Joe Biden‚ Barack Obama and Bill Clinton gathered in Washington DC to honor Ethel Kennedy who passed away last week. The memorial service held at the Cathedral of St Matthew the Apostle (the same place where John F Kennedys funeral took place about six decades ago) brought together political figures and family members to celebrate the life of the Kennedy matriarch
Biden shared a personal story about how the Kennedy family helped him through a difficult time in his life. He recalled that after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident roughly 50 years ago Ethel and Ted Kennedy supported him when he didnt want to continue in Congress. Biden stated‚ “Like she did for the country Ethel helped my family find a way forward with principle and purpose“
Obama highlighted Ethel Kennedys resilience in the face of tragedy. He noted that despite experiencing more heartbreak than most could bear she remained committed to public life and advocacy. Obama remarked “Well into her 80s she was still out there marching for something“
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend‚ Ethels daughter shared lighthearted memories of her mother. She described her as fierce and fun-loving saying “Stop signs were always mere suggestions“ Kathleen also recalled how her mother took her to Senate hearings where her father was investigating organized crime: demonstrating Ethels commitment to involving her children in their fathers work
Clinton remembered Ethel as an “amazing fireball of continuous energy“ He shared an amusing anecdote about her offering to instruct him on being a Senate spouse from New York after Hillary Clinton was elected to the same seat Robert Kennedy once held
The service also included musical performances by Kenny Chesney‚ Sting‚ and Stevie Wonder – highlighting Ethels wide-ranging impact and connections
Martin Luther King III drew parallels between Ethel and his own mother emphasizing the crucial role of strong partners in supporting great leaders. He stated‚ “One thing I learned from my mother is that beside every great leader stands a stalwart and very strong partner who refuses to be intimidated or distracted by the many side-dramas that come with notoriety“
Throughout her life Ethel Kennedy championed various causes including gun control human rights and environmental protection. She founded the Robert F Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights shortly after her husbands assassination continuing his legacy of social activism