I was completely taken in with the coverage of Senator Ted Kennedy’s memorial service.  I thought it was done with complete class and taste.  President Obama as well as the other speakers did a remarkable job in capturing the essence of the impact Sen Kennedy had on the lives of so many people.

I was even more transfixed with the scene in my hometown, Washington, DC.   I watched for hours on CNN as the thousands of people congregated on the steps and nearby grounds of the beautiful US Capitol.  (The Capitol is a magnificent building and a must-see for guests and tourists. The thought of the terrorists potentially targeting the US Capitol on 9/11 still galls me to no end.)

The reception that the friends, former Kennedy staff members and citizens gave the Kennedy family as the motorcade embarked on the grounds of the US Capitol is something I won’t forget for a long time.  I’m not ashamed to admit that the tears flowed as I watched that remarkable scene – Mrs Kennedy embracing staff members and co-workers, the recognition from the chaplain, the wonderful rendition of “America, the Beautiful,” Patrick Kennedy’s warm and thoughtful remarks, etc.

On a personal note, this was very emotional to me to see the scenes of Sen Kennedy being laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery are very poignant to me since, as I’ve blogged about a few times, the three heroes in my life are buried there at ANC – my father, my Uncle Art and General Guthrie.

Also, as I blog about often, helping people from lower-income or less advantaged families, is something deeply important to me.   It’s remarkable to see the great efforts made by people such as Sen Kennedy and his sister, Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, to champion causes and to do so much to help others.  It’s sad to see the passing of these two great Americans, but I know their efforts will not be forgotten.  One way we can continue to honor them is for us to continue to volunteer and mentor and to help others so we can create a more level playing field.  Peace.