Edward M. Kennedy

August 28, 2009 | USA

Reported that Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the liberal lion of the Senate, where he served alongside 10 presidents — his brother John Fitzgerald Kennedy among them — has died at his home in Hyannis Port after battling a brain tumor. He was 77. His family announced his death in a brief statement released early Wednesday.

Summoning the optimism, idealism and dedication to public service that his family has long stood for, he reminded his audience that, when his brother John called of going to the moon, he didn’t say it was too far to get there. “This is what we do,” Ted roared. “We reach the moon. We scale the heights. I know it. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. And we can do it again.”

He concluded with an echo of his signature phrase, first uttered 28 years earlier at another Democratic convention: “The work begins anew. The hope rises again. And the dream lives on.”

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center 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,” the statement said. “We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all.”