Biden, Obama, Clinton Honor Ethel Kennedy at Memorial Service \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ In a deeply emotional memorial service, President Joe Biden, along with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, paid tribute to Ethel Kennedy, widow of the late Robert F. Kennedy. Speaking in Washington, the leaders highlighted her resilience, commitment to justice, and the personal support she offered them through difficult times. With performances by music legends and heartfelt messages from her children and friends, the service celebrated the remarkable life and legacy of Ethel Kennedy, who passed away at 96.
Ethel Kennedy Memorial Service Quick Looks
- Biden’s Emotional Eulogy: President Biden delivered a moving tribute, sharing how Ethel Kennedy’s support helped him through the darkest period of his life. He honored her as “a hero in her own right” whose empathy and strength guided not only her family but also the nation.
- Obama and Clinton Reflect on Strength and Advocacy: Obama and Clinton shared heartfelt memories, praising Kennedy’s unwavering dedication to social justice. They noted her ability to endure unimaginable losses while continuing to champion causes like civil rights and environmental protection.
- Family and Friends Share Touching Memories: The service was filled with stories from Ethel Kennedy’s children and grandchildren, as well as musical tributes from Kenny Chesney, Sting, and Stevie Wonder. Attendees shared how her humor, fierce spirit, and steadfast advocacy impacted their lives.
Deep Look
Remembering Ethel Kennedy: Presidents Biden, Obama, and Clinton Lead Emotional Memorial Service
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was honored in a heartfelt memorial service in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The event, attended by family, friends, and numerous public figures, was marked by tributes from President Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who celebrated her life of resilience, compassion, and tireless advocacy for justice. The service reflected on her remarkable legacy, highlighting her role as a pillar of strength for both the Kennedy family and the wider world.
Biden’s Personal Connection: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Lifelong Friend
President Biden’s eulogy was deeply personal, offering a glimpse into his close relationship with Ethel Kennedy. He shared how she was a source of strength for him after the tragic loss of his wife, Neilia, and daughter, Naomi, in a car accident in 1972. Biden, who was newly elected to the Senate at the time, spoke candidly about how he had contemplated stepping away from politics, overwhelmed by grief. It was Ethel, along with her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy, who helped him find a way forward.
“Along with Teddy, she got me through a time I didn’t want to stick around,” Biden said, his voice filled with emotion. “Like she did for the country, Ethel helped my family find a way forward with principle and purpose.”
Biden painted a picture of Ethel as “a hero in her own right,” who exemplified character, integrity, and empathy. He recalled her as someone who faced adversity head-on and continued to work for justice, even when the personal cost was immense. “We’re a better nation and a better world because of Ethel Kennedy,” he said.
Obama Reflects on Resilience and Advocacy
Former President Obama spoke next, focusing on Ethel Kennedy’s unyielding resilience in the face of personal tragedy. He highlighted how her life was marked by devastating loss, yet she chose to transform her grief into action, becoming a staunch advocate for various causes. Despite losing her husband Robert in 1968, just five years after the assassination of her brother-in-law President John F. Kennedy, Ethel continued to push for civil rights, environmental protection, and juvenile justice reform.
“She would have been forgiven, I think, if at any point she had stepped away from public life or allowed bitterness to fester after all she and her family had been through,” Obama said. “But that is not what Ethel did because that is not who she was.”
Obama described her as “a big dose in a small package,” praising her ability to inspire and lead. He noted that even into her 80s, she was still marching for justice, proving her commitment to making the world a better place. “She was a force of nature, and her legacy will endure,” he said.
Clinton Brings Humor and Warm Memories
Former President Bill Clinton added a lighter touch to the service, sharing anecdotes that illustrated Ethel Kennedy’s sense of humor and indomitable spirit. He recounted how she called him after Hillary Clinton was elected to the Senate, offering her “expertise” on how to be a “Senate spouse from New York” free of charge. Clinton’s affectionate recollections drew laughter from the audience, showcasing a side of Ethel that was both approachable and warm.
“She was an amazing fireball of continuous energy. It was wonderful to be around her,” Clinton said. He praised her for her long life and enduring presence, noting that the world was better for having had her in it. “I’m grateful she lived to be 96. She did so much in her time, and we will miss her,” he added.
A Life Defined by Advocacy and Strength
Ethel Kennedy’s life was a tapestry woven with extraordinary highs and profound lows. She married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950, joining one of America’s most iconic political families. Together, they had 11 children, and she supported him as he became Attorney General and a Senator. After his assassination in 1968, Ethel became a single mother, raising their children and maintaining the Kennedy legacy of public service.
She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights shortly after her husband’s death, which has since been at the forefront of advocating for issues such as gun control, freedom of the press, and human rights. Her activism extended to numerous organizations, including the Coalition of Gun Control, Special Olympics, and the Earth Conservation Corps. She rarely spoke publicly about the trauma of her husband’s murder, instead channeling her energy into fighting for causes she believed in.
Family Tributes: Humor, Strength, and Legacy
The service was not just a solemn affair; it was also filled with warmth and laughter as family members shared their memories of Ethel. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the eldest daughter, remembered her mother as a fearless, fun-loving woman who sometimes disregarded rules. “Stop signs were always mere suggestions,” she quipped, drawing smiles from the crowd.
Kathleen also shared how, unlike other mothers who might take their children to the park, Ethel took her to the Senate Rackets Committee to see her father in action. “I think my first sentence was, ‘I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that it may tend to incriminate me,'” Kathleen joked, reflecting on the unique way her mother exposed her to the world of politics and justice from a young age.
Musical Tributes and Messages of Solidarity
The memorial service was interspersed with musical performances from Kenny Chesney, Sting, and Stevie Wonder, who honored Ethel Kennedy’s legacy through their songs. The performances brought an emotional resonance to the occasion, celebrating a life lived with purpose and passion.
Martin Luther King III also delivered a tribute, highlighting the connection between the Kennedy family and his own. He recalled meeting Ethel shortly after the assassination of his father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., just two months before Robert Kennedy was also killed. King III emphasized that it was no coincidence that both Robert Kennedy and his father had strong, resilient partners who stood by their sides through thick and thin.
“One thing I learned from my mother is that beside every great leader, stands a stalwart and very strong partner who refuses to be intimidated or distracted by the many side-dramas that come with notoriety,” King said.
Continuing Her Legacy Through Advocacy
Ethel Kennedy’s contributions extended far beyond her role as a political spouse. The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, which she founded, continues to lead the charge in advocating for social justice. The organization remains a key player in supporting a wide range of causes, from environmental issues to freedom of expression, awarding annual accolades to individuals who have made significant contributions to human rights.
Even in her later years, she remained an active participant in the Coalition of Gun Control and other advocacy groups, never wavering in her commitment to creating a safer and more equitable world. Her work, spirit, and legacy live on through the organizations she helped build and the people she inspired.
A Final Farewell to a Remarkable Woman
The memorial service, held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, was a fitting tribute to Ethel Kennedy’s life and legacy. The church, which had hosted President John F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1963, was once again a gathering place for the Kennedy family, as they came together to honor a woman who had become a symbol of strength, resilience, and compassion.
From President Biden’s heartfelt reflections to Obama’s acknowledgment of her indomitable spirit, and Clinton’s humorous recollections, the service was a powerful testament to the enduring impact of Ethel Kennedy. Her legacy is one of courage, love, and relentless advocacy for justice, and it will continue to inspire future generations.
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