Today was a sad day for all Americans who now stand as witness to the end of a family legacy of almost mythic proportion: The Kennedy Brotherhood.

With Ted Kennedy’s passing today we will most certainly experience a great loss of a generation and legacy of true Warriors of the People.

Born of wealth and priviledge, Ted and his brothers before him carried the torch of hope and possibility for all Americans, regardless of their origins. Beacons of light, the Kennedy’s helped us all to feel and believe that we mattered and that they, would be our defenders, our Knights.

But alas, the Kennedy’s were real men, flawed and fallible. Yet even in the face of personal tragedy and misfortune, they never gave up the “good” fight. Not unlike the Knights of the Round Table, Ted and his brothers before him seemed to abide by a deep calling to make a difference in the world, especially for those who held less power and priviledge.

All of our lives have, in some way, been impacted by the deep commitment and calling to  public service held by the Kennedy brotherhood. Today is the first day in my life that not one of these Knights graces the earth with their hope and promise for a better day and way for us all.

So now, my friends, it is up to us and perhaps, if they too are called, their children, to carry the torch forward.

This is a time of great need for our country and fellow Americans. We are being tested at our very core to decide who and what we will become. Perhaps now is the time to reflect and remember the words of some of our best and brightest:

“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
 ~ John F. Kennedy

“It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human
history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to
improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends
forth a tiny ripple of hope.”
– Robert F. Kennedy

“Yes, we are all Americans. This is what we do. We reach the moon. We
scale the heights. I know it. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. And we can
do it again.”

~ Edward M. Kennedy

From his mouth to God’s ear…Peace and Blessings for all

Read other great inspirational quotes by Ted Kennedy here on Beliefnet.