Edward M. Kennedy It was a dreary, rainy day as family and friends gathered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in the Roxbury section of Boston, Massachusetts to say farewell to Edward Moore Kennedy, the country’s third longest serving senator.

Guests at the invitation only ceremony included actor Jack Nicholson, and basketball great Bill Russell, and Senators Chris Dodd of Connecticut, John McCain of Arizona, and Orin Hatch of Utah were among the delegation of senate and house members who were in attendance. Also in attendance were former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter along with their spouses. Vice President Joe Biden, a dear friend of the Senator, and his wife Jill, sat next to President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. Joan Bennett Kennedy, the senator’s first wife, and mother of his three children was in attendance for the funeral mass as well.

The nearly two and a half hour Roman Catholic Funeral Mass included emotional speeches from Kennedy’s sons Edward Kennedy, Jr. and Congressman Patrick Kennedy. President Obama delivered the eulogy in which he praised the work of the senator who passed on Tuesday, August 25 after a valiant struggle with brain cancer. Renowned tenor Placido Domingo, cellist Yo- Yo Ma, and mezzo soprano Susan Graham all performed during the mass.

Following the service, the body of Sen. Kennedy was flown to Andrews Air Force Base in Virginia, and a motorcade then headed for the U.S. Capitol Building, where thousands of workers and colleagues stood on the steps applauding. Vicki Reggie Kennedy, widow of Sen. Kennedy, got out of the car hugging and greeting the throng. The motorcade then made its way to Arlington National Cemetery where Sen. Kennedy was laid to rest just yards from his brothers President John Kennedy, and Sen. Robert Kennedy. Kennedy made his debut in the senate in 1962 as a 30 year old taking the seat vacated by his brother’s election as president. He served for nearly fifty years, and his name is included on nearly every important law or bill including in the areas of health care and the military.

Aside from his widow, and two sons, survivors include a daughter Kara, two stepchildren Currin and Caroline, sister Jean, the last of the original Kennedy children, four grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.