I was lucky enough to view Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s coffin today in Boston. It was a moving experience that I will share with you below the fold.
I got up early this morning and took the Red Line (Boston’s subway) to the JFK stop. A shuttle bus then took people to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library where Sen. Kennedy’s body is lying in repose. The line was long but moved well. Everyone in line was friendly and the time went quickly as I chit chatted with those standing nearby. There were Port-A-Potties for those who needed them, and the Red Cross was there handing out bottles of water and snacks. Three of Sen. Kennedy’s nieces, the daughters of his sister Patricia Kennedy and Peter Lawford, were outside walking along the line of people shaking hands and thanking them. The most interesting thing I saw standing in line was a Native American chief, I know not from what tribe, dressed in full regalia. Not surprisingly, the TV cameras made a bee line for him. A number of people left flowers near the main entrance.
I only had to wait in line an hour to get into the building. Last night people had to wait 3+ hours to get in, and the building was left open past midnight to accommodate them. Near the entrance there were TV reporters, cameras, and satellite trucks everywhere. I caught one reporter, a man, putting on makeup. The main hall in the JFK library is a large glass and steel tower over 100 feet high with a huge American flag draped from its rafters. Sen. Kennedy’s casket was off to the left of the main hall in the Stephen J. Smith room. There was also an army of funeral home people there, one of whom I chatted with briefly. There were pictures of Sen. Kennedy and his family to view as we waited. My favorite was one of Sen. Kennedy, President Kennedy, and Sen. Robert Kennedy as young men. Several other pictures showed Sen. Kennedy as a small boy posing with his older siblings.
The room where the Senator’s body lay in repose had a spectacular view of Boston harbor and the cities’ skyline. The casket was draped in an American flag, and was surrounded by an honor guard of 5 military officers, representing the 5 branches of the armed services. The officers stood ram rod straight at attention and did not move, similar to the officers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. People moved slowly past the coffin. I paused briefly, closed my eyes, and said a little prayer thanking Sen. Kennedy and his family for making the world a better place and asked God to bless his soul. Kara Kennedy, the Senator’s daughter, and two of her children were there in a receiving line. I shook hands with them, told them I was sorry for their loss, and they thanked me for coming.
Upon exiting there were lines in the library parking lot to stand in to sign the condolence book. These lines moved very slowly, and I ended up waiting an hour before I had the chance to write a little note and sign my name in the book. It was worth the wait.
I felt warmth and humanity in my experience today, much like Sen. Kennedy himself. The entire proceeding was well organized and had a dignified air about it. I was astounded to find Sen. Kennedy’s family members there shaking hands, and with the pictures and flowers it felt no different than the wake of a friend or family member. Thank you Kennedy family for allowing us to be part of your grieving process; it is easier for all of us when we grieve together.