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Arlington National Cemetery Prepares for Kennedy's Burial
posted 08/28/09
5:11 pm
"I deeply appreciated his accomplishments and out of respect for him and his family I wanted to be here today," said Andrew Vaughn, mourner.
The library doors closed at 3 p.m. A private memorial for family and invited friends will be held at the library starting at 7 p.m.
Vice President Joe Biden as well as Sens. John McCain (web | news | bio) , Orrin Hatch and Christopher Dodd are expected to speak.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Boston on Saturday. President Barack Obama (web | news | bio) is expected to deliver the eulogy.
Kennedy will be buried near his assassinated brothers - former President Kennedy and former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy - at Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia. The burial fulfills Ted Kennedy's final wishes he made with his wife. Those that knew him said the senator spent a lot of time at Arlington National Cemetery, visiting fallen soldiers and his two brothers.
"Senator Kennedy was here all the time," said John Metzler, Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery. "He came on the anniversaries of the deaths, he would come on the anniversaries of the births. He'd spend half hour or 45 minutes just talking to people and visiting with his brothers"
"It's an interesting family," said Kathy Sevy, a Kansas City, Mo., resident. "They've been a big part of American history and it's fitting they're here -- the three brothers."
Groundskeepers at the cemetery are working to make the site neat for the 200 people expected to attend on Saturday. The burial will receive honors with a bugler playing taps, a rifle firing a salute and pallbearers representing each branch of the military. Before Senator Kennedy is laid to rest, his flag draped coffin will be taken to the U.S. Capitol Building so that his staff members can pay their final respects.
About 20,000 people did so on Thursday at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. Some said they were there because Kennedy made time for them at some point during his 47 years in office.
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Latest Comments on "Arlington National Cemetery Prepares for Kennedy's Burial"
posted by: USArmy on 11:27 pm on 08/28/09
I wonder if they drove the casket pass Mary Jo's grave so she could see her killer. I guess this "devout Catholic" will finally face the justice that man wouldn't hold him to. RIP Mary Jo!!
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