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Ship's new name honors Kennedy clan spirit
HMS Chivas? Read on:BUZZARDS BAY -- (naturally) The training ship at Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a floating testament to public service and advancements in education. And now it has a new name that matches its mission. With cadets braving the cold and lining the decks of the 540-foot ship throughout a dedication ceremony yesterday on campus, a collection of dignitaries and more than 100 people looked on as the T.S. Enterprise became the Kennedy. The decision was made to change the name to honor the family's maritime and public service legacies, said Adm. Richard Gurnon, college president. If it sinks, will they wait 6 hours to report it? "The name Kennedy represents Cape Cod to people all over the globe," Gurnon said. Although U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was not present, his great nephew Joseph P. Kennedy III, 28, was on hand to represent the family. He was joined by several high-ranking politicians, including U.S. Rep. William Delahunt and Senate President Therese Murray. Delahunt, a close friend and frequent sailing partner of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, spoke of the special relationship between the Cape, the college and the Kennedy family. Glub, glub, glub.... He also said that while the decision to rename the ship may have been prompted by the discovery of Kennedy's brain tumor last summer, Delahunt said the chance to honor the Kennedy family was "long overdue." Some kind of brain disease is definitely involved in all aspects of the Kennedy Cult.. He went on to describe the similarities between the college and Sen. Kennedy, who enjoys sailing in Cape waters and is never more alive and at peace than when he's on the water and at sea. For the love of God... "When we talk about this family, it's important to note, for those of us who share this peninsula embraced by the sea, that this is about more than simply a legacy of significant legislations," Delahunt said. "It is about the spirit reflected in this special family that we call our own. A spirit that is symbolized by the sea and this institution." Cutty Sark? Capt. Thomas Bushy, vice president of marine operations at MMA, ordered cadets to empty a bottle of champagne overboard to "appease the gods of the sea." Forty years ago, they wanted to sacrifice a virgin but had to settle for... Well, never mind. After that, Kennedy III, a student at Harvard University, addressed the crowd. He said the institution holds a special place in the hearts of the Kennedy family because it represents the clan's three great joys: the sea, public service and the importance of education. "This means a lot to my Uncle Teddy," Kennedy III said. "We're grateful to all of you for honoring our family." "hic" Sen. Kennedy was not present, but sent remarks via e-mail yesterday. "It's very moving for our family to receive this tribute from Mass. Maritime, which we'll cherish forever," Kennedy wrote. "In the years ahead, we know we can count on Mass. Maritime to continue its great mission and we're deeply honored to be associated with it." The Kennedy shoves off this morning as 500 cadets embark on the annual sea term, for more than a month at sea. This tub draws too much water for a visit to Chappaquiddick. Probably just as well. Posted by: Atomic Conspiracy 2009-01-11 |
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