<p>I hope some CC’ers watched the memorial service for Ted Kennedy tonight. What a touching and inspiring tribute. I was riveted for 3+ hours, teared up over and over at the stories of the man’s personal kindnesses and at Caroline Kennedy’s speech, giggled myself silly at former Sen. Culver’s tale of his first sailing experience with Kennedy, and thrilled to hear the always wonderful Brian Stokes Mitchell sing “The Impossible Dream”. (And tried, but failed to understand a word of what the mumbling Mayor Menino said–was he drunk, or is this the norm for him?) It’s hard to imagine another of today’s crop of politicians who would receive that type of send-off.</p>
<p>Mayor Menino’s nickname is Mumbles Menino. Yes, that’s the way he normally is. If you listen to him enough, you can decode what he’s trying to say.</p>
<p>MommaJ - I had exactly the same reaction to the memorial speakers as you! I loved all the stories about his singing. Every time I see Caroline Kennedy, I remember being mesmerized by at her dad’s funeral. I was also impressed by the Gov of Mass. Sen. Culver’s story was hilarious and I was laughing so hard I almost wet my pants. My puppy couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me.</p>
<p>I watched from beginning to end except for the 15 minutes that my satellite went out (wondering why I let D convince me we needed to change from cable so we could get Bravo). Momma J’s summary hits the nail on the head.</p>
<p>I felt the same way watching it - very touching. The funeral was amazing too - Domingo, Graham, Yo-Yo Ma, the BSO - wow. I was a mess during Ave Maria.</p>
<p>^^^Ave Maria: Wasn’t that sung beautifully? It was Ted Jr.'s eulogy that did me in.</p>
<p>Three plus hours? I’m just starting to watch the replay on C-span. Will I be up half the night/</p>
<p>MommaJ, you nailed it.</p>
<p>Joe Kennedy’s stories about how his Uncle Ted stepped in for him and his siblings after his father died was so touching, as was his story about the sailing race and how Ted taught him to never ever give up and to stay in the race.</p>
<p>Thought the funeral was so classy. Teddy Jr’s eulogy moved me to tears. </p>
<p>I was also impressed that when the people were lined up outside the JFK library, the family members went outside to thank them for coming. A truly classy move.</p>
<p>(Yes, Mayor Mumbles Menino always sounds like that. He has a bit of a speech impediment.)</p>
<p>Tommy Menino can be more articulate. That was one of his more stumbling efforts. He has a speech impediment, but he’s an amazingly effective politician - with the politician’s memory for every good and bad thing you’ve done to or for him - and is mayor until he decides to quit.</p>