started the Special Olympics in her honor.

Their brother, Robert F. Kennedy (1925 – 1968) was a U.S. Attorney General and a senator from New York.

Joseph Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald also had three other children: Kathleen (1920 – 1948), Patricia (1924 – 2006) and Jean (born in 1928), who after her brother Ted’s death, is the last surviving member of her generation of the Kennedy Family. From 1993 to 1998, Jean served as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland.