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Senator Edward Kennedy gravesite improvements complete at Arlington National Cemetery

10/17/2012

Senator Edward Kennedy gravesite improvements complete at Arlington National Cemetery

ARLINGTON, Va. – A construction project to improve access to Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s gravesite has been completed at Arlington National Cemetery. Senator Kennedy’s gravesite is now open to visitors.

The new design connects Senator Kennedy’s gravesite and the gravesites of Robert F. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy with a granite path. Previously, visitors had to exit the stepped path from the RFK gravesite to visit Senator Kennedy’s gravesite. The new path is constructed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act accessible design standards.

In addition, a memorial marker for Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., who died in World War II, has been placed near Senator Kennedy’s gravesite.

The project was underwritten by the Estate of Edward M. Kennedy. The estate worked with Army National Military Cemeteries, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the State of Virginia Historic Preservation Office, and the National Capitol Planning Commission to finalize the design. The gravesite design has been under development since Senator Kennedy’s interment in 2009.

The following statement was released today by the family of Senator Edward M. Kennedy: Vicki Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy and Ted Kennedy Jr.

“We are so pleased that the Edward M. Kennedy grave site is now complete. It is a beautiful and peaceful place that is now fully accessible to all visitors in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that Senator Kennedy was so proud to have championed.

We are deeply moved and honored by the many visitors who take time to visit our family members’ final resting places, and we hope they feel as we do that these improvements highlight the beauty and serenity of Arlington National Cemetery, while at the same time allowing all visitors the opportunity to pause and reflect and pay their respects, regardless of physical ability. We thank everyone involved in the design and construction of the grave site.”

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A link to the photos of the gravesite are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/arlingtonnatl/