My first trip to Washington, on May 13, 1981, was on one of those days when history is writ large.
I had finished my one appointment for the day and had gone to visit a friend in town at her office on the Hill. She opened the door and with a sad look on her face she told me the Pope had been shot.
Later that day, I found myself wandering to the U.S. Senate and to the visitor's gallery. When I entered, I found sitting in the president's chair, presiding over the Senate on that day of all days was - of all people - Sen. Edward Kennedy. (just a bit more, after the flip)
He was, as I took a seat, preparing to close the Senate for the day. He was speaking softly. I do not remember the words he said, but they were about the Pope, about the violence caused by guns and the challenge of living a public life amid all sorts of threats. With those soft words he gently rapped the gavel and the Senate was adjourned.
It was the first time and only time I ever saw Ted Kennedy.
I hope others will share whatever memories they have of Sen. Kennedy today. I will be thinking of him, his children and that incredible family.
But mostly I will be thinking of the history he and that family have written. And of of course of the history yet to be written.
"... The dream shall never die."