Kennedy's gravesite opens to the public
Visitors lined up Sunday at Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, a day after the Massachusetts senator was buried not far from his two slain brothers. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (CNN) - The Arlington National Cemetery gravesite of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy opened to the public at 8 a.m. Sunday, a little less than 12 hours after he was buried.
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His brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, are buried a few hundred feet away in the sprawling cemetery in Virginia. The gravesite is identical to that of his brother Robert. It features a two-and-a-half-foot white cross and a marble marker, which reads "Edward Moore Kennedy 1932-2009."
A temporary ropeline was set up for people to approach the gravesite and pay their respects, but there are plans to build a walkway in the future. Several flowers and cards were left by visitors in the hours following the opening of the site.
A cemetery official said the site would be closing Sunday afternoon for an expected visit from Victoria Ann Reggie Kennedy, the senator's widow.
–CNN's David de Sola contributed to this report.
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Mmmm... can't wait to see Ted Kennedy's grave site.
In memory of Senator Kennedy for all his achievements as visionary, Politician , leader and distinguished human being- we will remember Ted most for his compassionate spirit, his sense of fairness and the vigor of his commitment to the cause of freedom and equal rights in the America as we know it now- we mourn his passing but will be forever grateful that he lived. Ted was indeed a true American who fought for people who have no voice and perhaps this country will put a side Pickering and act on a fair and meaningful health care reform that will honor Ted's Legacy
Dear Vickie......i admire your grace and how you handled his loss these days. God bless you all the times....good wishes.
Senator Kennedy was the greatest warrior of the senate, he truly cared about the poor, his legacy will continue as the torch has been passed to President Obama. He was a man who admitted his short comings, and his crusade for HEATH CARE REFORM , will prevail. The President still has the MAJORITY in all 3 HOUSES, and the BELOVED Ted Kennedy will have a sweeping affect to PASS (HEALTH CARE REFORM). President Obama has super INTELLIGENCE , and has got the GOP in his grasp. The spirit of Ted Kennedy will flow , and the GOP will suffer greatly in 2010 and 2012 and on and on. CNN has a GOP agenda that will FAIL, and no matter how the GOP wants to BLOCK this BILL, it will not SUCEED. Rest in PEACE, mighty LION of the Senate, job well done.
Rest in Peace , Sen. Kennedy. I will continue to petition my representatives on health care reform and attend town hall forums because I will combat the lies that Republicans are telling. Thank you for your leadership.
Now Teddy is gone without completing the work he started on healthcare for all. Could we please join president Obama in finding the causes and treatment for cancer; which is the main cause of Teddy's death. Please, everyone let's put politics aside and save our dear brothers and sisters who are suffering from this ailment.
God's blacksmith
Gritty and scrappy
You mined the coal
You mined the iron ore
You built the bellow
You worked the hammer
and the anvil
You did it all
May God wrap you in raiment of gold...
DK
May you rest in peace Sen. Kennedy. Thanks for everything you did for all of us. You are a shining example of a leader-a father-grandfather. I've never cried so hard as I did when your son told the heartwarming story of you staying with him-encouraging him-carrying him up that icy hill. These kinds of stories are what makes a great man even greater.