December 1, 2008 Sen. Kennedy honored at Harvard University Play video

(Scot Yount, NECN: Cambridge, MA) - Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy joined some distinguished company today, Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, and George Washington.

The Bay State's senior Senator, still under treatment for brain cancer, was awarded an honorary degree by his Alma Mater Harvard University.

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, a former Kennedy staffer, spoke at the ceremony and Vice President-elect Joe Biden was among those in attendance.

In his remarks, Kennedy, said he has lived a "blessed time." He called the election of Barack Obama as president a giant step forward in U.S. history, and one that marks a new beginning for the country.

Material from the Associated Press is included in this report.

To view Senator Kennedy's complete remarks, CLICK HERE