This is for those of you who asked about my family's friendship with the Kennedys [View All]

[Wetzelbill]

I have had a few requests to talk some more about it, and maybe get some pictures. I'll see what I can do on the pictures. But here is an interview that my grandfather gave a few days before his death in 2003.

I have shared a few stories, like my grandfather once gave a gavel crafted by a Blackfeet artist to JFK, and that my Uncle Mike was named after Mike Mansfield and ended up being Senator Mansfield's senate page, and that during that time he was loaned out to Bobby Kennedy and would carry his briefcase for him nearly every morning.

The one story that touches me the most, especially in light of recent events is that after my grandfather died, Teddy Kennedy had his secretary call members of my family, including my father and my aforementioned Uncle Mike, to ask about attending the funeral or any other service. We had already had it by then, but he wanted to know if we were going to have any other special event honoring my grandfather because he wanted to go, or at least send a representative like RFK Jr, to be on hand. His reason? He said that the "Wetzels and Kennedys are family." I know politicians say things, and they get elected because they have a way of making acquaintences feel special etc. But to this day, that Ted Kennedy would have the compassion to say that, it floors me.

So here is the article, I'll see what else I can come up with in the future.


Tribal leader rubbed elbows with elite
BY SHAWN WHITE WOLF - IR Staff Writer - 11/03/03
http://www.helenair.com/articles/2003/11/03/top/a01110303_01.txt