Thaindian News

By Samrat Banerjee

Aug 28 (IBNS) The family of Edward Kennedy has gathered for a private mass as the US mourned the final giant of the political dynasty having an enormous influence in shaping the nation for half a century.

It was reported that the Stars and Stripes were lowered to half-mast on government buildings throughout the country and at private homes near the Kennedy compound in the Massachusetts seaside resort of Hyannis Port for a poignant farewell.

The man, described as the liberal lion of the Senate, where he served for 47 years, died Tuesday after a 15-month battle with brain cancer. He was 77.

Kennedy’s family prepared to begin celebrations of a life marked by tragedy, scandal and ultimate success by escorting his coffin later today in a three-hour procession to Boston.

Thousands were expected to welcome the motorcade’s arrival at the John F Kennedy Presidential Library, where his body was to lie in repose for the public to pay respects ahead of a Catholic funeral mass Saturday.

President Barack Obama, who described Kennedy as a “singular figure in American history,” will read a eulogy at the funeral mass.

Later Saturday, the Democratic Party giant will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on a Virginia hillside overlooking Washington, alongside his slain brothers.

Obama is not expected to attend the burial, it was learnt.