Quiet Moments At The Casket (Slideshow)

Tens of thousands of people filed past the flag-draped casket of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy on Friday to pay their respects. People began lining up early in the morning for the second and final day of public viewing.

Nearly 100 state legislators paid their respects as well. Among them was state Sen. Stephen Brewer, a Democrat from Barre.

“The wealthy and the healthy and the affluent will always have plenty of advocates, but it’s the people who live in the shadows of life that Ted Kennedy fought for,” Brewer said. “The minimum wage, handicapped accessibility, college tuition and so many other things.”

The line has been closed to the public and people can continue to pay their respects until 3 p.m.

An invitation-only celebration of the senator’s life will be held Friday evening at the library.