Several thousand gather at Arlington to mark RFK’s death

By Amy Libby, Columbian Web Editor

Published: June 6, 2018, 11:02am

9 Photos

Rep. Joe Kennedy III, D-Mass, speaks during the Celebration of the Life of Robert F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Former President Bill Clinton and members of the Kennedy family are marking the 50th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy's death. Kennedy, a former attorney general and presidential candidate, was assassinated 50 years ago at the age of 42. The Navy veteran is buried at Arlington near his brother, former President John F. Kennedy. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) Photo Gallery

ARLINGTON, Va. — Ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination drew several thousand people to Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday.

Former President Bill Clinton told those gathered that the former attorney general’s legacy is as relevant as ever.

Speakers including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Parkland school shooting survivor Emma Gonzalez read quotes from Kennedy speeches to the crowd, which included Kennedy’s widow, Ethel.

Country singer Kenny Chesney sang “This Land Is Your Land.”

Robert Kennedy, a 1968 presidential candidate, was shot and killed after winning the California primary in June 1968. He was 42.

The Navy veteran is buried at Arlington near his brother, former President John F. Kennedy.

A special exhibition is also planned at the home in suburban Boston where Kennedy was born.