WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), the dean of the New England and Massachusetts House congressional delegations issued the following statement after President Obama announced that Sen. Edward Kennedy will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, later this year:

“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a fitting tribute to Senator Kennedy.  A man of enormous courage, Senator Kennedy is never afraid to ‘sail against the wind’ in the name of justice, equality and opportunity for all Americans. And that is why he is the greatest Senator in our country’s history."