Ted Kennedy received a final tribute today befitting his huge profile on the American political scene. President Obama, three former presidents, dozens of congressmen past and present, and celebrities ranging from Jack Nicholson to Tony Bennett attended the funeral at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Boston. Placido Domingo and Yo-Yo Ma performed during the two-hour service, which also featured younger Kennedys paying tribute to their late patriarch. (To see images, click on Slideshow, at left.)
During the Mass, Kennedy's son, Ted Jr., said he has "never been more proud" of his name than today. "My father believed in redemption," he said. "He never stopped trying to right wrongs." Kennedy recalled a childhood moment, soon after he lost a leg to cancer, when his father helped him climb a hill to go sledding. He taught me that "even our most profound losses are survivable," Kennedy said, his voice breaking. Later, he joked that his dad also taught him to "like Republicans."
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