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were all saying that liberalism was a dying creed and when so many other politicians were hastening to disassociate themselves from “the L-word,” Senator Kennedy was one of the few not to edge away from his core beliefs. After the Republicans took control of both the House and the Senate in the mid-1990s, and tax-cutting and “small government” became all the rage, Senator Kennedy protested the end of effective programs that gave hope to the poor, so that the rich could pay less than their fair share. He stayed firm in his opposition to the death penalty when it was political risky to do so. In 1994, Republican Mitt Romney challenged him for his supposedly “safe” Senate seat, and for some months of the campaign, it was neck-and-neck between them in the polls. He was fighting for his political life.

Even so, he persisted in defending the civil liberties of despised groups, including undocumented immigrants and terrorism suspects in Guantanamo. He would not budge in his opposition to any justification for torture—it was immoral, and a disgrace to our American ideals, he said.

It was with this same courage and square-jawed determination that enabled him to live his life to the full in the face of his diagnosis of brain cancer. And, as he reports in his memoir, True Compass, he has been rewarded with a final year of life filled with faith, joy, and love.

The events of September 11th made clear that our nation’s public safety officers are true heroes. While the pictures of tired, dust-covered fire fighters confronting unimaginable horror at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon are permanently emblazoned on our minds, so also is the memory of their strength and courage. We will never forget the example those brave men and women set that day. The dedication and resolve of fire fighters in the face of life-threatening danger truly represent the best in America.

—Speech at the Legislative Conference

of the International Association

of Fire Fighters, March 19, 2002

There is still much to learn by walking in [Dr. Martin Luther King’s] path. His views are still timely. Nearly 33 years have passed, but readers today would think they are seeing the work of the best of today’s social commentators. His great speech touches on many specific issues that are especially important now, such as education, economic opportunity, community reinvestment, affordable housing and home ownership. He describes successful grassroots efforts that are still relevant models for today.

Most important, Dr. King reminds us that the effects of hundreds of years of slavery and segregation cannot be wiped away in a few years. The work goes on. Clearly, we’ve made remarkable progress since 1967, and all Americans owe Dr. King a tremendous debt of gratitude. But we are still fighting his fight for economic justice and full equality.

—Speech at Boston’s 7th Annual Tribute

to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,

January 17, 2000

Today, our souls ache for the loss of James and Jeremiah, and Joseph and Paul, and Timothy and Thomas’six good and decent men, strong men and magnificent public servants, who gave their lives unselfishly and courageously in the line of duty.

Every day, they accepted the peril of their jobs with unflinching hearts and unwavering spirits. They faced dangers on a daily basis that few of us can even imagine. Time and time again, they battled fires, rescued children, saved lives and returned to the firehouse with the quiet pride of knowing that they truly did make the difference. Now they have gone to God, and we gather here to celebrate their lives and mourn their loss.

In these agonizing days, we draw strength from the message of hope they left behind. On the honor roll of heroes, these six deserve the highest laurels. In our quest to teach our children about character, we can point to each of them—their sacrifice, their commitment, their faith, their willingness to brave the odds.

—Eulogy for the six Worcester,

MA firemen killed in the line of duty,

December 9, 1999

I entered public life with a young President [his brother, John