BOSTON, MARCH 29, 2015 – Today, there is a wonderful dedication of an institute to honor Senator Kennedy taking place. “The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate (EMK Institute) will open with a formal dedication at Columbia Point in Boston. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend. Secretary of State John Kerry, Senator John McCain, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, current and former Members of Congress, other government officials, members of the Kennedy family, and friends and colleagues of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, also will gather to mark the occasion.” (Edward M. Kennedy Institute Press Release)
I always find dedications to be history making in the process. The words of the speakers today are so well chosen and all of them express the best about the late Senator. You can tell by the line-up of speakers just how important this dedication is to America. You can also tell how personal it is, as every speaker calls out the Kennedy family members in attendance by name.
You can also tell and really sense, the connection not just of the Kennedys, but the really special connection that Ted Kennedy had with all of those around him. The current mayor of Boston, the current Governor and many others all told such engaging personal stories of the interaction with the Senator. And all of them emphasized Senator Kennedy’s leadership, partnership and follow-through and most importantly, how much the lion of the senate stood by them, stood with the common person, and stood for all of America. I want to share my thanks to him for all of his work on education. From Head Start, No Child Left Behind, and financing tuition at colleges to name just three huge contributions, he has truly influenced and changed so many of our lives. He served with pride and compassion. God Bless the good Senator and his institute.
The EMK Institute opens to the public on Tuesday, March 31, 2015.
The mission: “The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities. The Institute will be a dynamic center of learning and engagement that uses innovative technology to provide each visitor with an information-rich, personalized experience that will bring important historical and current debates to life. To learn more about the EMK Institute, please visit EMKInstitute.org.”
