TRIBUTES

Kristy Young

Former intern

It is with great sadness that I write to pay tribute to Senator Kennedy and to express my profound sympathies to Vicki, his children and all who were a part of his wonderful family.  I had the privilege of working for Senator Kennedy as an intern in his Judiciary Committee office during the summer of 2000.  I was a wide-eyed college student with dreams of making a difference in people's lives through public service.  Working with Senator Kennedy only reaffirmed this commitment -- having an opportunity to assist briefing him on the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, I realized the important role that each one of us has to promote justice and equality and to empathize with those who are pushed to the margins of our society.  And I distinctly remember the caring nature with which he greeted Mr. and Mrs. Shepard. He always carried himself with such tremendous force and gravitas, but when he met with them you could see what a kind, generous and loving soul he had within.

For those who had the opportunity to work for him, and for those countless others who were inspired by Senator Kennedy's commitment to the betterment of our society, I hope we honor his legacy by working together towards a better tomorrow.  Although no one will ever fill the void his absence will leave, may we all push forward "to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield" on all those issues he fought for in his long and distinguished career.