Ted Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, John Kennedy and President Roosevelt

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - The deaths of all of these was a tragedy for ALL Americans. I am personally taken back to April 1945. I was in fierce combat in central Germany when the death of President Roosevelt was announced. Front line, tough as nails soldiers, broke down and wept.

The Army restricted the announcement and my guys on the front line were not told of it. We had to fight and kill Nazi soldiers – the shock would have been devastating.

President Roosevelt was like a favorite uncle or grandfather to most of us, his loss caused dejected, near paralysis.

When John Kennedy was assassinated, his funeral was during a very bad blizzard. I sat at the television and wept. He was one of my comrades, a real hero of World War II. Robert Kennedy’s assassination was another shock. NOT AGAIN.

Today I weep again. Ted Kennedy as with the rest gave more of himself than almost anyone else except his brothers.

Almost hidden in history was the oldest brother Joseph Kennedy who was an Air Force pilot in World War II. He had completed a tour of bombing raids into Germany.

This was a super heroic feat in itself. Less than 10% of planes and crews survived 25 bombing missions over Germany, he could have gone home.

Joseph Kennedy VOLUNTEERED for a special mission with a bomber full of explosives to bomb Nazi submarine concrete covered bases in France. He alone was to pilot the plane to the submarine bases and then parachute out.

For some reason, possibly sabotage, the plane exploded, obliterating everything about the plane including Joseph Kennedy, the pilot.

For Ted, his passion for Universal Health Care was based on horrific medical problems and expenses in his own family and gave impetus to his passion for Universal Health Care for those who were not millionaires like the Kennedy’s.

If anybody, including the Republicans who oppose allowing ANY medical care for some 50 million people who cannot get that care they should rethink, if they can, and respect not only Ted but the rest of the Kennedy’s for their monumental, outstanding work to everybody, including Republicans in this country and the world.

More information on the history of Dr. Leveque can be found in his book, General Patton's Dogface Soldier of WWII about his own experiences "from a foxhole".
Order the book by mail by following this link: Dogface Soldier If you are a World War II history buff, you don't want to miss it.

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Anonymous September 6, 2009 10:37 am (Pacific time)

We learn a lot about a president at a funeral. Funerals and memorial services, at least those that are worthy of a presidential appearance, are major events for the nation, demanding a level of eloquence and public stature that tests a president’s communication skills. But they are also intensely human endeavors, revealing something of our chief executive’s character and soul. We certainly learned something about Barack Obama at Ted Kennedy’s funeral — just as we did about Bill Clinton (both good and bad) at funerals during his term and George W. Bush during his. His eulogy was unmemorable, “intentionally understated” a helpful media spinner offered. And this was for a giant figure in Obama’s party who was critical to his career and whose endorsement was described by Obama as the greatest moment of his life. He could not muster any sign of true emotion or any original word.

Brandon Chase September 1, 2009 6:59 am (Pacific time)

Eugenics was mentioned below, I would like to point out that Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuels brother, who is an advisor to President Obama is someone who, in a 'round about way, has written extensively about eugenics. He has even stated that in his opinion we do not become an actual human being until we can communicate on some vague level he nebulously alluded to as some age after two years old. When it comes to valuing life, all life, it is clear which group of Americans are leading advocates in this matter. There will be those who may attempt to spin that, but the historical record is clear. Also many of those who I have talked to that had met JFK were most impressed with his take on what was best to kick start a downed economy, which he opined for and was implemented shortly after his death. That was lowering federal income taxes.I have yet to see any evidence that supports another interpretation of this method JFK advocated, nor any other method that can get us out of a downed economy. Lot's of theories, but like confederate money, pretty worthless in utility.

Henry Ruark August 31, 2009 4:32 pm (Pacific time)

"Anon": You wrote: "John knew that." But unfortunately you also wrote preceding: "google "crime from open borders" google "hospitals closing down because of illegal immigration" google "blacks and hispanics declare war". Surely you must realize that form of google-query sets up precisely the tone and content of what you will find, often without any documentation even possible for source. That's dangerous way to seek factual answers, which demand care and some skill to define query effectively without thus pre-shaping what you find. On what basis do you so state, other than purely personal interpretation with nothing to document it at all? You oversimplify and thus endanger --and even somewhat denigrate-- what John really knew and believed, it seems to some of us. IF you have personal contact and/or experience with him, please share and we may learn even more. Due to woking circumstance was fortunate enough to meet and dialog with him and others of the family, and thus can speak from some slight contact. Do believe his views were first and always for what he shared with brothers and many as best possible commonweal interests, always to come first and strongest for any action. He surely did realize the pressing needs you suggest,but hardly in the terms you used here. Do you subscribe to now- notorious theory of eugenics, widely seen as failed and deeply erroneous ? If NOT, might help if you now simply so-state publicly --thus removing implications you may not have realized as now recorded here.

Anonymous August 31, 2009 3:47 pm (Pacific time)

I recall Ted Kennedy and many of the other democrats in congress praising other country's that have national health plans. Does anyone know if Kennedy (or other elected officals) went to these other countries for medical treatment? As far as stating that Ted Kennedy should have resigned after a fatal accident that he caused, and that he left (criminal conviction for that by the way), and that the victim, 22 year old Mary Jo, died of suffication not drowning as she breathed in an air pocket until the oxygen ran out, would be the minimum he should have done. This was a crime that had nothing to do with character building, but a crime that has had people going to prison, not to a long career in politics. Why have any laws then? How many federal criminal statutes do you think Kennedy helped pass?

Daniel August 31, 2009 12:52 pm (Pacific time)

Ano I think the line is Truth, Justice and the American way , it comes from supermans intro in marvel comics . Sorry I dont believe you to be superman or one tenth the person Ted was . I know you do tho , and thats rather sad .

Anonymous August 30, 2009 6:13 pm (Pacific time)

Daniel. I work every day also. I take care of my kids. I was a single parent for 10 years. I worked from sunrise to sunset too. But, I knew, that if we keep the borders open, we are in for trouble. We now have trouble beyond thought process. Sorry Daniel, my friend, but I think my dedicaion to goodness, and truth, and the American way, are far and way above what ted did. google "crime from open borders" google "hospitals closing down because of illegal immigration" google "blacks and hispanics declare war" want me to continue? The U.S. should clean up its own backyard first, that is what JFK wanted to do. Clean up your own act first, then take care of others. John knew that.

Anonymous to anonymous August 30, 2009 3:55 pm (Pacific time)

Resign, after a fatal accident? Maybe that is what made him the man he was - compassionate, caring and a defender of the less sociable advantaged. Hate and lack of compassion or education, make you the way you are....

Erna Boldt August 30, 2009 3:46 pm (Pacific time)

We have lost the most dedicated Senator of our time. He never said, that he was a perfect individual,like none of us are, but what he did for the working class of this country, is immeasurable. He dedicated his "job" and his life for the benefit of all socially deprived people. His parents taught him to 'CARE" about the less fortunate.

Henry Ruark August 29, 2009 4:30 pm (Pacific time)

To all Detractors of famous men forever manage their own denigration by demonstrating envy, delineating their own failings by futilizing feeling for what made the other famous and finally fashioning the noose to nip them from their own words. "Pass that mirror, Mother, I mean to murder myself... !!" and with good reason, sir.

Daniel August 29, 2009 12:01 pm (Pacific time)

Ano Ted came from a very wealthy family , he had the best of health care etc without the responsibility of a public job exposing him to people like you . Instead like his brothers he dedicated himself to a life of public service , even after he saw what happened to his brothers for their service . You also seem rather clueless about Teds decades of service . When a great person dies there are always squirrel like people scurrying around with mindless chatter .

Anonymous August 28, 2009 6:45 pm (Pacific time)

telling the truth is honorary, not working a job, that is paid by our tax dollars. Ted got up, put his pants on, and enjoyed a very nice tax payer funded life. The best of health care, flights all over the world, power, greed, women, booze. THAT IS THE TRUTH! JFK, his brother, who had some of the same problems I know, but was the true hero, he fought for truth, and they killed him. Too bad his brother Ted had NO understanding of this. I dont care about their personal life, I care about what they spoke and believed in. Ted opened the borders, and was against the mainstay of the Constitution. His brother is a hero. Please salem-news, please, post this, and to all who read, please listen to his brother. Take just a few moments out of your life, and listen to a hero that was killed by the powers to be, for standing up for us as the United States of America. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbtIGDeAx-Y

Martin August 28, 2009 2:07 pm (Pacific time)

Famous Quotes From the Kennedies: Bobby Kennedy "Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not." John Kennedy "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Ted Kennedy "I'm going for help Mary Jo, I'll be right back, trust me"

Barton August 28, 2009 1:46 pm (Pacific time)

I'm quite glad that our medical technology was able to do all they could to prolong his life, and that is the way it should be for every American citizen regardless of their age. Though I can only wonder why there is nothing in the house bill or the different senate versions of the health bill that spells out that all citizens can have the same kind of medical coverage Sen. Kennedy had. That would not be right if that is not available for all citizens for two primary reasons: 1) We taxpayers pay for congressional medical coverage and 2) they are not more important than any other citizen, afterall, they work for us. Does anyone know about this coverage in the national bill and the public option? I may be wrong. Maybe some senior citizens out there are more familiar with any age-related constraints. One always hears about pre-existing conditions, could "age" be considered a pre-existing condition in the public option? How about other countries like England and Canada, are older people refused any types of treatments that can prolong their lives or enhance the quality of their lives? Sen. Kennedy has advanced brain cancer, so I guess that would have to be covered in the national policy.

Daniel August 28, 2009 11:08 am (Pacific time)

I remember the shock of JFK 's death , I was in high school when I came home my mother , who was a big nixon supporter , was weeping in front of the tv . I remember Robert visiting my school when he was running for the senate , and his tragic death of few years later , I was a big supporter when he ran for president . Ted carried on the tradition for decades , good bye and Gods speed .

Henry Ruark August 27, 2009 1:32 pm (Pacific time)

Detractors on death of a famous patriot with nearly fifty years of service to our nation do nothing but reveal their own denigration and desperate diminution of themselves, in public yet ! "Hide-name"" and "Anon" are all the proof needed of mean, malign, nasty and unneeded attempt to win entirely personal and unwarranted satisfaction by such action. Until, unless you have given life to similar unselfish achievements supporting others in many ways, you do well to remain silent rather than so rflecting on your own integrity and understandings. Happens both me and several of four sons met and worked with Kennedys on various occasions, both in D.C. and in Oregon, so can speak from real experience rather than simple and sometimes unsupported and ridiculous report of very complex situations. Honor and many achievements appreciated for this great man flow from so many diverse international sources as to document and denigrate any vicious and malign mumblings by such as shown here. For me, will accept those and word from Senate colleagues over such dirty cheap-shot stuff from such as signed here.

oregon2 August 27, 2009 12:30 pm (Pacific time)

He is dead.. move along.

Editor: That is rude and unnecessary, no doubt most people see it differently and most are respectful. Just remember the Golden Rule.

Anonymous August 27, 2009 8:11 am (Pacific time)

Ted Kennedy should have resigned when he left the scene of a fatal accident.

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