TRIBUTES

Senator Patty Murray

Washington

August 26, 2009

When I was young Ted Kennedy was larger than life. I could not believe it when I first walked out on the floor of the Senate and he walked over to welcome me. From that day on, he became a valued friend, a courageous partner, and a personal mentor.

From my earliest memories in the Senate when I watched him patiently and passionately argue to pass the Family and Medical Leave Act, to his last moments when he led the charge to pass legislation that guaranteed equal pay for women and encouraged Americans to serve and give back to their country as he did, Ted never once stopped fighting for those who couldn't fight for themselves. The country is indeed a better place because of him.

His loss is very personal to me. I will miss him. Our country will miss him.

My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Americans, are with his family at this difficult time.