An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.

His big heart, sharp mind, and boundless energy were gifts he gave to make our democracy a more perfect union.

As he said, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.

He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him.

To be pulled by his strong gravitational field, to bask in his warmth was a privilege, an honor, and, for many of us, even a life changing experience.

For 36 years, I had the privilege of going to work every day and sitting next to him and being witness to history. ... He restored my sense of idealism.

My friend, Ted Kennedy, was famous before he was accomplished. But by the end of his life he had become irreplaceable in the institution he loved and in the affections of its members.

He was the rock of our family: a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He was a man of great faith and character.

Ted Kennedy was such an extraordinary force, yes for the issues he cared about, but more importantly for the humanity and caring in our politics that is at the center of faith and true public service.

I will always remember Teddy as the ultimate example for all of us who seek to serve, a hero for those Americans in the shadow of life who so desperately needed one.

Today America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant, and leader of the Senate. And today I lost a treasured friend.