Sea of sadness at JFK Library as thousands say goodbye to Sen. Kennedy

(NECN: Brad Puffer, Boston, Mass.) – Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy will lie in repose at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library until 3:00 this afternoon. So far, more than 25,000 people from all corners of the world have filed past the casket of the man known as the “Liberal Lion.” The huge outpouring of support yesterday caused his family to extend last night’s visiting hours until 2:00 this morning. People will have another chance today to say a public goodbye to the Senator. And tonight, the Kennedy family will hold a private “Celebration of Life.” Kennedy’s nephew, former Congressman Joe Kennedy, and his niece, Caroline, will speak. Vice President Joe Biden will also speak, along with Senators John Kerry, Chris Dodd, John McCain and Orrin Hatch. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino will also speak tonight. NECN will have live coverage of the memorial beginning at 7:00 p.m. Kennedy died Tuesday night at the age of 77 after a yearlong battle with brain cancer.