Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "When I came to the Senate, I was humbled to walk in the footsteps of remarkable public servants like the man who preceded me, Paul Tsongas, and the man who preceded Paul, the trailblazing Ed Brooke.

"This strong public servant with a deep voice and a big laugh defined the term gentleman, and he gave life to the words "public servant."

"Whether in the Army Infantry during World War II, where he was awarded the Bronze Star fighting fascism; or as state Attorney General, battling corruption; or, finally, as a United States Senator, helping to pass landmark civil rights legislation and pushing for affordable housing, Ed Brooke gave to his country every day of his life.

"He also showed remarkable political courage when he introduced legislation to name a special prosecutor in the Watergate scandal, and became the first Senator in either party to call for President Nixon's resignation.

"Ed carried that courage even after he left office, stepping back into the public spotlight to bravely puncture social stigma and disclose he had breast cancer, a warning for his fellow men that saved lives.

"Teresa and I offer our prayers and comfort to Anne, his daughters, Remi and Edwina, and the son who assuredly carries on his name in pride, Edward IV." ~ Secretary of State John Kerry