Senator Edward Kennedy, who died Tuesday of a malignant brain tumor at age 77, was one of the nation's most prominent senators for nearly five decades. The Massachusetts Democrat and son of privilege gave voice to many causes from civil rights to heath care and helped bring about some of this century's most influential legislation. In this video, NewsHour correspondent Kwame Holman looks back at Kennedy's life and achievements through his own words. Quotes "For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Senator Edward Kennedy "I have decided that the best way to advance the values you and I share -- peace on Earth, economic growth at home, and compassion for all Americans -- is to be a United States senator and not a candidate for president of the United States." - Senator Edward Kennedy "Echoes of that disaster are all around us today. Iraq is George Bush's Vietnam. As with Vietnam, the only rational solution to the crisis is political, not military. Injecting more troops into a civil war is not the answer. Our men and women in uniform cannot force the Iraqi people to reconcile their differences. The open-ended commitment of our military forces continues to enable the Iraqis to avoid taking responsibility for their own future." - Senator Edward Kennedy Warm Up Questions 1. Who were the Kennedys? Why were they important? 2. What do senators do? How are they important? Discussion Questions 1. What does it mean that Ted Kennedy is no longer in the Senate? 2. What do you know about the Kennedy family? What does it say about American politics that the Kennedys have been political deal makers for over half a century? How would America be different if the Kennedys never went into politics? 3. Are any of the issues that Ted Kennedy fought for important to you? Research the legislation that he worked and write a paragraph about how that law affected those issues. Additional Resources Read the transcript In Memoriam: Senator Edward M. Kennedy