Edward Moore Kennedy served as a United States senator from 1962 until his death in 2009, making him the second-most-senior member of the chamber at the time of his passing. A lawyer and politician, he left a significant legislative record in Washington, D.C., and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Early Education and Military Service
Born in 1932 in Dorchester, Kennedy attended the Fessenden School, Milton Academy, and Harvard College between 1950 and 1956. During his time at Harvard, he was expelled for academic dishonesty involving a Spanish examination. He subsequently enlisted in the United States Army, completing a two-year term. Following his service, he pursued legal studies, graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law and attending The Hague Academy of International Law in 1958.
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Kennedy began his professional career as an assistant district attorney before winning election to the United States Senate in 1962. Over the following decades, he held office through several terms, including periods from 1971 to 1973, 1983 to 1985, 1989 to 1991, 1993 to 1995, 2001 to 2003, and 2003 to 2005. He focused heavily on gun control legislation and worked on hundreds of enacted bills throughout his tenure.
Recognition and Death
Over his career, Kennedy received numerous international and domestic accolades, including the Nansen Refugee Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Profile in Courage Award in 2009. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire and recognized with the Order of the Aztec Eagle. He died in 2009 at his home in Hyannis Port and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1932, Dorchester
- Died: 2009, Hyannis Port
- Citizenship: United States
- Religion: Catholicism
- Education: Harvard College (1950-1956)
- Primary Occupation: Politician
- Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Kennedy's primary field of legislative interest?
He focused extensively on the field of gun control and social legislation.
How long was Kennedy's service in the United States Senate?
He served from 1962 until his death in 2009.
Achievements
- district attorney (from 1961)
- United States senator (1962–1963)
- United States senator (1963–1965)
- United States senator (1965–1967)
- Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire — 2009
- Presidential Medal of Freedom — 2009
- Four Freedoms Award – Freedom Medal — 1999
- Order of the Aztec Eagle — 2008
- Educated at University of Virginia School of Law and Harvard College
