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Edward M. Kennedy Memorial Schedule
Schedule of arrangements for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's memorial services.
Friday, Aug. 28
Lie In Repose At John F. Kennedy Library And Museum
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Additional hours for paying respects at the JFK Library in Dorchester.
This event is open to the public.
Celebration Of Life Memorial Service
7 p.m.-9 p.m. A private memorial will be held at the JFK Library.
Many members of Sen. Kennedy’s family and close friends will participate in the program, along with representatives of his Senate and Massachusetts families.
This event is closed to the public.
The speaking program includes:
- Paul G. Kirk, Jr., longtime friend, chairman of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, possible interim replacement for Kennedy
- The Rev. Gerry Creedon, family friend and Irish immigrant who once headed the McLean, Va., parish attended by Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy
- “God Bless America,” Boston Community Chorus
- Former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, oldest son of RFK, possible successor in special election
- Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, perhaps Kennedy's closest friend in Senate. May replace him as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
- Nick Littlefield, Boston attorney, possible interim replacement, former counsel and Senate chief of staff
- Gov. Deval L. Patrick, leader of Kennedy's home state of Massachusetts
- Sen. John McCain, Republican leader who lauded Kennedy's bipartisan efforts and, in death, labeled him "irreplacable" in the U.S. Senate
- Video tribute, directed by Ken Burns and Mark Herzog
- Sen. John F. Kerry, longtime understudy and now successor as senior senator
- Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, perhaps closest Republican friend in Senate, the two men shared love of song
- “The Impossible Dream” sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell, soloist
- Mayor Thomas M. Menino, longest-serving leader of Massachusetts capital city, a job once held by Kennedy's maternal grandfather, John "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald
- Sen. John C. Culver, former Senate colleague, Harvard classmate and football teammate
- “Just A Closer Walk with Thee,” sung by Boston Community Chorus
- Vice President Joseph R. Biden, 36-year Senate colleague
- Caroline Kennedy, "Uncle Ted" became surrogate parent after her father, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated
Saturday, Aug. 29
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica, 1545 Tremont Street, Roxbury.
President Obama will deliver the eulogy.
The Rev. Mark Hession of Our Lady of Victories Parish on Cape Cod will delivery the homily, and Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley will lead the final prayers of commendation.
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and tenor Placido Domingo will perform.
The Rev. Philip Dabney, associate pastor of Boston's Mission Church, says Saturday's service will be a "regular Catholic funeral" — with superb music.
In addition, there will be a contingent from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a soprano from New York's Metropolitan Opera.
Several clergy members will be on hand. The Rev. Donald Monan, the chancellor of Boston College, will be the principal celebrant.
This event is closed to the public.
Washington, D.C., Motorcade, Stop At U.S. Capitol
Approx. 3:00 p.m. Arrival of Sen. Kennedy at Andrews Air Force Base.
Approx. 4:30 p.m. Arrival at U.S. Capitol. Kennedy’s motorcade will stop at the Senate steps for a brief prayer.
Arlington National Cemetery
5:30 p.m. A burial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.
This event is closed to the public.
Sen. Kennedy will be laid to rest next to President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert J. Kennedy.
Sunday, Aug. 30
Public Visitation
Kennedy's grave is open for public visitation.
The Associated Press contributed to this schedule.
This program aired on August 28, 2009. The audio for this program is not available.
