Kennedy's motorcade went by my office

[Justice]

I stopped working and went outside to watch Senator Kennedy's motorcade go by Fanueil Hall, while the Mayor had the bells ring 47 times. It is an absolutely gorgeous weather day here today.

A large number of people gathered, many in suits and work clothes, who like me came from our offices. However, there were many in casual clothes, visitors to our city, from other parts of the state or country or world. Young and old, very diverse. Respectful. Quietly waiting, chatting with those around them - friends or strangers. People checking pdas for updates on timing.

Then the motorcade arrived. Patrick Kennedy, riding in the front seat of the hearse, window down. People called out to him, thank you, we love you, we love your family. He nodded, emotional, touched, tearful. As other cars went by, those inside waved, appreciative of the support. There was a bus at the end, carrying the family - even those on the bus waved. Secondly, when the hearse came into view - people started clapping, loudly, proud of their Senator and all that he did for us. It took less than 3 minutes start to finish, and then people moved on - back to their offices, their homes, their holidays. But it was a heartfelt 3 minutes. The kind you never forget. Ever.

He was a great Senator - we hear about him being a lion of the Senate, big policy ideas and sponsoring legislation. However, we hear less about how responsive he and his staff were to constituents. They were amazing.

[eleny]

1. Thanks for telling us about your experience today

[CountAllVotes]

2. great recollection

recommend.

[malaise]

3. I've been watching most of the afternoon

absolutely amazed at the turn out and the respect shown.
Thank you.

[Ilsa]

4. It brings tears to my eyes. Thank you. nt

[JuniperLea]

5. Thank you for sharing these powerful three minutes...

Tears of sadness, joyful and thankful memories, and the celebration of a fine life well spent.

I should have not worn makeup to work today... I knew it was a bad idea.

[redqueen]

6. Thanks for describing it...

such a tremendous loss... *sigh*

[Sequoia]

7. I had wanted to see them going into Boston but had to come here

to the library. I watched earlier on MSNBC where they had left home and were driving down the highway. So many people stood by the road and overhead on the bridges. It was good that you were able to see them.

[City Lights]

8. Thanks for sharing your first-hand account with us.

I watched some of it on GE-TV and was very moved. :cry:

[madmax]

9. Thank you n/t

[ronnykmarshall]

10. What a nice story.

I'm so glad to see Joan was there too.

[titoresque]

11. Thank you, that was beautiful

Im crying again.

[Joanne98]

12. I hope someone got some video.

[Justice]

13. The line at the JFK Library is 3.5 hours long - memorial was to close

at 11 PM. Now will stay open until everyone is able to pay their respects.

[avaistheone1]

14. I believe that was done at the Capitol when JFK died too. The lines were so long they had to stay

open around the clock.

[Justice]

16. The family is having representatives sit with the body and thank people -

the moment is very personal and heartfelt. You are right about JFK - before my time but I remember reading about it.

[avaistheone1]

19. Those Kennedys have lots of heart.

[bobbolink]

15. Thank you. You were present for many of us. Thank you.

:cry:

I still can't believe it.

I kept thinking there would be a miracle.

[Cha]

17. That's a wonderfully historic moment

in the annals of time, Justice..thank you.

[Maru Kitteh]

18. Thanks for sharing your story with us.