Senator Ted Kennedy - He Was Family
1199SEIU joins the rest of our nation and the world in paying tribute to the late Senator Edward Kennedy, the greatest United States senator of our time. 1199 members in Massachusetts have lost their staunchest ally and beloved senator, but all of our members and those who value social and economic justice have lost their greatest champion.
This year, we celebrate 1199's 50th anniversary as a hospital union. In these past 50 years, no elected official has done more for the cause of civil rights, peace, education, affordable housing, immigration reform, women’s rights and the rights of workers and their unions than Senator Kennedy. He has stood with 1199 at every important juncture.
President Barack Obama captured Senator Kennedy’s unparalleled achievements when he said this morning, “The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we’ve all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.”
Senator Kennedy wasn’t one to choose the popular or expedient over the moral and humane. Although he was born into wealth and privilege, he never wavered in his support of working people, the poor, and for progressive change.
He took his place on the front lines of the causes he believed in. We recall how in January 2008, Senator Kennedy and his niece Caroline Kennedy, surprised many Democratic leaders when they endorsed then-Senator Obama for the presidency.
Even after his cancer diagnosis, against the advice of his doctors, Senatory Kennedy courageously traveled to Washington D.C. to cast the deciding vote to protect Medicare for our country's seniors. Senator Kennedy was driven by his deep convictions and his commitment to public service. This was most evident in the fight for quality, affordable universal healthcare, which he advanced even as he fought the cancer that ultimately took his life.
In fact, Senator Kennedy called healthcare reform “the cause of my life." While we mourn the loss of such a great leader and friend, we honor his legacy and strengthen our resolve to achieve universal health care in his name.
- George Gresham, President 1199SEIU