The Three Presidents Who Honored Ethel Kennedy: Inside The Powerful Memorial And Arlington Burial

The final chapter for the matriarch of the Kennedy family, Ethel Kennedy, was written in October 2024, culminating in a powerful series of services that reflected her immense legacy as a human rights advocate and the resilient widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. The events, which included a private funeral on Cape Cod and a high-profile memorial in Washington D.C., drew an extraordinary number of political and family figures, most notably featuring eulogies from three sitting and former U.S. Presidents, underscoring her unique place in American history. This article details the solemn, yet celebratory, farewell that honored her 96 years of life. The details of Ethel Kennedy’s passing and the subsequent services are crucial for understanding the depth of her impact. She died on October 10, 2024, after suffering a stroke, and her burial and memorial services, held in mid-October, were a testament to her enduring spirit and the political powerhouse she remained throughout her life. The presence of multiple US leaders at her "Celebration of Life" event cemented her status as a national icon, not just a historical footnote.

Ethel Kennedy: A Life in Profile and Legacy Entities

The life of Ethel Skakel Kennedy was one defined by political activism, deep family commitment, and profound tragedy. Born into wealth, she married into one of the most famous political families in the world, becoming an influential figure in her own right. Her biography is essential context for the farewell she received.

• Full Name: Ethel Skakel Kennedy (Born Ethel Skakel)
• Born: April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois
• Died: October 10, 2024, at age 96
• Parents: George Skakel and Ann Brannack Skakel
• Education: Manhattanville College (graduated 1949)
• Spouse: Robert F. Kennedy (Married 1950; Deceased 1968)
• Children: She was the mother of eleven children: Kathleen, Joseph II, Robert Jr. (RFK Jr.), David (deceased), Courtney, Michael (deceased), Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory.
• Key Role: Founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, continuing her husband’s work in social justice.
• Political Affiliation: Democratic Party
• Primary Residence: Hickory Hill, Virginia, and the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts (Cape Cod).

Her legacy is inextricably linked to the Kennedy dynasty and her tireless work as a human rights advocate. Following the assassination of her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968, she became a symbol of resilience, raising their large family while keeping his progressive political flame alive.

The Private Funeral Service and Arlington Burial

The initial farewell for Ethel Kennedy was a deeply personal affair, held privately for the immediate family and closest friends. This service maintained the Kennedy family tradition of keeping their most solemn moments out of the public spotlight. The private funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville, Massachusetts, a location close to the famous Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port. This setting on Cape Cod provided a familiar and intimate environment for her children and grandchildren to mourn their matriarch. The service was a reflection of her Catholic faith and her life dedicated to family. The ultimate and most poignant step was her final resting place. Ethel Kennedy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. She was interred beside her beloved husband, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated 56 years prior. The burial plot is located near the grave of his brother, President John F. Kennedy, cementing her place within the most hallowed grounds of American history. Her daughter, Kerry Kennedy, shared emotional photos from the private service and burial, allowing the public a small glimpse into the family's grief and love. The Arlington burial marked the completion of her long-held wish to be reunited with RFK.

A Celebration of Life: Three Presidents and a Powerful Tribute

While the funeral was private, a public Celebration of Life was held two days later, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This memorial service was a major political event that showcased the respect and admiration she commanded across the political spectrum. The service took place at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle—the same cathedral where the funeral for President John F. Kennedy was held in 1963. The atmosphere was one of powerful tribute, featuring a host of distinguished guests, including the current and two former U.S. Presidents.

The Three Presidential Eulogists

The most striking aspect of the D.C. memorial was the lineup of speakers, which included three men who had held the highest office in the land:

1. President Joe Biden: As the sitting President and a long-time friend of the Kennedy family, President Biden delivered a moving eulogy. His presence emphasized the deep, intergenerational ties between the Biden and Kennedy families.
2. Former President Barack Obama: President Obama also spoke, reflecting on Ethel Kennedy’s unwavering commitment to social justice and her role in continuing the progressive ideals of her husband.
3. Former President Bill Clinton: President Clinton completed the trio, offering his own personal reflections on her life, resilience, and advocacy work.

The sight of three American Presidents—Biden, Obama, and Clinton—all gathered to honor the widow of Robert F. Kennedy was a rare and powerful moment in contemporary American political history.

Other Notable Figures and Tributes

Beyond the presidential addresses, the nearly three-hour memorial service included tributes from her children and grandchildren, all of whom spoke about her indomitable spirit, her love of nature, and her dedication to the RFK Human Rights organization. The service was a fitting tribute to a woman who was often referred to as a national icon and a beacon of hope for social change. The gathering of the extended Kennedy family, including various generations, reinforced the sense of unity and purpose that Ethel Kennedy had worked so hard to maintain throughout her long and impactful life.