TRIBUTES

Rep. Bill Delahunt

Massachusetts

I join with all Americans who are deeply saddened by the news of our senator and my dear friend, Ted Kennedy.

It was an honor to have served with him, representing Massachusetts in Congress. His passing is a great loss for me, his family, our state and our country.

I will always remember him for his warm and loyal friendship, for his political courage and his devotion to his family. He loved the Senate, and he loved serving the people of Massachusetts.

Throughout his career, he was sustained by the memories of his brothers. He shared their belief in the greatness and the promise of America and he carried their torch for more than a generation.

He was the greatest and hardest working senator of our time and was a beacon of hope to those less fortunate, making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. He was a passionate fighter for justice, health care, a minimum wage and a decent quality of life for all. His fingerprints can be found on virtually every major domestic initiative enacted into law during his tenure in Congress.

On the Cape he will be remembered as our neighbor, and for his love of the sea. He knew the waters of the Cape and Islands like the back of his hand and he was a regular fixture on Nantucket Sound.

He once said that the future does not belong to those who are content with today, or to those who are apathetic toward their fellow man. The future belongs to those who -- in times of uncertainty -- rise to the challenge and respond with creativity and vigor.

Ted Kennedy rose to the challenges of our time.

Today, our hearts are heavy, but they are full of gratitude for all that Ted Kennedy has given us.

His legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched and inspired to serve, who today now carry that torch.