Ted Kennedy 1932-2009

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Some of the nation's most powerful figures, past and present, are in Boston for Saturday's funeral Mass for Sen. Edward Kennedy.

President Barack Obama arrived Friday night to deliver the eulogy at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica, also known as the Mission Church, on Mission Hill.

The president and first lady Michelle Obama landed at Logan Airport after a short flight from their vacation on Martha's Vineyard.


THE PRESIDENTS

Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter are expected to attend Saturday's funeral, in addition to former vice presidents Al Gore and Dan Quayle. President Obama's Cabinet is also expected.

The service begins at 10:30 a.m. and will be carried live on WBZ-TV and wbztv.com.

THE SERVICE

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and tenor Placido Domingo will perform, as well as a contingent from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a soloist from the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

The Rev. Donald Monan, chancellor of Boston College, will be the principal celebrant of the Mass. The Rev. Mark Hession of Our Lady of Victories Parish on Cape Cod will deliver the homily and Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley will lead the final prayers of commendation.

DIGNITARIES

Shortly before Saturday's Mass, 44 sitting senators and 10 former senators will be among a group of approximately 100 dignitaries who will pay their respects to Kennedy at the JFK Library before making their way to the church.

Included in the group is former U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh of Indiana, who pulled Kennedy from the wreckage of a small plane that crashed near Springfield, Mass., in June 1964. The pilot and a legislative aide were killed, and Kennedy suffered a broken back.

TRANSPORTATION TROUBLE

Due to the tight security, and the lack of parking in the Mission Hill area, police are urging anyone planning to travel in the city Saturday to take public transportation.

Check: MBTA Service Updates

State Police say the Copley Square ramp off the Massachusetts Turnpike eastbound will be closed Friday night at 8:30 and will remain closed until about 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

In addition, Boston Police have announced several street closings for Saturday.
Map: Boston Street Closures

The following streets will be closed from approximately 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
• Tremont Street, from Columbus Avenue to Huntington Avenue
• St. Alphonsus Street, from Tremont Street to Huntington Avenue
• Cornelia Court, from Smith Street to Horadan Way
• Pontiac Street, from Tremont Street to Alleghany Street
• Turquoise Way, both sides, from Smith Street to Horadan Way
• Smith Street, in its entirety
• Carmel Street, in its entirety
• Sewall Street, in its entirety
• Burney Street, in its entirety
No stopping or standing will be allowed at the following locations beginning Saturday at 12:01 a.m.:
• Burney Street, both sides, from Tremont Street to Delle Avenue
• Carmel Street, both sides, from Tremont Street to Delle Avenue
• Cornelia Court, both sides, from Smith Street to Horadan Way
• Pontiac Street, both sides, from Tremont Street to Alleghany Street
• Saint Alphonsus Street, both sides, from Calumet Street to Ward Street
• Sewall Street, both sides, from Tremont Street to Delle Avenue
• Smith Street, both sides, from Saint Alphonsus Street to Parker Street
• Turquoise Way, both sides, from Smith Street to Horadan Way
• Tremont Street, both sides, from Columbus Avenue to Huntington Avenue
Further restrictions may be added as late as Saturday morning, police say.

Alternative off-street parking will be available for vehicles bearing Mission Hill Resident Parking Permits. Residents should call the Mayors 24 Hour Service at 617-635-4500 for additional information.

THE BURIAL

After the funeral, Sen. Kennedy's body will be flown to Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington, D.C.

A motorcade will take the body and members of the family to the Capitol, where there will be a brief prayers service on the steps of the Senate.

Kennedy will be buried in late afternoon or early evening at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, near the graves of his brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.

The ceremony will be closed to the public.

(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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