Jeanette Rishell

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Manassas Park -- Jeanette Rishell released the following statement today regarding the passing of Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy:

"Americans today mourn the loss of a great statesman. For nearly half a century, Senator Ted Kennedy stood as a forceful advocate for progress and equality. Equally as inspiring, however, is the leadership and strength Kennedy demonstrated as the head of a family repeatedly touched by tragic deaths. Senator Kennedy lost all three of his older brothers to sudden, violent death and became, at an early age, the public head of an iconic family.

"Yet rather than retreat into private life to mourn, Senator Kennedy dedicated himself to the work of public service which his brothers had begun. By doing so he become a pillar of the Democratic Party and the U.S. Senate. Though we pause today to remember his life and his example, his words remain with us and urge us forward: 'the work goes on.' Today we keep the Kennedy family in our prayers and thank them for giving their brother, father, uncle and mentor to the nation for so many years. We are in their debt."

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