TRIBUTES

Gregory Maguire

The Senator and his brothers were largely the reason I entered into more than 17 years of government service for the states of Vermont and New Jersey.  Not only was it the call to public service that inspired me, it was the call to service the public well - to go that extra mile and not give up when things became difficult.  When the DoD Program of which I was a Director won a national award last year, it was largely due to that ethos to go the extra mile.  So, I dedicate that award to the memory of Senator Kennedy.

The Senator was the first person for whom I ever voted, by the chance that I had just turned 18 right before the New Jersey Presidential primary of 1980 and the fact that his delegates were on the top of the ticket on election day.  I not only voted for him, I worked on his campaign and rejoiced in the victory of a New Jersey win for the Senator.  I am very happy that my very first vote was cast for the Senator.

I did have the pleasure of later meeting the Senator.  I was a college program intern for Congressman James Howard (D-NJ) in 1983 and I ran into the Senator in the hallway.  I had just heard a speach he made on religion and government.  I went up to the Senator shook his hand and congratulated him on the speech.  I was but a faceless person in D.C., but he turned to me, graciously thanked me and gave me that Irish smile.  I will always cherish that moment.

So, to the Kennedy family, I thank you for your brother, your father and your uncle.   I only hope that in my life that I continue to do justice to his inspiration.