If you take a look at the website for ServiceNation, you'll see prominently displayed on the homepage a photo of Ted Kennedy, with the words "Thank You Senator Kennedy: Celebrating America's Greatest Champion of Service."
Thank you, indeed. While waging a heroic battle with cancer and confronting the critics of universal healthcare, Kennedy was instrumental in pushing for an increase in Peace Corps funding. During his 46-year career in the Senate, Kennedy was a steadfast advocate for the Peace Corps. Most recently, he boldly signed on as one of the first four co-sponsors of Chris Dodd’s Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act (S.1382).
In a speech introducing President Obama at the signing ceremony for the Serve America Act earlier this year (renamed the Kennedy-Hatch Serve America Act by Sen. Hatch in his honor), Kennedy said,
"I will never forget the 5th anniversary of the Peace Corps where I sat with the very first group of volunteers. I asked each of them why they decided to become involved and they said it was the first time that anyone asked them to do anything for their country. Today another young President has challenged another generation to give back to this nation… he said, ‘I believe with all my heart that this generation is ready and eager and up to the challenge.’ Mr. President, I couldn’t agree more.”
The Serve America Act expands and improves domestic service programs such as AmeriCorps.
Senator Kennedy also played an important role in 2005 in successfully removing Peace Corps references from a military recruitment incentive program. In the photo above, NPCA staff met with the Senator in early 2006 to thank him for his support.
In responding to the death of Senator Kennedy, NPCA President Kevin Quigley said the following:
“The Peace Corps community lost a great champion in Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Senator Kennedy heard clearly his brother John's clarion call to service and answered with a life of dedicated public service. Senator Kennedy knew that the Peace Corps was and is one of the shinning legacies of the Kennedy Administration. He understood keenly that the Peace Corps was one of the best expressions of our country overseas, and so he was a tireless and effective supporter of it. This he did often with his longtime friend and Senate colleague, Chris Dodd. Senator Kennedy's stellar example of a life of service lights a clear way for all of us. He will be missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who care about those in need.”
As a resident of Massachusetts and returned PCV, I share this time of sadness in the passing of Senator Kennedy. He was not a perfect man, but dedicated himself to public service. He and his amazing staff helped me in ways both small and profound in adopting our daughter and in bringing needed resources to our area for HIV/AIDS and pediatric care. A warm and generous man who always fought for the most vulnerable is missed.
Brad Bauler
Posted by: Bradley C. Bauler | September 05, 2009 at 08:45 AM