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August 26, 2009
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the “Lion of the Senate”, passed away
last night leaving a legislative legacy that will forever be recognized as
having lifted the health, welfare, and equality of the American people. Our
thoughts and prayers are with his family as they cope with their loss.
With today’s news of his passing, we’re reminded of his invaluable
contribution to promoting national and community service among Americans of all
ages. His life was the ultimate example. I will always remember the Senator for
his tremendous dedication in crafting legislation designed to dramatically increase
service opportunities for every citizen.
In March of this year, my colleague Elizabeth Fox and I were among the fortunate
few to witness one of Senator Kennedy’s last appearances on the floor of
the U.S. Senate chamber. He came to cast his vote and to witness the passage
of the Serve America Act which was overwhelmingly ratified by his Senate colleagues.
Immediately following the vote, longtime friend and legislative co-sponsor Senator
Orrin Hatch rose to request that the legislation be forever known as the Edward
M. Kennedy Serve America Act. It was yet another tribute in a long list of accolades
for the second-longest-serving senator in U.S. history. He was beaming.
On April 21, the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act became the most
inclusive and comprehensive national service legislation signed into law in America's
history, making national service accessible for millions of Americans including
those who have finished their midlife careers. Sen. Kennedy recognized that older
Americans offer the precious gifts of time, expertise and wisdom as they give
back to society.
Experience Corps is a testament to Senator Kennedy’s unwavering belief
that we all have a stake in making our country better. Experience Corps enlists
adults with years of life experience to give children struggling to read the
tutoring and mentoring assistance they need and deserve. As our service to students
grows along with our impact, we will always cherish Senator Kennedy’s role
in helping to pave the way for Experience Corps to prosper.
All the best,
--Lester Strong
lstrong@experiencecorps.org
About Experience Corps
Experience Corps, an award-winning program, engages people over 55 in meeting
society's greatest challenges. Today, in 19
cities across the country, 2,000 Experience Corps members tutor and mentor elementary
school students struggling to learn to read. Independent research shows that
Experience Corps boosts student academic performance, helps schools and youth-serving
organizations become more successful, and enhances the well-being of the older
adults in the process.
Learn more about Experience Corps in these cities:
Baltimore City,
Beaumont, TX,
Boston, MA,
Cleveland,
Evansville, IN,
Grand Rapids,
Greater New Haven,
Marin County,
Minneapolis,
New York City,
Oakland,
Philadelphia,
Port Arthur, TX,
Portland, OR,
Revere, MA,
San Francisco,
St. Paul,
Tempe,
Washington, DC.
Questions or comments? Send an email to info@experiencecorps.org
2120 L St., NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20037
Copyright © 2012 Experience Corps. All rights reserved.
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