The Ted Kennedy tribute and speech were no doubt the highlight of the Democratic National Convention last night. From Caroline’s introduction, to the video, to the words of Ted Kennedy - it was hard not to tear up a bit.

It’s easy to forget how much he has contributed over the years - party lines aside, Ted Kennedy has made a difference and devoted his life to our country. Caroline Kennedy’s intro is below and the video tribute and Ted Kennedy’s speech are after the jump - give a watch, it’s a great way to start the day.

Also, be sure to takepart and keep up to date with the DNC through TakePart’s exclusive coverage.

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Obama’s presence at Wesleyan University was bitter-sweet. As I blogged before, I was lucky enough to have my 5 year Wesleyan University Reunion on the same weekend that Obama was the Commencement speaker. Although we were all excited to have a potential future president address our school, we were saddened by the circumstances that brought him to Wes: Ted Kennedy had been slated to deliver the speech, and asked Obama to speak in his stead. Kennedy’s connection with Wesleyan is strong: Kennedy’s ties to Wesleyan include his son, Edward Jr. ‘83, who will be celebrating his 25th reunion this year, and step-daughter Caroline Raclin ‘08, who will be receiving her bachelor of arts degree at the ceremonies. Kennedy himself received an honorary doctorate from Wesleyan in 1984. Obama was humbled by Kennedy’s request, saying

I have the distinct honor today of pinch-hitting for one of my personal heroes and a hero to this country, Senator Edward Kennedy. Teddy wanted to be here very much, but as you know, he’s had a very long week and is taking some much-needed rest. He called me up a few days ago and I said that I’d be happy to be his stand-in, even if there was no way I could fill his shoes.

We were lucky enough to hear the words of both Obama and Kennedy. Obama explained that though he couldn’t feel Kennedy’s shoes

I did, however, get the chance to glance at the speech he planned on delivering today, and I’d like to start by passing along a message from him: “To all those praying for my return to good health, I offer my heartfelt thanks. And to any who’d rather have a different result, I say, don’t get your hopes up just yet!”So we know that Ted Kennedy’s legendary sense of humor is as strong as ever, and I have no doubt that his equally legendary fighting spirit will carry him through this latest challenge. He is our friend, he is our champion, and we hope and pray for his return to good health.

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Obama delivered Wesleyan University’s Commencement speech today, captivating and moving an audience of nearly 20,000 people, consisting of 837 graduates, their friends and families, Wesleyan alumni, and residents of Middletown, Connecticut. As the crowd waited to hear and see Obama, the suspense, excitement and enthusiasm was palpable. And I’m not conjecturing or inferring. I know, because I was there. See, it just so happens that I graduated from Wesleyan in 2003. And it just so happens that this past weekend was our 5-year reunion. So we spent reunion/ commencement weekend seeing old faces, old professors old places and… the possible next President of the United States.

Commencement tickets were, not surprisingly, sold out, so we gathered at the idyllic “Foss Hill,” the sloping ledge overlooking Andrus field, perpendicular to Olin Library. I remembered how during our prime, so many years ago, we would spend winters sledding down Foss Hill, and falls and springs in the sun, reading, playing guitar, playing hackey sack, and other serious sports. Perhaps my fondest Foss Hill memory, and finest Foss Hill moment was watching Biz Markie perform during Wesleyan’s “Spring Fling.” I though I “got what I need[ed].”I thought I had seen it all, seen the best of the best, sitting on that old Foss Hill. But that was before hearing Obama deliver a moving, rousing and funny speech… To be Continued

Check in tomorrow for the next installment of my week long Wesleyan series.

And right now, ! Read Obama’s speech!

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The TakePart Top 10 Weekly Roundup is a compilation of the week’s most notable stories from our entertainment-meets-social-action blogging network. Check out some of our most popular stories of the week, as well as a few TakePart blogger favorites!

Katie Halper:

Necklacing Returns to South Africa, Tutu Calls for Peace, and History Repeats Itself

Ted Kennedy’s Malignant Brain Tumor: Sad News, But the Work Goes On

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Nicole Hughes:

Bush’s Food Aid Package Promotes Use of GMOs

Gas Prices Exceed Those of 1973 Oil Crisis

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Andy Kondrat:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Could Cost US 38 Trillion Annually

USDA Budget Squeeze Forces Agency to Stop Tracking Pesticide Use

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Jon Popham:

Brooklyn Bridge Birthday Celebration!

Smokey the Bear: Environmental Icon

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Giulia Rozzi:

Suicide Tourism in New York City

Kristin Davis and Her Solar Powered Home

* * *

Gina Telaroli:

Media That Matters Film Festival Premieres on May 28th

Top 10 Ways Indiana Jones Saved the World: Part #1

Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a Malignant Brain Tumor. Although the news is tragic, we can turn to Kennedy’s own words for inspiration and solace. In 1980, in his concession speech to Carter, Kennedy said: “For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.” So the best way, perhaps, to honor Senator Kennedy, is support the valiant work he has done for over 40 years, and continues to do today. Here are some more inspiring words from Senator Kennedy, followed by ways you can take action to ensure that the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream never dies.

1. But we do not win the war on terror by stooping to their level. We do not win by desecrating the very ideals that our soldiers are fighting for. We win by setting an example — by doing unto others as we would have them do unto us.

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