His unflagging advocacy for the creation of the Greenway as public open space emerged from his family’s deep love of Boston and commitment to make it better for ordinary citizens.  Speaking in 2004, the Senator spoke of one of the memories his mother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, had of her North End childhood: “there was never any grass for us to play on”. Now there is grass, and fountains and tables and chairs for picnics for families, residents, and visitors to Boston to enjoy.

Like improving the water quality in Boston Harbor, preserving the Boston Harbor Islands as a national park, funding the completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel project, the achievement of the Greenway was part of a long-term and integrated commitment to improving the quality of life for all.  I remember listening to extemporaneous remarks he gave at a fundraiser for the Harbor Island Alliance one evening in 2006, when he said with a genuine simplicity that moved me then and moves me now: “It’s important that we get this done because it will make peoples’ lives happier.”    So characteristic of him - high-minded, but said with an infectious enthusiasm and determination that drew so many of us along in its gravitational pull.

It has been a sad summer for the Kennedy family and their friends and admirers.  The passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the tireless champion for expanding social justice and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, also left a huge hole.  Mrs. Shriver loved and supported the vision of the Greenway and its contribution to Boston.

We will miss both of them.  And we will miss the Senator’s rendition of his mother’s favorite song, “Sweet Rosie O’Grady”.  Our best testimony to him is simply to continue what he worked on and keep close what he stood for.

Nancy Brennan
Executive Director
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy